Here you will learn how to convert your ICAO license in 5 simple steps

Step 1: Obtain a Category 1 Medical

A category 1 medical is required for a CPL and ATPL.

The Transport Canada CAT I medical can be taken before or after arrival in Canada. Some countries allow pilots to take TC Class 1 medical locally. To find out if a TC medical examiner is available in your country/region click the link below.. 

Civil aviation medical examiners search: Click here

Note: Not every doctor is approved by Transport Canada. So please use the above link to search for an  electrocardiogram.

Important: I recommend passing your medical ASAP due to possible long processing times of 6 months.

Step 2: Submit proof of experience

For a CPL Conversion

You must meet the following criteria:

• 200 flight hours Total Time
• 100 hours PIC (Pilot in command)
• 10 hours Night (includes 5 hours dual flight and 5 hours solo flight)
• 20 hours instrument (Max 10 hours in a flight training device)
• 20 hours of cross country navigation (To a point of a 300 NM away)

For an ATPL Conversion

You must meet the following criteria:

• 1500 hours Total Time
• 250 hours PIC (pilot in command)
• 100 hours night flying (includes 25 hours of night navigation)
• 250 hours of cross country navigation
• 75 hours of instrument (Max 20 hours in a flight training device)

Step 3: Pass the 3 written exams

Once the documents have been reviewed and approved by TC, you will be required to take 3 ATPL examinations. They are:

1) Meteorology, Radio Aids to Navigation and Flight Planning (SAMRA);

2) Aviation Regulations and Air Traffic Procedures, Aeroplane Operations and General Navigation (SARON); and

3) Instrument Rating (INRAT). 

All 3 exams (SAMRA, SARON and INRAT) are conducted on 3 separate days.

You can book your examinations at one of the following regional offices. Click Here

Use pilotdmello's help to pass your exams. We have helped several hundred pilots pass this exam.

To convert your Instrument Rating INRAT exam in Canada, visit my INRAT prep: https://courses.www.pilotdmello.com/inrat-exam-preparation  

To Convert your ATPL SAMRA SARON exams in Canada, visit my ATPL prep: https://courses.www.pilotdmello.com/atpl-exam-preparation

We don't have a CPL exam prep conversion at this moment. Coming soon this year.

Step 4: Pass the practical flight test/ check ride

 You must demonstrate to Transport Canada that you can also pass the check ride in an actual airplane or simulator.

For your ATPL there are 2 flight tests to complete. CPL flight test/ATPL sim flight test and a Multi Engine Instrument Rating Flight Test.

An applicant for an ATPL-A shall successfully complete a flight test in a multi-engine aeroplane (excluding centre-line thrust) which is suitably equipped for IFR flight in controlled airspace. The Flight tests usually cost between $1000-$2000.

A full flight simulator such as Airbus/Boeing/CRJ etc. can be used. You cannot use a small non-motion flight training device.

The conversion training can be accomplished using a regular Visitor's Visa. You will need to apply for the Visitors Visa at the local Canadian Consulate.

Step 5: Submit the documents

All the hard work is complete. Now it's time to submit the documents.

Then pay the appropriate licence fee. They will not process your application until they receive this fee. Use Transport Canada's new Online Payment System – this is the fastest way to pay.

Once all the documents have been received by Transport Canada and fees paid. They will review all the paperwork and, if approved, will issue your TC ATPL and mail it to you.

Also fill out Aviation Document Booklet application and bring in a passport picture (original) for the Aviation Document Booklet.
With a pilot who is current and proficient the above will take approximately 2 weeks.

That's it!

For a detailed list of all the conversion regulations and process. Visit the official TC help guide:

 Licensing for foreign pilots steps: https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/licensing-pilots-personnel/flight-crew-licences-permits-ratings/licensing-foreign-pilots#credit  

You can also watch my YouTube video below explaining it in more detail.