Processing times for Transportation Security Clearance applications depends on how complex your background checks are, and the accuracy of information you included in your application.
The processing time for your application:
- starts once we receive your application, fingerprints and all supporting documents
- only applies if you correctly completed your application
- doesn’t include mailing time for paper documents.
Service standards
Transport Canada starts processing your application once the complete application is received (including all supporting documents and fingerprints). This may take up to 10 business days following your verification appointment.
After Transport Canada confirms that we’re processing your application, it can take us up to 60 business days to return a decision.
| Reason for delay | Impact on service standards |
|---|---|
|
You’ve spent 6 months or more outside of Canada and the U.S. in the last 5 years. |
It could take more than 60 days to process your application, and you may need to submit extra documents or information. You can find more details on these documents in the Guidelines for Transportation Security Clearance (TSC) Applications with Extended Out-of-Country (OOC) Implications |
|
You’ve had your Transportation Security Clearance refused or cancelled in the last 5 years. |
You must wait 5 years (to the day) to reapply. If the circumstances that led to the refusal/cancellation have changed, you may be able to reapply. |
|
You have outstanding criminal charges. |
If you have outstanding criminal charges (in other words, your case is still before the courts and no final decision has been made), other than driving-related offences, you should wait until a final decision is made on your case before submitting your application. |
|
You have a criminal history or close associations with known criminals. |
It could take more than 60 days to process your application. |