Security Clearance Application Process

Safety and security is our top priority. To ensure the highest level of security is maintained at John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, all personnel entering restricted areas of the Airport must have the appropriate security clearances and adhere to Transport Canada regulations to prevent or reduce unlawful interference with civil aviation.

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.

1. Complete your TSC application

Step 1: To apply for your TSC, please see your employer or sponsor. Visit the Government of Canada’s website for travel and out of country documentation requirements.

Step 2: Submit the online application form on the Transport Canada website, and print and scan (or save) a PDF version of your completed application. Your Company Signing Authority* must sign the hard copy. Do not write on the application form, including edits or corrections. If you need to make a change to your application, redo it completely.

*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.

2. Submit your completed TSC application to the Airport

Book an appointment with the Pass Control Office using our online system to submit your application.

You must bring these original documents with you:

  • A hard copy of your completed TSC application that has been authorized by your Company Signing Authority;
  • 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; 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’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
  • 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

Do not write on the TSC form, including edits or corrections. Incomplete forms and handwritten forms will not be accepted. If you provide false information or misrepresent yourself, your application will not be processed.

Temporary Pass

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.

Temporary Passes are valid for three months. A temporary pass holder may extend a valid security control pass by booking an appointment the Pass Control Office for an extension.

If you let your Temporary Pass expire, you will need to complete a new RAIC application form.

3. 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 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.

You will be notified you when your TSC has been granted.

While you’re waiting for your TSC, you may need to renew your temporary Pass, which is valid for three months. You can book an appointment with the Pass Control Office for an extension.

4. Apply for a Restricted Area Identity Card (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 that has been authorized by your Company Signing Authority
  • All security items previously issued to you by the Pass Control Office.

In addition to your personal ID, the Pass Office will also record your fingerprints and iris photo to create your RAIC.

Safety Awareness Program Video and Quiz 

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

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Please click the button below to access the Security Awareness Program Quiz.