Pass/Permit Control Office
On a busy day, the Pass Permit Control Office at Toronto Pearson can process between 150-200 applications. The office provides services and training, and controls Passes and Permits for the following:
- Airport Security Awareness Training
- Transportation Security Clearances (TSC)
- Restricted Area Identification Cards (RAICs)
- Keycards
- Parking Permits
- Airside Vehicle Operator’s Permits (AVOPs)
- Vehicle Markers
Disclaimer: The most recent version of Adobe Reader may be required to access these forms.
Printable GTAA Pass Office Forms.
Apply for Transportation Security Clearance from Transport Canada.
Visit the Transport Canada website for further information on completing applications for Transport Security clearance.
New Business Partners
New Business Partners at Toronto Pearson requiring access to restricted areas need to establish their company at the Pass Permit Control Office prior to having employees apply for a Restricted Area Identity Card (RAIC).
The following information is required and may be sent to pass.permits@gtaa.com:
- Operating Requirement
An Operating Requirement is a contractual agreement between a company and the Greater Toronto Airports Authority and may consist of an Airline Approved Application for Entry, Licence to Operate, Lease or Contract. Ensure your operating requirement has been approved and submitted to the Pass Permit Control Office.
- Letter of Intent on Company Letterhead
Submit a Letter of Intent to the Pass Permit Control Office. This letter is to justify the need to enter a restricted area, and must include the following:
- Type of business/services being provided and to whom.
- Request and justify the need for Restricted Area Identity Card (RAIC).
- Identify which areas within the restricted area employees require access to (e.g. Terminal 1, Terminal 3 or Airside).
- If required, request and justify the need for keycard access, provide exact location or door numbers.
- Specify the frequency within the restricted area (e.g. daily, weekly or monthly).
- Specify if you require parking permits at the GTAA Administration Building, Value Parking, Terminal 1, Terminal 3 or Cargo.
- Specify who will be the designated company signing authority(s)* for Restricted Area Cards, Keycards, Parking and specify who will be the designated company signing authority for Airside Vehicle Operators Permit (if applicable).
*Signing Authority: The Company Signing Authority specified in the Letter of Intent must attend the Pass Permit Control Office for enrollment prior to any security items being issued. As a designated Company Signing Authority you are responsible for the request, authorization, control and maintenance of Restricted Area Identity Cards/Keycards issued to Company employees and are in a position to authorize payments to be made to the GTAA for the non-return of employee access pass/keycards upon cessation of need and/or following the GTAA Audit Process and agree to provide such payment for any non-returned item at the current GTAA administrative fee as determined at that time and understand that the payment of the administrative fee is non-refundable.
3 Steps to Obtaining a Restricted Area Identity Card (RAIC)
- Complete the Airport Security Awareness Training
Toronto Pearson takes airport security very seriously. Our Airport Security Awareness training course is a mandatory step for all personnel who need access to our Restricted Areas. This includes former employees who have been away for more than one year. Training must be completed before scheduling appointments at the Pass Permit Control Office. Full course information.
- Apply for a Transportation Security Clearance (TSC) (Prerequisite is Airport Security Awareness Training)
An appointment is required to apply for a Transportation Security Clearance. Applicants, new or renewing, must bring the following original documentation to the GTAA Pass Permit Control Office. All applicants born in Canada must bring:
- An application for Transportation Security Clearance authorized (signed) by a pre-established company signing authority And;
- An original Canadian birth certificate (Transport Canada will only accept Quebec birth certificates issued after Jan 1994) And;
- An original valid passport (note: if your passport is not valid you will be required to provide your most recent expired passport) Or; If you never held a passport you will be required to provide Government issued photo ID.
All applicants born outside of Canada must bring:
- An application for Transportation Security Clearance authorized (signed) by a pre-established company signing authority And;
- An original valid passport (note: if your passport is not valid you will be required to provide your most recent expired passport) And one of the following;
- A Canadian Citizenship card Or;
- A VALID Permanent Residence Card Or;
- A Landed Immigration document (IMM1000).
Note: If you require a security controlled pass while waiting for your clearance to be granted please bring a Restricted Area Identity Card application to this appointment.
Transport Canada has mandated that every five (5) years an application for Transportation Security Clearance form and fingerprints is required. The application form must be completed; in its entirety, prior to presentation to the GTAA Pass Permit Control Office and you must:
- Be at least 16 years of age.
- Present valid photo identification.
- If current or previous citizenship is other than Canadian (see requirement for born outside of Canada).
- If you are under 18 years of age, a parent/guardian must sign and approve fingerprinting.
- Apply for a Restricted Area Identity Card (RAIC) (Prerequisite is a Valid Transportation Security Clearance)
An appointment is required to apply for a Restricted Area Identity Card and applicants must hold a valid Transportation Security Clearance. Applicants, new or renewing, must bring the following to the GTAA Pass Permit Control Office:
- Application For Restricted Area Identity Card authorized (signed) by a pre-established company signing authority.
- Keycard Application Form (if applicable).
- Government-issued photo id.
- Any security items issued by the Pass Permit Control Office.
Pass Permit Control Office will not accept any application forms that are incomplete, not dated, not signed by your company signing authority. Corrections made on the forms are not acceptable. (i.e. crossing out errors). Persons not in possession of all applicable/duly authorized and correctly completed application forms will not be eligible for processing.
Hours of Operation & Location
The Pass Office is open from 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.
It is closed weekends, statutory holidays and the second Wednesday of each month.
The Toronto Pearson Pass Office is located in the Terminal 1 Parking Garage, Level 5.
Contacting the Pass Office
Please direct all inquiries regarding Passes and Permits to:
GTAA Pass/Permit Control Office
Tel: (416) 776-PASS (7277)
Pass.Permits@GTAA.com
Please note that peak periods are March through May and September through November.
Services by Appointment
- Airport Security Awareness Training
- Transportation Security Clearances (TSC)
- Restricted Area Identification Cards (RAICs)
To schedule an appointment with the Pass Office please call: (416) 776-PASS (7277).
Group Appointments
Appointments for large groups of new employees can be arranged. A group appointment is recommended, especially during peak periods. Business partners requiring this service may call (416) 776-PASS (7277) or email Pass.Permits@GTAA.com. A fee may apply for this service.
Cancelling an Appointment
Please contact the Pass Permit Control Office to cancel or change an appointment at least one business day in advance of your appointment at 416-776-PASS (7277) or pass.permits@gtaa.com. Please note that a $50.00 administrative fee plus tax is required for all missed appointments or appointments cancelled with less than one business day notice.
Walk-in Services
Walk-in services are available for the following with the proper accompanying documentation:
- Keycards.
- Parking permits.
- AVOPs.
- Vehicle markers (applications may be submitted for review and applicants will be contacted upon approval).
Note: Wait times for these services may vary depending on demand.
Troubleshooting
If you have trouble with your Restricted Area Identity Card (RAIC), please contact the Pass Permit Control Office at (416) 776-7277 or pass.permits@gtaa.com during business hours.
AVOP Testing
All appointments for AVOP practical testing are handled by the GTAA AVOP Office.
For more information or to book an AVOP practical test please contact the GTAA AVOP Office
Parking Permits
If you require parking permits, please contact (416) 776-7728.
Service is on a first come, first served basis during regular office hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Transport Canada’s Role with respect to issuance of a Restricted Area Identity Card (RAIC)?
Transport Canada processes the security clearances that are required prior to obtaining a RAIC. The aim of the Transportation Security Clearance Program Policy is the prevention of unlawful acts of interference with civil aviation by granting of clearances to persons who meet the standards set out in the Program. The Program is in place to determine whether a person poses a risk to transportation security.
What is CATSA?
CATSA is the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA).
The four responsibilities currently assigned to CATSA in accordance with the CATSA Act are as follows:
- Pre-Board Screening (PBS) of passengers and their belongings;
- Acquisition, deployment, operation, and maintenance of explosives detection systems (EDS) for hold baggage screening (HBS);
- Implementing a non-passenger screening (NPS) program for persons accessing restricted areas of airports;
- Implementation of a Restricted Area Identity Card (RAIC).
Note: It is the CATSA system that the GTAA Pass Permit Control Office uses to process a Restricted Area Identity Card (RAIC).
What is a RAIC?
A RAIC is a Restricted Area Identity Card that contains the employee biometrics used to gain access to a restricted area of the Airport.
What is a Security Controlled Pass?
A Security Controlled Pass is a temporary pass issued by the GTAA 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. If a security clearance is not granted, the Security Controlled Pass must be returned to the GTAA Pass Permit Control Office.
Why does an employee attend the Pass Permit Control Office twice?
The first visit is to apply to Transport Canada for a Transportation Security Clearance. If approved, a second visit to the Pass Permit Control Office is required to process a RAIC with the CATSA system.
Why can't I drop in to the Pass Permit Control Office to pick up my RAIC?
It is not possible to just pick up a RAIC. A RAIC requires the capturing of an applicants biometrics and encoding the biometrics on a RAIC. This process may take 30 minutes and longer if the applicant works with more than one company (Multi Employer RAIC).
What do I need to bring when applying for a Transport Canada Transportation Security Clearance?
You will need to bring a completed Application for Transportation Security Clearance form, identification (see identification required section) and a RAIC application form authorized (signed) by your company signing authority. The RAIC application will allow you to have a Security Controlled pass issued until your Transport Canada Transportation Security Clearance has been approved.
What is the identification required when applying for a Transport Canada Transportation Security Clearance?
All applicants born in Canada must produce:
- An original birth certificate (Transport Canada will only accept Quebec birth certificates issued after Jan 1994) And;
- An original valid passport (note: if your passport is not valid you will be required to provide your most recent expired passport) Or;
- If you never held a passport you will be required to provide government-issued photo ID.
All applicants born outside of Canada must produce:
- An original valid passport (note: if your passport is not valid you will be required to provide your most recent expired passport) And one of the following;
- A Canadian Citizenship Card Or;
- A VALID Permanent Residence Card Or;
- A Landed Immigration document (IMM1000)
What do I need to bring when I have been advised my Transport Canada Transportation Security Clearance has been granted?
You will need to bring a completed RAIC and Keycard application both authorized (signed) by your company signing authority along with either your Security Controlled pass or valid RAIC card if you have one.
When do I need an appointment at the Pass Permit Control Office?
You will need an appointment when applying or renewing a Transport Canada Transportation Security Clearance and/or a Restricted Area Identity Card (RAIC) and when your Security Controlled pass has expired. An appointment is also required for Security Awareness Training.
How long is a Security Controlled pass valid for?
A Security Controlled pass is valid for 3 months?
Can a Security Controlled pass be extended?
Yes, a Security Controlled pass can be extended without an appointment provided it has not expired and provided Transport Canada has not refused your Transportation Security Clearance.
What if my Security Controlled pass expires?
You will need to make an appointment at the Pass Office to renew your Security Controlled pass and bring a new RAIC application authorized (signed) by your company signing authority.
Can I obtain a RAIC without a valid Transport Canada Transportation Security Clearance?
No.
Can I work at the airport without a valid Transport Canada Transportation Security Clearance?
Yes, but you will not be able to access a restricted area of the Airport.
What is the required identification when applying for a Restricted Area Identity Card (RAIC)?
Present your Security Controlled Pass or your Restricted Area Identity Card along with government issued photo identification.
What do I do with my security items such as a RAIC, AVOP, Parking or Keycards when I am no longer employed with the company that authorized the security items?
All security items are the property of the GTAA and must be returned to the Pass Permit Control Office upon termination of employment.