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Requesting Information Under Canada's Privacy Act When my application for Permanent Residency was being finalized, I didn't know if my successful application was because I fulfilled all the requirements for PR on my own or if I was processed under Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds. It really doesn't matter since our main concern that I be able to legally settle in Canada with my partner. However, I am a very curious person, and I want to know as much as possible or reasonable about my immigration. I asked on the Canada Immigration Newsgroup about how I might be able to find out whether I was processed on my own merits or under H&C grounds. The reply was that I could submit a request to see a copy of my application and all applicable notes by the immigration official regarding my application. There I might see some of the "inside information" on the processing of my application. Canada has two Acts (laws) regarding access to information: the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act. For Canadian Permanent Residents (and citizens) requesting access to their own personal information being held by the government, the correct route to go is the Privacy Act. Those who aren't Canadian Permanent Residents or citizens can authorize a Canadian Permanent Resident or citizen to access the information under the Access to Information Act. There is a small fee for requesting information under the Access to Information Act. I found the "Info Source" forms in the office where I applied for my Social Insurance Number. It is a standard size (8.5 x 11") form with a 1 cm yellow/orange border down the left side that says "Info Source" in big blue letters and "Personal Information Request Form" in yellow/orange. There is no cost to request to see your own personal information when requested under the Privacy Act. The forms are also available online at the InfoSource web site.
To request to see your immigration application
materials, Public Rights Administration In the "Provide Details..." section of the form, state your Immigration Case File number and indicate consulate where application was processed. Also, per the Immigration Application, the information is held in Personal Information Bank EIC PPU 225, Immigrant Case File. Please note that after two years of the last administrative decision all documents are routinely destroyed.
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