Starting July 29, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) began to include officer decision notes with refusal letters for certain applications. This is according to the news published on the IRCC website on 29^th July 2025. These notes offer insight into the reasons behind an officer’s decision, supporting IRCC’s commitment to greater transparency.

Initially, the officer’s decision notes will be included with refusals (including extension applications) for: Temporary resident visas (excluding eTAs and temporary resident permits), visitor records, study permits, work permits, and more application types will be added over time.

Important Notes:

• This applies only to applicants using eligible platforms, not the IRCC Portal – New version.
• Officer notes will be sent with the refusal letter to the applicant or their authorized representative.
• Some parts of the notes may be withheld for security, privacy, or other sensitive reasons. Transparency and access to personal information just got a little easier.

This is a significant era in Canada visa application as applicants will get detailed information about their refusals and will not need to wait until they request for a GCMS or CBSA note which takes at least 30 days.