If you are a foreign pilot who wants to work as a pilot in Canada, you must hold a valid Canadian Commercial or Airline Transport License. The information included below is a summary based on regulations set by Transport Canada in CARs 421.
Transport Canada References:
- Standard 421 – Flight Crew Permits, Licences and Ratings – Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) (canada.ca)
- Licensing for foreign pilots (canada.ca)
Credit For Foreign Training and Skills
Transport Canada (TC) will grant credits to foreign licence holders if:
- You have a valid medical
- You hold an ICAO licence from an ICAO contracting state
Transport Canada will consider ground school instruction met if:
- You hold a CPL or higher type pilot licence in the aeroplane category, issued by a ICAO contracting state
- You meet the experience requirements
Airline Transport Pilot Licence – Aeroplane
To obtain a Canadian airline transport pilot licence – aeroplane (ATPL-A), foreign pilots must meet all requirements set out in CARs 421.34. The following information is a summary of the requirements only
- Obtain/hold a valid TC CAT1 aviation medical (certificate) – Medical fitness for aviation (canada.ca)
- Aviation medical examiners designated by contracting states of the ICAO may do your medical exam. TC will supply you with the correct medical form upon request.
- Provide proof of meeting the experience requirement. TC will require to see your logbook for review. (Cars 421.34 paragraph 4)
- To meet the knowledge requirement; successfully complete the SAMRA, SARON and INRAT exams (CARs 421.34 paragraph 3)
- To meet the skill requirement; successfully completing a flight test in a multi-engine aeroplane suitably equipped for instrument flight rules (IFR) flight in controlled airspace. (excluding centre-line thrust) (CARs 421.34 paragraph 5)
- Complete your licence application
- Submit proof of foreign citizenship and age (CARs 421.06 paragraph 1 & 2 for a list of approved documents
- Provide your foreign licence and log book for evaluation
- Submit your licence application form – Flight crew licences, permits and ratings (canada.ca)
- Pay the appropriate licence fee. TC will not process your application until they receive this fee. Use the new TC Online Payment System – this is the fastest way to pay
- You may also submit payment (cheque, Visa, Mastercard or American Express) to a Civil Aviation regional office, usually with your application form.
Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane
To obtain a Canadian commercial pilot licence – aeroplane category (CPL-A), foreign pilots must meet all requirements set out in the CARs Standard 421, section 421.30. The following information is a summary of the requirements only
- Obtain/hold a valid TC CAT1 aviation medical (certificate) – Medical fitness for aviation (canada.ca
- Aviation medical examiners designated by contracting states of the ICAO may do your medical exam. TC will supply you with the correct medical form upon request.
- Provide proof of meeting the experience requirement. TC will require to see your logbook for review. (Cars 421.34 paragraph 4)
- To meet the knowledge requirement; successfully complete the Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane (CPAER) written examination (CARs 421.30 paragraph 3)
- To Meet the skill requirement; successfully completing a practical flight test (CARs 421.30 paragraph 5)
- Complete your licence application
- Submit proof of foreign citizenship and age (CARs 421.06 paragraph 1 & 2 for a list of approved documents
- Provide your foreign licence and log book for evaluation
- Submit your licence application form – Flight crew licences, permits and ratings (canada.ca)
- Pay the appropriate licence fee. TC will not process your application until they receive this fee. Use the new TC Online Payment System – this is the fastest way to pay
- You may also submit payment (cheque, Visa, Mastercard or American Express) to a Civil Aviation regional office, usually with your application form.
Multi-Engine Rating
To obtain a multi-engine rating endorsed on the CPL-A, you must meet the requirements set out in CARs Standard 421, section 421.38, para. (3)
Transport Canada (TC) may issue you a multi-engine rating based upon your current rating if you fulfill one of the following:
- You have 50 hours of experience as pilot-in-command on multi-engine aeroplanes during the 12 months preceding the date of application for the rating, or
- You met the prescribed standards, of the State concerned, for issue of a multi-engine class rating during the 12 months preceding the date of application for the rating
If you cannot meet these requirements, you must successfully complete a practical flight test
Instrument Rating (Group 1)
To obtain an instrument rating endorsed on the CPL-A, you must meet the knowledge and skill requirements set out in CARs Standard 421, section 421.46 by successfully completing:
- The Instrument Rating (INRAT) written examination, and
- A flight test
Foreign Licence Validation Certificate (Recreational Pilots)
Visitors to Canada may have a foreign pilot licence validated for private recreational purposes. The foreign pilot licence must be valid:
- Under the law of the issuing state, and
- For privileges appropriate to the reason you’re flying
You may apply for a foreign licence validation certificate before arriving in Canada. The certificate will be issued for a period of one year. After a year you may renew it or apply for a permanent Canadian pilot licence.
To learn more about the certificate, including how to apply, read Advisory Circular 400-003: Foreign Licence Validation Certificate.