The information in the following section is directed to employers and employees who work and/or operate business at Hamilton International Airport and is not intended for the general public.

Please review the instructions below carefully before your appointment. Please double check that your forms are filled out correctly and that you have all the required documents with you when you arrive for your appointment as mistakes in your application and/or missing documentation will cause processing delays.

When renewing your Transportation Security Clearance (TSC), we recommend that you start the process six months before its expiry date.

Step 1: Apply for Transportation Security Clearance (TSC) with Transport Canada through the Transportation Security Services site (TSS)

• Your employer will upload your contact information to the Transportation Security Services site to begin the application process.  You will then receive a link to sign up. Please visit the Government of Canada’s website for travel and out of country documentation requirements if required for your application.
• Once you have entered the requirements of the application, we strongly recommend you select “Share to review” as this allows your Signing Authority to view your application and check for errors, prior to the application being submitted to the Pass Control Office for review. Please note that this step is optional but recommended.

*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 Control Office on request or when your employment ends.

Step 2: Submit your completed TSC application to the Airport

Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the Pass Control Office. If no changes are required, you will be notified to make an appointment. Book a TSC appointment with the Pass Control Office using our online system. Do not book an appointment without receiving the notification email from the Pass Control Office.

As the TSC application has been transitioned to an online platform, there is no need to print out your TSC application for the appointment; however, you must bring these original documents with you:

• A hard copy of your completed Restricted Area Identity Card (RAIC) Application that has been authorized by your Company Signing Authority
• Please visit the Government of Canada’s website for travel and out of country documentation requirements
• Original identification, as applicable below

Step 3: Pass appointment and temporary pass

At your pass appointment, the pass control officer will go over the following:

• TSC application which will be accessed online
• Validity of supporting documents
• Signed RAIC application form
• Completed Security Awareness Quiz

During the appointment, the pass control officer will be required to take your photo for your temporary pass as well as complete fingerprinting.

A temporary pass can be issued by the Pass Control Office in order to allow an employee to work in a restricted area, with restrictions, until Transport Canada grants a security clearance. A temporary pass is a privilege extended by Hamilton International and may be revoked at any time. Temporary Passes are valid for six months. A temporary pass holder may extend a valid security control pass by booking an appointment with the Pass Control Office for an extension. If you let your temporary pass expire, you will need to complete a new RAIC application form.

Please note: a temporary pass is the only document of entitlement available for an individual, who does not possess a valid RAIC or Canada Pass, to access the restricted aerodrome while employed at Hamilton International. Use of visitor passes (“V” passes) in lieu of obtaining a RAIC, Canada Pass or temporary pass is strictly prohibited. Any use of visitor passes for regular employment purposes, including training, may result in significant penalties for signing authorities, individuals and companies.

Safety Awareness Program Video and Quiz 

New applicants are required to review John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport’s Security Awareness Program training video and complete the accompanying test material. You must bring a printed copy of the completed test with you to your appointment.

Step 4: Wait for your TSC to be approved

After your pass appointment, your application is now complete and will be sent out to Transport Canada for approval. You will be notified you when your TSC has been granted. 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 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.

While you’re waiting for your TSC, you may need to renew your temporary pass, which is valid for six months. You can book an appointment with the Pass Control Office for an extension or email passcontrol@flyhamilton.ca.

Step 5: Apply for a Restricted Area Identity Card (RAIC)

Once your TSC has been granted, you will receive notification from the Pass Control Office. You may then apply for a RAIC. To apply for a RAIC, you must bring the following documents to the Pass Control 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 Control Office
• A valid government issued photo ID

In order for your RAIC to be issued your photo will be taken and your biometrics (fingerprints and iris) will be scanned.