IRCC Now Providing Officer Decision Notes with Refusal Letters – A Step Toward Greater Transparency
Date Posted:July 31, 2025
Last Updated:July 31, 2025
Index
On July 29, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a new initiative aimed at improving transparency in their application process. Moving forward, certain applicants whose applications are refused will also receive the officer’s decision notes that explain the reason behind the refusal.
These decision notes are written by the officer who made the final decision and offer insight into why an application was not approved. By proactively sharing this information, IRCC hopes to make it easier for applicants to understand their application outcomes and prepare more effectively for future submissions.
Applications Currently Covered
The officer decision notes will initially be included with refusal letters for the following application types, including applications for extensions:
- Temporary Resident Visas (excluding electronic Travel Authorizations and Temporary Resident Permits)
- Visitor Records
- Study Permits
- Work Permits
IRCC plans to expand this practice to cover more types of applications over time.
How You Will Receive the Notes
If your application is refused, the officer decision notes will automatically be included with the refusal letter sent to you or your authorized representative. There is no need to submit a separate request.
Please note that in some cases, parts of the decision notes may be withheld due to privacy, security, or other legal concerns.
Not Applicable to All Applications
Applicants who submit through the IRCC Portal – New version will not receive officer decision notes at this time.
Summary
This change is expected to help applicants better understand their application results and take appropriate steps when considering a re-application.
If you have questions about a refusal or need help interpreting the officer decision notes, feel free to contact us for personalized support.
Related Columns
Related News
Looking to obtain permanent residence or a visa?
Consult with us now!
Applying for permanent residence or a visa to Canada on your own can be overwhelming due to the large number of required documents, and you may feel uncertain about whether everything is correct. However, if you're serious about immigrating to Canada, we strongly recommend seeking the support of an immigration consultant. There are many pathways to obtaining permanent residence, depending on factors such as your age, occupation, and family status. With the help of an expert, you can ensure that you plan the right approach tailored to your specific situation.
A professional immigration consultant will help solve your concerns
Get a free Counseling now
From immigration planning to application submission,
everything is completed with Visa JP Canada
Consulting with an immigration consultant makes the process clearer and much smoother. You’ll feel more confident with document submissions and procedures, significantly reducing the risk of mistakes. Take the first step toward your Canadian dream with the guidance of an expert.
