What is an ATIP Application and how it can benefit you, if you are searching for your immigration records?
- ATIP stands for Access to Information and Privacy – It is an online request in order to obtain copies of your immigration application;
- In certain situation, we want to receive copies of the entire immigration file or certain sections of it in order to learn what was previously said and done, what is the status of a client but most importantly to ensure that all new application are consistent with what was previously submitted and if not, to provide an adequate explanation – this can avoid misrepresentations which can result in refusals and bars from entering Canada;
- This can include previously submitted applications and decisions;
- We can request to receive decisions, correspondence, forms, documents and officer’s notes;
- Depending on your applications with Canadian immigration authorities, we can request to obtain documentation from Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA);
- Typically requests are suppose to be processed in 30 days, however in some cases, processing may be longer depending on backlogs;
- Should processing times exceed what is expected, follow ups can be submitted;
- An ATIP application must be completed with the correct information and the consent form uploaded must also be adequately prepared – simple errors will result in the application not being processed causing further delays;
- Once the copy of the application is received, we proceed to a review and an assessment of the documentation – depending on the immigration history and applications submitted, the copy could be a few pages to hundreds of pages;
- If you are submitting an immigration application and you are unsure if you currently have any pending application, if you were previously refused and what documentation and information was submitted, an ATIP request might be recommended;
- If you have been through the enforcement process with CBSA and did not show up for an interview, there might be a warrant for your arrest issued by CBSA and the RCMP – an ATIP request would allow us to determine this and advise you accordingly.
