Originally Posted by
rudestuff
Don't get confused between an "on the basis of" or part 61.75 certificate, which does not require a test - and a full FAA certificate, which does.
I think we're saying the same thing - see my "unless the OP is actually applying for the license" bit ("certificate" would have been more clear in FAA land, but I always forget just how "different" the US regs are). Bottom line is, yes, the FAA certificate might be a better way to get to the Canadian license than a direct conversion. (With the big caveat that the OP would need appropriate entry visas for dealing with the FAA process, since I don't think they have offices outside the US)
I should, at this point, note that I don't know the full process for the FAA licensing, and how involved it is. I
believe there's at least a couple of in-person visits to licensing offices involved... but there's a whole other forum for the US on here, where there might be more info.