i4C works on Federal Government opportunities in Canada and to be presented to these opportunities, it is required that a consultant holds a valid security clearance.  The process can take 2 weeks to a year depending on the level of security clearance and your personal history and it is administered through Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC).

To receive your security clearance, you must first get fingerprints from an accredited fingerprinting agency.  Following this, i4C can sponsor your clearance for the role you are being presented for – this involves needing your Full Legal Name, Date of Birth, the DCN Number from the Fingerprints, and two pieces of identification.

There are three different main levels of security clearances within the Canadian government.

Reliability Status (RS): The Reliability Status is the entry-level security clearance required for individuals who need access to protected or controlled information, assets, or work environments. This clearance is typically obtained by contractors, consultants, and employees who handle sensitive but unclassified materials. The RS involves a background check, including criminal record verification and reference checks.

Secret Clearance: Secret Clearance is the mid-level security clearance within the Canadian government. It is required for individuals who handle confidential information that, if disclosed, could harm national security or endanger the safety of individuals. This level of clearance involves a comprehensive background investigation, which includes a thorough examination of an individual’s personal, professional, and financial history.

Top Secret Clearance: Top Secret Clearance is the highest level of security clearance in the Canadian government. It grants access to highly classified information that, if compromised, could cause significant harm to national security or the safety of individuals. Obtaining Top Secret Clearance entails an extensive background investigation, including interviews with references, coworkers, and family members. Candidates must demonstrate a high level of trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to Canada.

Some government contracts require NATO Secret clearance is considered an advanced level of security clearance that goes beyond the standard Secret clearance. It allows individuals to handle classified information pertaining to NATO’s defense plans, strategies, intelligence reports, and other sensitive materials shared among NATO member countries.

Obtaining NATO Secret clearance involves a thorough background investigation and evaluation of an individual’s loyalty, trustworthiness, and reliability. The clearance process may include comprehensive interviews, reference checks, financial inquiries, and other forms of verification to ensure the candidate is suitable for accessing NATO-related classified information.

We’ve put together a few helpful links to help you understand the fingerprinting process:.

Government of Canada policies, standards and directives>> 

Government of Canada policy on government security>> 

Personnel security screening overview>>