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CANPASS Air
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Border clearance in the blink of an eye
CANPASS Air is a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) program that allows frequent, pre-approved commercial airline travellers to meet their border clearance obligations by simply looking into a camera that recognizes the iris of the eye as proof of identity.
The iris biometric recognition technology used in this program is safe, fast, and considered to be one of the most accurate and non-invasive in the world.
Member privileges
Being a CANPASS Air member allows you to: use the self-service kiosk when entering Canada; avoid the regular customs and immigration line-ups, and pay duties and taxes more easily. Your membership is valid for one year. The CBSA will re-assess your eligibility when you renew your membership.
All travellers may be subject to an examination by border services officers. To avoid delays, remember to carry your CANPASS Air membership card, proof of identity and valid travel documents with you each time you travel to Canada.
Who can apply?
You can apply if you are a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, or a citizen or resident alien of the United States. You must have also resided in either country, or a combination of both, for the last three consecutive years.
You will qualify if you:
- are admissible to Canada under applicable immigration laws;
- reside in Canada or the United States;
- provide true and accurate information on your application;
- do not have a criminal record or have been granted a pardon or rehabilitation for a criminal offence (alcohol-related driving offences, such as driving while intoxicated, are criminal offences in Canada);
- have not had a customs seizure within the past five years; and
- are not in violation of customs or immigration legislation.
Note: Children under the age of 18 need the consent of a parent or legal guardian to enrol. If neither parent is present to enrol in the program, or if there is only one custodial parent or guardian, the boder services officer will need documentary evidence of custody. The documents have to establish that the adult is the parent or legal guardian.
Infants under the age of one are not eligible for this program.
How to apply
Each applicant, including those under the age of 18, must complete the attached application form. There are two ways to submit your application - by mail or in-person.
To enrol for CANPASS Air at Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton or Winnipeg international airports, mail your completed form, along with proof of citizenship or permanent resident status, and the CAN $50 processing fee to:
Canadian Processing Centre
28 176th Street
Surrey, BC V3S 9R9
CANADA
To enrol for CANPASS Air at Halifax, Toronto, or Montréal international airports, mail your completed CANPASS Air application package to:
Canadian Processing Centre
1st Floor, 400 Place d'Youville
Montréal QC H2Y 2C2
CANADA
You may also drop off your completed application package at a CANPASS Air enrolment centre. Visit the CBSA's CANPASS Website for the locations.
If you are a Canadian or U.S. citizen, you have to provide a photocopy of one of the following as proof of citizenship:
- birth certificate and photo identification;
- valid passport;
- citizenship certificate (with photo) or card;
- certificate of naturalization;
- certificate of retention of Canadian citizenship;
- certificate of Indian status in Canada or
- certificate of Registration of Birth Abroad.
If you have permanent resident status in Canada or resident alien status in the United States, you have to provide a photocopy of one of the following as proof of residency:
- valid United States alien registration card; or
- valid Canadian permanent resident card.
DO NOT send original documents with your application form, as we will not return them to you. It takes four to six weeks to process applications.
You can also download the application form from the CBSA's CANPASS Website
We can only process your application if:
- you have enclosed the processing fee;
- you have signed all required documents;
- you have answered all criminality questions; and
- you have enclosed proof of citizenship or permanent resident status
Note: To work or study in Canada, United States citizens and resident aliens normally need a work or study permit from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). You must have this authorization before you can apply to CANPASS Air.
For more information, contact a CIC office in Canada or a Canadian visa office in the United States. You can also visit the CIC Website
Processing fee
There is a CAN $50 non-refundable processing fee. You can pay by VISA, MasterCard, AMEX, cheque or money order. Make your cheque or money order payable to the Receiver General for Canada. We will not process your application until we receive the fee. There is no fee for children under the age of 18.
Note: The CANPASS Air processing fee is non-refundable, whether you are accepted to the program or not.
Approval process
Canadian law enforcement agencies will verify the information you have provided on your application to make sure you meet the requirements of the Customs Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
If your application is approved, you will receive a letter inviting you to report to a CANPASS Air enrolment centre to complete the enrolment process. You have 90 days from the date on the letter to finalize your enrolment.
If you do not meet the eligibility criteria, you will be notified in writing.
CANPASS Air enrolment centre
When you report to the enrolment centre, an officer will:
- review the information on your application form;
- verify your identity, proof of citizenship and travel documents;
- finalize your eligibility requirements for membership;
- take a digital photograph of your iris,* to confirm your identity each time you enter Canada;
- take a digital photograph of your face for your membership card;
- issue your CANPASS Air membership card;
- explain the Travellers Declaration Card process;
- explain the terms and conditions of the CANPASS Air program; and
- show you how to use the self-service airport kiosk.
* The border services officer will ask you to look into a digital camera and will take a photograph of your eyes. The iris biometric template will be stored in a central, secure CBSA database. Only authorized CBSA officials will have access to this information.
Members can use kiosks at any international airport where CANPASS Air is available.
As the program expands, CANPASS Air will be available at other international airports. Please check the CBSA's CANPASS Website for the latest information
Need more information?
Within Canada, call our toll-free Border Information Service at 1-800-461-9999.
Outside Canada, call (204) 983-3500 or (506) 636-5064 (long-distance charges apply).
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