Chinese Immigration Act Case Files: Finding aids at LAC

[Updated 3 Apr 2023] This post is for everyone who has asked me about Chinese Immigration Act (CIA) Case files. It may be that you’re familiar with the Chinese Exclusion Act (CEA) Case Files (USA) or that you’ve found some evidence of the CIA files during your research. I too have been more than curious about these files. This is what I’ve got so far. I have good news and not so good news.

The good news: there is a potential bonanza of Chinese case files to find at Library and Archives Canada (LAC). Plus, a number of the finding aids (documents compiled by archivists that help describe the contents of the archive files) are available, and even list the files by name. If you find a name that looks familiar, you can proceed to the next step of trying to acquire a file.

The not so good news: these files are accessible only by an Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) request. Said LAC:

This does not mean that you cannot consult the files, but that they will need to be reviewed to see if access can be given.

Discover the access codes for archival records at Library and Archives Canada, 16 Feb 2012. Library and Archives Canada Blog.

This post will explore what I’ve found and give instructions for filing an ATIP request.

What is a Chinese Immigration Act Case file?

Here is the description for one set of files from LAC:

These records consist of individual Chinese immigration case files in the “CH” series, created by federal officials to screen prospective immigrants to which the Chinese Immigration Act (1885-1947) applied. Many files also contain documentation on immigration of relatives arriving after the repeal of the Act in 1947. The files tend to contain extremely detailed documentation not only on the individual in whose name was opened, but also on the person’s relatives both immediate and distant. The records usually include various C.I. certificates, sponsorship application forms, and correspondence concerning employment and formely relationships both before and after 1947. Some contain extremely detailed genealogical reviews, family trees, interviews describing family life in the home villages in China, and formal documentation for immigration inquiries or Immigration Appeal Board cases. Arrival records for many of these individuals are found in the Registers of Chinese Immigration in RG 76 series VI. 

Library and Archives Canada, Chinese Case Files [textual records]. Reference: RG76. Accession number: 1983-84/348 GAD, Accession number: 1983-84/348 GAD. Accessed 26 Aug 2020.

This is just ONE of the sets of Chinese case files at LAC. There are 98 boxes in this set, which if you stacked them end to end measure out as 29.4 m. How much is 30 m? As tall as a church tower. This tall, in fact. Remember, this is only one of the sets of files at LAC.

Chinese immigration index cards?

If I were able to visit LAC in person, I would first request this file: Chinese Immigration index cards, as it looks like the key to the boxes of files. Naturally, this very intriguing finding aid is not available online, but the description says,

Textual records: (Paper) This finding aid is in the form of a list. It provides the index card box number, as well as the first and last surname of the individuals whose index cards can be found in each box. These index cards are arranged alphabetically, therefore the list indicates which surnames can be found in each box. Due to the presence of personal information. This finding aid is restricted. 76-184

Chinese Immigration index cards [textual record]. Reference RG76. BAN: 1998-01077-5. Library and Archives Canada.

Finding Aids online at LAC

This is a list of the finding aids (FAs) I’ve been able to locate at Library and Archives Canada (LAC). Where I’ve been unable to locate mention of a FA that is not available, I’ve included a link and notes to the description of the record. All case files are Access 32: Restricted by law.

Finding Aid (FA)	Description
76-74	Title: Chinese Case Files [textual record] RG & Accession: RG76, 1983-84/348 GAD, ID 42750 Finding aid description: Textual records: (Electronic) Finding aid 76-74 is an unverified file list indicating box number, CH file number, name of head of family or individual (or name of the organization or business involved. The finding aid is available as a PDF attached to this record. 76-74 (90: Open) Dates of files: 1900-67 Notes: CH series, nominal index, “CH-1-00001” for Chow Mon Gan to “CH-1-5880” for Loo Chung, see FA for box numbers; 98 boxes
76-76	Title: Toronto, Chinese Case files. RG & Accession: RG76. Accession number: 1984-85/003 GAD, OFRC#70-H OFRC, ID#42893 Finding aid description: This is a file list listing all files in each box. The list gives box number, CH file number, name of head of family or individual (or, in some cases where the file relats to persons belonging to a group, the name of the organization or business involved). Dates of files: 1900-1966 Notes: PDF file, 307 pages. Lists Vol #, File # and Name / title. There are 120 boxes. This is a listing of names.
76-77	Title: Chinese Case files RG & Accession: RG76. Accession number: 1984-85/041 GAD, ID# 42910 Dates: 1900-1966 Finding aid description: This is a file list listing all files in each box. The list gives box number, CH file number, name of head of family or individual (or, in some cases where the file relates to persons belonging to a group, the name of the organization or business involved). Notes: PDF file, 87 pages. Lists CH#, person by name, Box #. Box Range: 1-142.
76-81	Title: Immigration Branch, Victoria Office, Lookout and Hindu and Chinese Case Files. RG & Accession: RG76. Accession number: 1984-85/279 GAD, VFRC#FAD83-27 VFRC Dates of files: 1920-1970 Description: This is a file list listing only the first and last files in each box. Related Finding-Aids: Similar accessions are described in (among others) FA 76-113. Notes: PDF file, 4 pages. Contains lists of Box #, Dept file #, CH#. No names.
76-84	Title: Chinese Case files. RG & Accession: RG76. Accession number: 1984-85/527 GAD, ID# 43293 Dates of files: 1900-1966 Finding aid description: This is a file list listing all files in each box. The list gives box number, CH file number, name of head of family or individual (or, in some cases where the file relates to persons belonging to a group, the name of the organization or business involved). Date: 1 Feb 1989. Related Finding Aids: Consult Finding Aid 76-50, 76-51, 76-52 (nominal indexes). Notes: PDF file, 54 pages. Lists CH#, person by name, Box #. Box Range: 1-56.
76-90	Title: Chinese Case Files, “F” Sample. RG & Accession: RG76. Accession number: 1985-86/054 GAD, ID# 43495 Finding aid description: This is a file list listing all files in each box. The list gives box number, CH file number, name of head of family or individual (or, in some cases where the file relates to persons belonging to a group, the name of the organization or business involved). Date: 1 Jan 1988. Dates of files: 1900-1970 Related Finding Aids: The finding aids for other accessions of Chinese case files (RG96 series D2(g) include FAs 76-74, 76-76, 76-77, 76-84, 76-93, and 96-94. Nominal indexes are in FAs 76-50, 76-51 and 76-52. Notes: PDF file, 5 pages. CH-1 series, CH-1-00442 FONG Wah to CH-1-28888 FONG Gih Kang.
76-93	Title: Chinese Case Files. RG & Accession: RG76. Accession number: 1985-86/265 GAD Dates of files: 1900-1967 Finding aid description: This is a file list listing all files in each box. The list gives box number, CH file number, name of head of family or individual (or, in some cases where the file relates to persons belonging to a group, the name of the organization or business involved). Date: Nov 1990. Notes: PDF file, 53 pages. Lists CH# and person by name. Sorted in order of boxes. Box Range: 1-70. Notation says “1467 files” and “c. 1900-1967”.
76-94	Title: Chinese Case files, “F” sample. RG & Accession: RG76. Accession number: 1985-86/266 GAD Finding aid description: This is a file list listing all files in each box. The list gives box number, CH file number, name of head of family or individual (or, in some cases where the file relates to persons belonging to a group, the name of the organization or business involved). Dates of files: 1912-1973. Notes: Box Range: 1. PDF file, 2 pages. Lists CH# and person by name. All names begin with “F”, i.e., Fong and Fung.
76-101	Title: Canada Immigration Centre, Vancouver Metro – Immigration Case Files (5133 and P/PD Series, “F” Sample) and Chinese Immigration Case files. RG & Accession: RG76. Accession number: 1985-86/474 GAD, VFRC#FAD85-80 VFRC Finding aid description: This is a file list listing all files in each box by file number only. There is no nominal list or other finding aid. These records are located at the Vancouver Federal Records Centre. They are not available on microfilm. To retrieve a specific file at the VRFC, we suggest you record at least the RG76 accession number, temporary box number, file number, and file part number. Please also check the access status of the files desired. Date: 1 Jan 1988. Dates of files: 1900-1980 Related Finding Aids: Among finding aids for similar accessions are FAs 76-82, 76-99, 76-100, 76-103, and 76-114. Notes: Box Range: 1-35. PDF file, 19 pages. Lists Box #’s and file numbers. No names.
76-102	Title: Pacific Regional Office – Chinese Case Files [textual record] Notes: Finding aid 76-102 is closed.
76-109	Title: Canada Immigration Centre, Vancouver Metro Chinese Case files, XY Series. RG & Accession: RG76. Accession: 1986-87/218 GAD, VFRC#82-128 VFRC, ID# 44334 Finding aid description: This is a file list listing the first and last files in each box, by file number only. There is no other finding aid. These records are held at the Vancouver Federal Records Centre. Consult the archivist for further information. Date: 1 Jan 1988. Dates of files: 1952-1980 Related Finding Aids: The finding aids for other accessions of Chinese case files in RG 76 series D2(g) include FAs 76-74, 76-76, 76-77, 76-84, 76-90, 76-93, 76-94, 76-101, 76-102, and 76-110. The HQ nominal indexes are in FAs 76-50, 76-51 and 76-52, but it is not clear whether or not they contain entries for these specific files. Notes: The interior file description says, “These are records of the Employment & Immigration Commission, Immigration Centre, Vancouver Metro, Vancouver, BC.; Examination of immigrants and other persons entering Canada, selection & processing, correspondence with administrative, legal and other decisions, Chinese family files. No nominal index. XY series: “5133-XY-2034″ to 5133-XY-70999”
76-110	Title: Canada Immigration Centre, Vancouver Metro Chinese Case Files and Subject Files. RG & Accession: RG76. Accession: VFRC#74-D-3 VFRC, 1986-87/226 GAD, ID# 44342 Finding aid description: This is a file list listing the first and last files in each box, by file number only. There is no other finding aid. These records are held at the Vancouver Federal Records Centre. Consult the archivist for further information. Date: 1 Jan 1988. Dates of files: 1913-1972 Related Finding Aids: The finding aids for other accessions of Chinese case files in RG 76 series D2(g) include FAs 76-74, 76-76, 76-77, 76-84, 76-90, 76-93, 76-94, 76-101, 76-102, and 76-110. The HQ nominal indexes are in FAs 76-50, 76-51 and 76-52, but it is not clear whether or not they contain entries for these specific files. Notes: PDF file, 3 pages. The interior file description says, “These are records of the Department of Manpower & Immigration Pacific Region. They are filed numerically by groups. Immigration Case files 499412-499434.” Box and file #’s. No names listed. V. large set of files: 6.9 m.
76-149	Title: Chinese case files, Toronto Regional Office RG & Accession: RG76. Accession number: 1993-94/272 GAD, ID# 46522 Dates of files: 1967-1977 Finding aid description: The finding aid is a file list indicating box number, file number, file title and outside dates. The following information is required to order a box: RG #, Accession #, Box #. Date: July 1994. Notes: No nominal index. CH series: “3296-CH-00001” to “3296-CH-00199.” Also “IMM ASIATIC XY-00001 to XY-00171.”
76-158	Title: Canada Immigration Centre, Vancouver Metro: Chinese Case Files [textual record] RG & Accession: RG76, 1996-97/742 GAD, VFRC#94-370 VFRC, 1996-01741-1, ID # 49074 Dates of files: 1983-93 Notes: No nominal index, XY series, from XY55941-XY72880
76-159	Title: Canada Immigration Centre, Vancouver B.C., Immigration Case Files [textual record] Finding aid pending.
76-161	Title: Canada Immigration Centre, Metro Vancouver, Immigration Case Files [textual record] Finding aid pending.
76-174	Title: Chinese case files, Canadian Immigration Centre, Toronto (CH & XY Series) RG & Accession: RG76. Accession number: 1996-97/831 GAD, TFRC#81-102 TFRC BAN: 1996-01830-2, ID# 48980 Dates of files: 1970-1980 Finding aid description: The finding aid is a file list indicating box number, file number range for records within each box. The following information is required to order a box: RG#, Accession #, Box #, File #. Date: August 1997. Notes: XY series, XY-25431 to XY-37738
76-175	Title: Chinese Case Files, XY Series [textual record] RG & Accession: RG76, 1996-97/833 GAD, TFRC#81-077 TFRC, 1996-01832-9, ID# 48981 Dates of files: 1970-80 Finding aid description: XY series, XY-11770 to XY-25430
76-184	Title: Case files of the Immigration Program, St. John, New Brunswick [textual record], and Chinese immigration index cards, ID# 156201 Notes: Finding aid closed. This FA contains a list of nominal index cards.
76-209	Title: Chinese case files of the Immigration Program, St. John’s, Nfld. [textual record] Notes: Finding aid closed.
76-356	Title: Immigration case files [textual record] Notes: Ottawa central files; Immigration Appeal Board, Federal Court of Canada, includes “CH” and “XY” files.
76-360	Title: Immigration case files [textual record] Notes: Ottawa HQ, 1979-85, “XY” series
76-364	Title: Chinese case files [textual record] Notes: FA 76-364 [unavailable] appears to be the Ottawa registry, 1947-85, file nos. “CH.”
76-365	Title: Immigration case files [textual record] Notes: Ontario, 1960-80, Ottawa HQ
76-397	Title: Immigration case files [textual record] Notes: Ontario, XY series
76-398	Title: Immigration case files [textual record] RG & Accession: RG76-D-2-i, 92-1202 TFRC, 2003-02298-8, ID #209839 Dates: 1982-92 Notes: Ontario, XY series, nos. 88-76 to 90-1218.
Finding Aid (FA)	Description

Abbreviations used

Access Code 32	Restricted by law; may be available with ATIP request
ATIP	Access to Information and Privacy
BAN Number	Branch Accession Number, unique ID assigned to archival material once accepted to archives; establishes intellectual control; supercedes all other control #s
CIC	Canada Immigration Centre
FA	Finding Aid
GAD	Government Archives Division
GAD Reference Number	File number assigned by GAD to specific files
LAC	Library and Archives Canada
PDF	Portable document file
RG	Record Group. In this case, RG76 are the “Records of the Immigration Branch”.
TFRC	Possibly Toronto Federal Record Centre
VFRC	Possibly Vancouver Federal Record Centre

Q&As with LAC – how to acquire a file

Over the past several months, I’ve been trying to get more information on these files. Here are my questions and the answers I’ve received.

Q: I’m looking into Canadian Chinese Case files. What can you tell me about them?

These accessions form part of a subseries titled Chinese Immigration Case files.

There are currently 55 accessions within this subseries, containing case files from various areas of the country, and with various date ranges. Since these are Government of Canada records, they are subject to the Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) laws, and would require ATIP review prior to consultation and/or copying. Given the personal information contained within case files, the more recent files would likely be restricted, but access may be possible for the earlier records.

As we discussed, the first step would be to request a copy of the finding aid, or to use the Ask Us a Genealogy Question Form to ask if a specific case file exists within these accessions.

Q: Please, how can we access the files listed in Finding Aid 76-84, Record Group 76 (Immigration), Series D 2 (g) – Chinese Case Files, Accession Number 84-85/527, Box Range 1-56?  I’m a genealogist who studies the history and immigration of the Chinese in Canada. I’m not able to travel to Ottawa readily – is there a way to request copies of specific files? What would be the restrictions and requirements?

Please note that this series of files is “Code 32: restricted by law.” This does not mean that you cannot consult the files, but that they will need to be reviewed to see if access can be given. You will need to submit an Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) request in order to determine if these documents can/should be opened to the public. 

You can submit an Access to Information and Privacy request at the following link.

You will need to provide a complete reference number for each of the files in which you are interested.Using the finding aid mentioned above, an example of a complete reference for one of the Chinese Case Files is as follows:”Lee Hee Woo” RG76, Acc No 1984-85/527, Box 1, File 15690 Other examples of references can be found at this link.

Q1: I am wondering if LAC is considering releasing these to the public at a particular date in the future? I realize they are currently classed as Code 32: restricted by law, however, does that law have a time limit?

The release of personal information is allowed 20 years after the death of an individual or, when this date is impossible or impractical to determine, 110 years after its date of birth. It would, therefore, be possible to release information on specific individuals based on these markers. It is also possible to open an entire series when an assessment concludes that the individuals documented in the series were indeed born more than 110 years ago, but the work involved in determining the appropriate date of such release is nonetheless quite important.  The “Chinese case file ” series is one of great interest for LAC’s clients, but its characteristics do not make it suitable for a block review at the time being. Once we will be able to move ahead with a global review and open the series, we will announce it on our Web site and social media platforms to highlight this much-awaited release!

Next steps

I’ve printed all the finding aids I’ve found and have started flipping through them. This week, I’m going to file an ATIP request. This’ll be a long process – I’ll report back. [30 Mar 2023] Still no response to my requests.

Success!

Enormous thanks to Robert Louie for proving my method. See his remark dated 31 Jan 2023 in the comments section, below.

Thanks

As ever, I could not do this work without the help of many people. Aside from Marisa L., I would like to thank the fine folk at Order in Council Lists, Glenn W., Henry Y., and many archivists at LAC who have patiently answered my questions as I fumbled around the files.

Also, I have a favour to ask you. LAC needs to know we are interested in our history. If you have a “CH” number on one of your documents, it’s highly likely to refer to a case file. Please use this process and file an ATIP request.

References

Canada, Department of Employment and Immigration, Immigration Program, Chinese Immigration Records, “Chinese immigration case files textual record],” 1900-1993, finding aid, id no. 161425, Library and Archives Canada (http://central.bac-lac.gc.ca/.redirect?app=fonandcol&id=161425&lang=eng : accessed 30 Mar 2023); citing reference R1206-180-8-E, RG76-D-2-i; finding aid contains 52 sub-file links and descriptions from Canada Immigration Centre, Fredericton, Pacific Region, St. John, St. John’s, Toronto, Toronto Regional Office, Vancouver, Vancouver Metro, and Victoria; related records contained in DIS or Inspection Services series (RG76-D-4-a, Vols. 727-731.