This is how we’ll process your application for a Transportation Security Clearance:
Step 1
Your employer will create an account for you on the Transportation Security Services (TSS) platform, using your email address. You’ll then receive an email from Transport Canada inviting you to initiate your TSS platform account.
To access your TSS account, you must sign in/up with GCKey or Sign in with a Sign-in Partner and add a method for two-factor authentication. Your account initiation email will provide steps to follow and guidance tutorials.
Note: Two-factor authentication is a security process that requires a second way of confirming your identity, usually by sending you a time sensitive code that you need to enter to access your account.
Step 2
Provide required details, documents, and consents:
- complete your Transportation Security Clearance application
- upload all required documents
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optional: share for review
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Note: At some sites, you can share your application with your company’s signing authority to review it for completeness before submitting it. This step is optional, and should only be chosen if you’re comfortable sharing your personal information with your employer
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- review all the details on your application, give your consent and submit your application.
Once you’ve completed Step 2, your employer will confirm that you need a Transportation Security Clearance. Then, your application will be sent to the Pass Control Office/Enrolment Site for review. At this point, you may be asked to provide more details or documents.
Note: When a task is completed or an action is required on your application, you’ll receive an email at the address you provided when signing up, inviting you to log in to your TSS account. It is important that you act and respond to any email notification received.
Step 3
Book and attend your verification appointment:
- when your application is complete, you’ll receive a notification inviting you to book a verification appointment.
- follow the procedures from the Pass Control Office/Enrolment Site included in the notification.
- bring all your supporting documents (only originals or certified true copies will be accepted) and all out-of-country documents (if applicable) to your Pass Control Office/Enrolment Site.
- you must also bring a valid photo-ID card, or document issued by the Government of Canada, province, or municipality in Canada
- the Pass Control Office/Enrolment Site will confirm your identity, take your fingerprints and your picture, and ensure that your digital application is complete, and send it to Transport Canada.
Step 4
Transport Canada works with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and the United States (U.S.) Customs and Border Protection check to do:
- a criminal record check
- a law enforcement records check (including information gathered for law enforcement purposes)
- a CSIS indices check, and a CSIS security assessment (if needed)
- an immigration and citizenship status check (if applicable)
- a check of U.S. criminal databanks (if applicable).
Transport Canada grants security clearances based on the information you include in your application, your documentation and the information found through background checks.
Once our evaluation is completed and there are no concerns, Transport Canada will grant the security clearance and will notify the appropriate Pass Control Office or Enrolment Site.