Originally Posted by
rudestuff
Have a look at getting an FAA certificate. The FAA will accept PIC time that has been flown dual.
Then have a look at AC 401-001
Having had a look at it, it has this fun bit in it:
Originally Posted by AC 401-001, 1.2 Applicability
(3) Holders of a FAA airman certificate issued on the basis of another foreign pilot licence are not eligible for conversion under this agreement.
So, no, no sneaking around the regs, unless you apply for an FAA license based on your hours (instead of as a conversion), but I would imagine that would involve a mountain of paperwork, especially coming from a place the US isn't too crazy about.
Speaking of paperwork, OP, make sure you have all your training paperwork from back home translated and notarized in Canada when you are doing this process. Email Transport Canada licensing to make sure you have a record of the exact things you'll need. If you can't get originals, you might also have to have notarized copies of them from back home as well.
(The joys of moving from a non-English-writing country are all very exciting)