You must book a spot in the virtual queueing system for all visits to the Pass Permit Control Office.
As an employee required to work in a restricted area, you will need to apply for the following passes and permits:
- Transport Canada Transportation Security Clearance (TSC) – This is a background security check conducted by Transport Canada. This must be renewed every five years. When renewing your TSC, we recommend that you start the process six months before its expiry date. Please visit the Government of Canada’s website for travel and out of country documentation requirements.
- Restricted Area Identity Card (RAIC) – This card allows an employee to work in the restricted areas of the airport. To receive a RAIC you must have a valid TSC. Your RAIC must be renewed every five years along with your TSC.
- Security Control Pass (temporary pass) – If you do not have a RAIC, you may be eligible for a temporary pass. This temporary pass allows an employee to work in a restricted area until Transport Canada grants a transportation security clearance. While waiting for your TSC, you may need to extend your Security Control Pass, which is valid for three months. You can visit the Pass Permit Office during business hours for an extension. A new RAIC application form is required to renew an expired Security Control Pass.
Application Process
Please review the instructions below carefully, as mistakes in your application will cause processing delays. If you provide false information or misrepresent yourself, your application will not be processed.
When renewing your TSC, we recommend that you start the process six months before its expiry date.
1. Complete the Airport Security and Safety Awareness Training Program
Our Airport Security and Safety Awareness training course is a mandatory step for all new and renewing airport employees applying for a RAIC. This training is mandatory for:
- A new airport employee applying for a Transportation Security Clearance to obtain a Restricted Area Identity Card (RAIC);
- An existing RAIC holder applying to renew their Transportation Security Clearance and RAIC before expiry;
- A returning RAIC holder who has not worked at Toronto Pearson for more than 12 months and requires a RAIC; and
- An existing RAIC holder transferring from another Canadian airport to Toronto Pearson requiring a YYZ RAIC.
You will be required to complete a 10-minute validation quiz on the Airport Security Awareness training course at the Pass Office during your application process. Learn more in this advisory.
Take the Airport Security and Safety Awareness course.
2. Initiate Transport Security Clearence (TSC) Form
Step 1: Complete the onboarding process with your employer. Your employer will initiate your TSC application via the Transportation Security Service (TSS) platform.
Note, there is no user guide for applicants, as all guidance is within the platform.
Please visit the Government of Canada’s website for travel and out of country documentation requirements.
Step 2: Applicants can view their processing status via the TSS platform. Once completed, the TSS platform will update you via email on the next steps.
You are instructed to book an appointment with the Pass Office during regular business hours.
*Your Company Signing Authority is responsible for the request, authorization, control and maintenance of RAICs and keycards issued to your company's employees. If you do not know who your Company Signing Authority is, ask your manager or supervisor.
All security items must be returned to either the employer or the Pass Office on request or when your employment ends.
3. Submit your TSC application
Visit the Pass Permit Control Office once you have booked your appointment to finalize the application process.
You must bring these original documents with you:
- A hard copy of your completed RAIC application (PDF, 977 KB) that has been authorized by your Company Signing Authority ;
- A completed Keycard Application form (PDF, 990 KB), required only for GTAA employees who need keycard access to the Administration building and airport employees who need access to the transborder areas;
- Please visit the Government of Canada’s website for travel and out of country documentation requirements; and
- Original identification, as applicable below.
Original Identification
If you were born in Canada, you must bring these pieces of original identification:
- Canadian birth certificate (only Quebec birth certificates issued after January 1994 are accepted) and
- Valid Canadian passport
- Note: If your passport is no longer valid you must bring a valid Canadian government-issued photo identification e.g. valid driver’slicense
If you were born outside of Canada, you must bring these pieces of original identification:
- Canadian citizenship card OR valid permanent resident card
- Note: If your permanent resident card is no longer valid we will accept your Landed Immigration Document
- Valid passport
- Note: If your passport is no longer valid you must bring a valid Canadian government-issued photo identification e.g. valid driver’s license
Security Control Pass (temporary pass)
A Security Control Pass is a temporary pass issued by the Pass Permit Control Office in order to allow an employee to work in a restricted area, with restrictions, until Transport Canada grants a security clearance.
Security Control Passes are valid for three months. A security control pass holder may extend a valid security control pass by visiting the Pass Permit Control Office during business hours for an extension.
If you let your Security Control Pass expire, you will need to complete a new RAIC application form.
4. Wait for your security clearance
The average wait time is three to six months.
During Transport Canada's review process, which includes a background check, Transport Canada or the Pass Permit Control Office may need to contact you, so remember to inform us of any contact information changes. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of your application.
Your employer will notify you when your TSC has been granted.
While you're waiting for your TSC, you may need to renew your temporary Security Control Pass, which is valid for three months. You can visit the Pass Permit Office during business hours for an extension.
5. Apply for a RAIC
Once your TSC has been granted, you may apply for a RAIC. To apply for a RAIC, you must bring the following documents to the Pass Office:
- A hard copy of your completed RAIC application (PDF, 977 KB) that has been authorized by your Company Signing Authority
- All security items previously issued to you by the Pass Permit Control Office.
In addition to your personal ID, the Pass Office will also record your fingerprints and iris photo to create your RAIC.
Note: The RAIC form has been designed to be downloaded on your desktop and completed using Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. Right-click on the link above and select “save link as” to download the PDF file. You can download Adobe Acrobat Reader DC for free.