Convert your FAA licence to Transport Canada
Holding a FAA pilot licence and moving to Canada? Here's what converting to a Transport Canada licence actually involves — the paperwork, exams, flight test, medical and English requirements at PPL, CPL and ATPL level. A bilateral agreement can streamline part of this route (see below). Every requirement below is set by Transport Canada, the authority issuing your new licence.
Bilateral: FAA ⇄ Transport Canada (IPL)
The FAA–TCCA Implementation Procedures for Licensing let you convert without meeting every requirement from scratch — usually the simplest route. Confirm scope for your licence level.
FAA to Transport Canada: PPL — Private Pilot Licence
- Application
- Get a licence-verification letter from your issuing authority, then apply to TCCA. A Foreign Licence Validation Certificate (FLVC) is available for short-term flying.
- Theory exams
- Meet CARs Standard 421.26 — a written exam (e.g. PSTAR/foreign-credit exam) may be required depending on foreign credits.
- Flight test
- A flight test may be required depending on the credits assessed.
- Medical
- Hold a Canadian Category 3 medical (aeroplane PPL).
- English
- Meet the Canadian aviation language-proficiency requirement.
FAA to Transport Canada: CPL — Commercial Pilot Licence
- Application
- Apply to TCCA with a licence-verification letter; foreign credits are assessed under CARs Standard 421.
- Theory exams
- Pass the required Canadian written examination(s).
- Flight test
- Pass a Canadian flight test where required.
- Medical
- Hold a Canadian Category 1 medical.
- English
- Meet the Canadian aviation language-proficiency requirement.
FAA to Transport Canada: ATPL — Airline Transport Pilot Licence
- Application
- Apply to TCCA; foreign credits assessed under CARs Standard 421.34.
- Theory exams
- Pass the required Canadian written examination(s) for the ATPL.
- Flight test
- Pass a Canadian flight test / meet the experience requirements.
- Medical
- Hold a Canadian Category 1 medical.
- English
- Meet the Canadian aviation language-proficiency requirement.
Official Transport Canada sources
Requirements change — always confirm the current rules with Transport Canada before you start.
FAA → Transport Canada: frequently asked questions
Is there a shortcut to convert a FAA licence to Transport Canada?
The FAA–TCCA Implementation Procedures for Licensing let you convert without meeting every requirement from scratch — usually the simplest route. Confirm scope for your licence level.
Do I have to retake theory exams to convert my FAA licence to Transport Canada?
Meet CARs Standard 421.26 — a written exam (e.g. PSTAR/foreign-credit exam) may be required depending on foreign credits. At commercial level: Pass the required Canadian written examination(s).
Do I need a flight test (skill test) for a Transport Canada commercial licence?
Pass a Canadian flight test where required.
What medical do I need for a Transport Canada airline (ATPL) licence?
Hold a Canadian Category 1 medical.
Does my ICAO English proficiency transfer to Transport Canada?
Meet the Canadian aviation language-proficiency requirement.
How do I apply to convert to a Transport Canada PPL?
Get a licence-verification letter from your issuing authority, then apply to TCCA. A Foreign Licence Validation Certificate (FLVC) is available for short-term flying.
Converting to fly in Canada?
AvLink matches you to Canada pilot roles by your actual hours, ratings and type certificates — so you can line up the seat while your conversion is underway.