Effective July 29, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has begun proactively including visa officer decision notes with refusal letters for select immigration applications. This long-awaited policy change allows applicants to receive detailed reasoning behind refusals—without filing an Access to Information request.
At Evergreen Solicitors, we see this as a game-changer for clients seeking clarity and justice in their immigration journey.
What Are Officer Decision Notes?
Officer decision notes are written by the immigration officers who assess and approve or refuse applications. These notes explain the specific factors considered by the officer in making their decisions. In the case of a refusal, these are concerns that led to the negative decision, such as:
- Insufficient ties to your home country
- Inadequate financial documentation
- Travel history concerns
- Doubts about the purpose of visit
This new policy currently applies to refused applications for:
- Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs), excluding electronic travel authorizations and temporary resident permits – Learn more about TRVs
- Visitor Records
- Study Permits – Explore study permit services
- Work Permits – Work permit guidance
According to IRCC, more application types will be added in phases. However, applicants using the new version of the IRCC Portal will not receive officer notes under this new policy.
🔍 Why This Matters for Your Case
Previously, applicants had to wait weeks for officer notes via formal requests under the Access to Information and Privacy Act (ATIP). Now, with this proactive disclosure, you gain immediate insight into why your application was refused, allowing for faster, more strategic responses.
However, transparency doesn’t always mean fairness. Officer notes may reveal:
- Subjective or inconsistent reasoning
- Misinterpretation of facts
- Decisions that contradict IRCC policy or precedent
💼 How Evergreen Solicitors Can Help
If your application has been refused, do not face it alone. With the officer’s decision notes in hand, our team can:
- ✅ Review the refusal for legal or procedural errors✅ Advise on your options, including reapplication or judicial review ✅ Strengthen your case with targeted evidence and legal submissions ✅ Challenge unreasonable refusals in the Federal Court
We’ve helped numerous clients turn setbacks into approvals—and now, with more information available upfront, we can act even faster and more effectively.
📣 Ready to Take Action?
If you’ve received a refusal letter and want to understand the full story behind it, Evergreen Solicitors is here to help. Our experienced immigration lawyers will guide you through your options and fight for the outcome you deserve.
📧 Email Us