REQUESTS FOR VISITS

A Request for Visit (RFV) (PDF 500KB) form is required when a security cleared individual must visit a government/commercial organization in Canada or abroad, for the purpose of having access to Classified information and assets on an oral, physical or visual basis, or where access to installations is restricted in the interest of national security. The host organization will deny access to Classified information and assets or access to certain restricted work sites, unless the visitors' Personnel Security Clearance level and their need-to-know have been verified and confirmed by the Canadian and International Industrial Security Directorate (CIISD) through official visit protocol.

In Canada, an RFV initiates a verification by CIISD that:

1. the visit is related to a classified contract/program or project;
   
2. the organization requesting the visit has an Organization Security Screening/Clearance to the required level;
   
3. each of the proposed visitors has a valid Personnel Security Clearance to the required level; and
   
4. foreign disclosure limitations, if any, are identified and strictly observed in accordance with international MOUs/Arrangements.
   

Visitors must not proceed with Classified visits without prior visit clearance authorization from CIISD.

Requests for Visits (RFV) require strict lead-times imposed by the authorities of foreign nations. Every effort must be made to ensure that lead-times are observed, as failure to do so will likely result in rejection of the RFV.

INTERNATIONAL VISITS PROCESSING TIMES

Upon receipt by the various National Security Authorities (NSAs)/Designated Security Authorities (DSAs) and NATO Management Agencies/Offices of a Request for Visit, the processing times are set forth below.

CIISD Representatives

Notwithstanding the foregoing, industrial security representatives of the Canadian and International Industrial Security Directorate (CIISD) who hold the appropriate level of Personnel Security Clearance may visit organizations in an official capacity without having notified, in advance, their intention to visit. The organization shall grant CIISD personnel access to Classified information upon presentation of valid Government of Canada identification. If in doubt as to the identity of the individual or level of access authorized, the Company Security Officer shall verify such credentials and level of clearance with CIISD.

Host Organization Responsibilities

Organizations hosting Classified visits are responsible for ensuring that no unauthorized disclosure occurs during the visit. Access to Classified information and assets higher than the level specified in the visit authorization shall not be granted, regardless of the level of the visitor's Personnel Security Screening.

It is the responsibility of the Company Security Officer or Authorized Official to ensure procedures are in place for the identification and control of visitors, and that a visitor register of all individuals who visit the facility for the purpose of having access to Classified information and assets is maintained.