1. What is CAIPS and when should I make a request to obtain my CAIPS Report?
CAIPS, "Computer Assisted Immigration Processing System", is a computerized system used by Citizenship and Immigration Canada which keeps track of each and every case for permanent or temporary immigration. This keeps a record of all the information you provide and notes entered by Visa officers who have reviewed your file.
This is very helpful when you want to get information about your case. Your CAIPS report will tell you:
1. If immigration officers have started processing your application
2. When your application will be due for formal assessment
3. How the visa officer assessed your qualifications
4. If there are any missing documents
5. If there are any problems with the file you submitted
6. Why your file is taking too long
7. Why you were called for an interview
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2. Is it necessary to get my CAIPS report?
You are not required to get a copy of your CAIPS report. However, there are situations in which we advise you to get your CAIPS report.
1. If you have been invited to attend an interview (this will help you prepare for the interview)
2. If you feel that your application is taking much longer than usual or you have not heard anything from the visa office for a long time.
3. If you have any question regarding the application or you are just curious about your application
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3. What information will be contained in the CAIPS Report?
The CAIPS Report that you will receive from Ottawa, Canada will be a computer printout. The printout will basically contain all your immigration information but the most valuable information is:
1. Status of your case and required documents
2. Immigration officer's assessment of your case (points calculations)
3. Immigration officer's notes
4. Program assistant's notes
5. Details of the processing stages passed
6. Questions you will be asked in the interview (if an interview is required)
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4. Can I request my CAIPS Report even if I have not received my File Number yet?
Your CAIPS Report can be requested with just your full name, visa office, and the date of birth but without your file number it is not guaranteed that your CAIPS report can be obtained. It is best to request your CAIPS Report file when you have received your file number.
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5. I submitted my file in London/Singapore/Buffalo/India/Colombo... will you be able to get my CAIPS report?
CAIPS Report files
can be requested for ANY visa office. All CAIPS Report requests are processed through the Canada Immigration office in Ottawa, Canada, not through the local visa office where you submitted your application.
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6. How long does it take to obtain the CAIPS Report?
CAIPS Reports can normally
be obtained in 4-6 weeks. The Ottawa office in Canada is required to respond to CAIPS Report request within 30 days. Please note that in rare circumstances the Ottawa office may take longer to process requests, in which case we would notify you.
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7. Will requesting the CAIPS Report delay the processing of my Immigration application?
No. Requesting your CAIPS Report does not affect the processing of your Immigration application. As mentioned, your CAIPS report is requested directly from CIC headquarters in Ottawa, Canada while your application is processed in a Canadian Consulate or Embassy outside of Canada.
Moreover, resolving any problems found in your CAIPS report can help speed up the processing of your application.
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8. How much does Scotia charge for CAIPS Report?
No matter where or through whom you have applied, we can still obtain your file details and latest status of the application. We will obtain a copy of your CAIPS file and provide you with a professional analysis and interpretation of your file since a CAIPS file contains numerous codes used by the government, which makes it difficult if not impossible to understand for a general person of the information provided.
The CAIPS file and analysis will be sent to you by e-mail, fax or Registered Mail within 24 hours of receiving the report.
We will charge you a nominal
fee of US $100 or CDN $125 for the CAIPS report.
After receiving and reading your CAIPS report, you may find problems in your application and you might want to ask a question or seek the advice of a professional. In that case, we will be happy to assist you in this matter. Our professional fees will vary based on the complexity of service required. Please contact us for details.
Requesting for your CAIPS Report:
To request for your CAIPS file with through Scotia, please follow these 4 simple steps:
Step 1
Mail us the details of your application (Name, Date of Birth, Visa post, File Number etc.)
Step 2
Download, save and print IMM 5475 - "Individual's Consent to Disclosure Form"
i) Download IMM 5475 in PDF format - Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to open
IMPORTANT: A consent form (IMM 5475) is required for each adult individual (over 18 years of age) whose name is mentioned in the immigration application. For example you should enclose one copy for your spouse, and one for each adult dependant.
The principal applicants file number will be used as reference for all the consent forms.
Step 3
Complete the "Consent to Disclosure" Form (IMM 5475) and sign where indicated. If you have any questions about how to complete this form, please send us an email at
scotia@consultant.com or
info@scotiaconsultants.com. We will be glad to assist you.
Step 4
Mail your "Consent to Disclosure" form along with the payment of US $100.00 or CDN $125.00 to our Canada or Bangladesh office. Please make your bank draft or money order payable to Scotia Consultants (Note: If you are paying by wire transfer, we will provide you our account details).