Access to Information and Privacy Online Request （ATIP）
Index
Introduction
ATIP, full name “Access to Information and Privacy Online Request”. ATIP is rarely known by people, but it is a crucial service that offered by IRCC.
There are three functions of the ATIP:
1. Understand the specific reasons for the refusal: Generally speaking, the refusal letter shows the refusal reason briefly. After reading the refusal letter, it is hard to find out the real reason for the refusal. ATIP helps applicants to see the notes of the immigration officer. The notes may include application time, officers’ concerns, results, refusal reasons. The notes assist applicants preparing for the second application.
2. The application exceeds the normal processing time: If there is no news after the application is submitted, and the processing time has been exceeded, you can reach the file through ATIP, to find out which step the immigration officer has approved, and sometimes you can see it from the notes. You can find out the doubts of the officers, so you will have a framework.
3. To make sure that the next application’s file is same as the previous application materials: Keeping application material identical is good for all visa and immigration applications. If the application materials are different each time, it will cause misrepresentation, which increase the risk of the refusal. If you can’t remember the contents of the previous application, ATIP is a very good way to retrieve the previous application materials.
Requirement
Not everyone can apply for ATIP. Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or Temporary residents in Canada (including international students and PR applicants) have the right to apply for ATIP. If the applicant does not meet the above requirements, for example, the applicant is an oversea visa or immigration applicant, the applicant needs to assign an immigration consultant, or a relative, or a friend in Canada as a representative to apply for ATIP.
ATIP types
ATIP can be basically divided into two types:
1. Notes from the immigration officer. In this document, the applicant can see the immigration officer’s processing time, approval opinions, results, reasons for refusal, etc.
2. The files from the applicant. In this document the applicant can see all the materials he or she submitted.
Materials
1. Refusal letter or application letter
2. Imm5744
3. Applicant and representative’s basic information. For example, the applicant’s passport front page, UCI, file number, etc.; the representative’s address, telephone, etc.
Q&A
A：Normally, the processing time for ATIP is 30 days (basically it will exceed 30). The ATIP result will be sent to the applicant by mail.
A：You can, but there are many steps to finish the ATIP. Please read the content carefully while applying for the ATIP to avoid mistakes.
A：There will be an option “What type of information are you requesting?” during applying for the ATIP. There are two options: “Privacy Act” is a private file transfer that does not require payment, but this option generally cannot receive information; “Access to Information Act” require payment, and the government charges $5 for each application. “Access to Information Act” is recommended because you can get the information you want.
Fees
- Want to apply for ATIP overseas? Or don’t know how to apply for ATIP, and have doubts about your ATIP? Please contact us.
- Gloabl Visa Firm only charges service fees, the fees do not include government fees, translation fees, notarization fees, courier fees and other third-party fees
- The service fee is charged according to the customer’s situation. If the customer’s situation is more complicated, there may be additional fees (refer to customer evaluation)