Passes and Permits for Employees

Reminder: Signing Authorities initiate the TSC application request for employees by inviting them through the TSS platform. Employees cannot initiate the application process themselves.

Canadian Criminal Records Check

Effective March 31, you will be required to bring a Canadian Criminal Records Check (CCRC) dated within 3 months of appointment and signed by company signing authority.

Types of Passes and application info

As an employee required to work in a restricted area, you may need to apply for the following passes and permits. Please review the application steps below:

Mandatory Passes:

Transport Canada Transportation Security Clearance (TSC) – This is a background security check conducted by Transport Canada to be eligible for Restricted Area Identity Cards (RAICs). This must be renewed every five years. When renewing your TSC, we recommend that you start the process six months before its expiry date.

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. You require a completed RAIC application that has been authorized by your Company Signing Authority. See RAIC Terms and Conditions for additional information.

Security Control Pass (temporary pass) – The Security Control Pass is a temporary pass issued while awaiting TSC clearance for a full RAIC. This pass permits employees to work in restricted areas and is valid for 3 months. If TSC approval is not received within this period, the pass can be extended. To renew an expired Security Control Pass, a new RAIC application form must be submitted, authorized by your Company Signing Authority. A security pass will only be issued upon providing a Canadian Criminal Record Check indicating no criminal record. Should a CCRC note a criminal conviction, your employer will provide you with further information.

Specialized Passes:

Keycards - A keycard is access given on a case by case basis whether you're on a temporary or permanent pass. This requires notation on the RAIC (Restricted Area Identity Card) application form signed by a signing authority. If additional access is required, than a keycard application form needs to be completed indicating the proper access required and signed by a signing authority.

Access Control Officer Card - Access Control Officer (ACO) Cards are only for A.S.P. Access Control guards. They are required to do a yearly test to renew their ACO cards, to show that they are up to date with policies and procedures of the airport. Original passes are issued by the company. The pass office only issues renewal ACO cards. 

Airside vehicle operator’s permits (AVOPs) - AVOPs certify airport employees who can drive airside, which means driving in our gate, runway, and aircraft taxi areas. All additional information pertaining to the AVOP program can be found in the Airport Traffic Directives. You require a completed AVOP Application Form that has been authorized by your Company Signing Authority.

TSC & RAIC Application and Renewal 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.

1. Initiate Transport Canada Transportation Security Clearance (TSC)

This is a background security check conducted by Transport Canada. This must be renewed every five years. You must complete the onboarding process with your employer. Your employer will initiate your TSC application via the Transportation Security Service (TSS) platform.
Applicants will receive an invitation from the Signing Authority to apply for TSC. Applicants will then proceed with the onboarding process as detailed in the: 

For existing employees: When renewing your TSC, we recommend that you start the process six months before its expiry date otherwise you will be subjected to the CCRC requirement. 

For out-of-country employees: Please visit the Government of Canada’s website for travel and out of country documentation requirements.

For questions or assistance on the Transportation Security Clearance application, please contact your company signing authority. 

Useful Links for TSC Applications:

2. 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 TSC to obtain a RAIC
  • An existing RAIC holder applying to renew their TSC and RAIC before expiry
  • A returning RAIC holder who has not worked at Toronto Pearson for more than 12 months and requires a new RAIC
  • An existing RAIC holder transferring from another Canadian airport to Toronto Pearson requiring a YYZ RAIC.

Take the Airport Security and Safety Awareness course.

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.

3. Book Your 1st Appointment at the Pass Office to Submit your TSC Application

You will receive an email from the Pass Office to submit your Transportation Security Clearance (TSC) during your first visit.

For this appointment, you must bring these original documents with you:

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)
  • 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’s license.

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
  • Work / Student Visa
  • 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

You can book an appointment by visiting the Pass Office page.

After your 1st Pass Office Appointment: Your Security Control Pass (temporary pass)

For new employees, you may be given a Security Control Pass at your first appointment- a temporary pass issued by the Pass Office in order to allow an employee to work in a restricted area, with restrictions, until Transport Canada grants a security clearance and you are eligible for a full RAIC.

Security Control Passes are valid for three months. A security control pass holder may extend a valid Security Control Pass by visiting the Pass Office for an extension. If you let your Security Control Pass expire, you will need to complete a new RAIC application form and effective March 31, you will also be required to bring a Canadian Criminal Records Check (CCRC) dated within 3 months of appointment and signed by company signing authority.

4. Wait for your TSC Security Clearance

The average wait time is three to six months. You and your employer will both be notified when your TSC has been granted.

During Transport Canada’s review process, which includes a background check, Transport Canada or the Pass 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.

While you’re waiting for your TSC, you may need to renew your temporary Security Control Pass. A security control pass holder may extend a valid Security Control Pass by visiting the Pass Office for an extension. If you let your Security Control Pass expire, you will need to complete a new RAIC application form. A new RAIC application is effective March 31.

5. Book a 2nd Appointment at the Pass Office to obtain a Restricted Area Identity Card (RAIC)

Once your TSC has been granted, you may apply for a permanent RAIC. To apply for a RAIC, you must bring the following documents to the Pass Office:

  • A hard copy of your completed RAIC application that has been authorized by your Company Signing Authority
  • All security items previously issued to you by the Pass Office.
  • In addition to your personal ID, the Pass Office will also record your fingerprints and iris photo to create your RAIC.
    Note: You cannot wear coloured contact lenses to this appointment as it will interfere with ability to obtain your biometrics.

You can book an appointment by visiting the Pass Office page.

Frequently asked questions