Clearances on file before day one.
In Ontario construction, a subcontractor’s WSIB clearance has to be in place before the work starts and for as long as it lasts. A clearance runs up to 90 days, so a long job needs more than one. Here is what one is, why it protects you and how to check it, from WSIB’s own pages.
What it is
Proof your subcontractor is covered
A clearance is a number WSIB gives a registered business that is up to date on its premiums and reporting. Only businesses in good standing can get one.
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Why you check it
When you hire a subcontractor, you’re the principal for that work. While their clearance is valid, WSIB won’t hold you liable for premiums and other amounts the subcontractor owes it. Without one, you may be liable for what they owe, up to the labour portion of your contract with them.
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In construction, it’s required
A clearance has to be in place before any construction work begins and for the whole job. Working without a valid one is an offence for the contractor and for whoever hired them, with fines of up to $100,000.
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How long it lasts
Up to 90 days from the date it’s issued. Most expire on the 20th of February, May, August and November, and WSIB issues the next one automatically if the account stays in good standing.
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Long jobs
The clearance has to cover the full length of the job, so if the work runs past the expiry date, you need the next one.
How to check one
Look it up, save it, check it again
Looking up a clearance is free, and WSIB’s quick access service needs no login.
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Open quick access clearances
On wsib.ca, quick access clearances lets you find, view and download a clearance without an account.
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Search for the business
Search by business name, phone number, CRA business name, address, city or postal code.
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Save it with the job
Download the clearance and keep it on file. Principals and contractors have to keep clearance records for at least three years.
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Check again before it runs out
The next clearance isn’t available until after the renewal date. With a WSIB online services account, you can keep a list of your contractors and get reminder emails.
Where we come in
We watch the dates. You decide who starts.
We don’t give legal advice or decide who works on your site. We build the automation that keeps the clearances on file, watches the dates and tells you what’s missing.
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On file before day one
Each subcontractor’s clearance on file before they start, matched to the job, with a hold on anyone due on site without one.
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Renewed before it lapses
The expiry dates checked every night, and the next clearance asked for and filed after each renewal date.
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Kept for the record
Every clearance kept with the job, so you can show what was on file and when.
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Insurance certificates too
Subcontractors’ certificates of insurance kept with the same job, with their end dates watched the same way.
Sources
Checked on November 4, 2026
Every fact on this page comes from these official pages. Where this page and the official one ever differ, go by the official one.
Questions
What owners ask
Do I need one for a home renovation?
WSIB says clearances aren’t required for contractors hired by a home’s resident, occupant or a family member for home repairs or renovations. A business hiring subcontractors is a different case.
Does it cost anything?
Looking one up is free, and so are clearances. A newly registered business that needs one at registration usually pays a $250 advance, which WSIB credits toward its future premiums.
What if a subcontractor can’t get one?
Only businesses that are registered and up to date with WSIB can get a clearance. If their account is marked ineligible, they have to bring it up to date first. Whether they can work for you in the meantime is a question for WSIB or your advisor.
Can you keep track of these for us?
We build the automation that does it, in your own systems: clearances gathered from your inbox and drive, dates checked every night, and a morning list of what’s missing. You decide who works on your site.
More guides
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Book a call
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