Thanks to Adam Penner of
Harv's Air for the following advice on visa requirements for foreign pilots wishing to train or fly for pleasure in Canada.
Who needs a visa to fly in Canada and what type will you need:
If you are coming to hour build, a flying holiday, Private Pilot Licence, Commercial Pilot Licence, Multi IFR, or any other course for 6 months or less, a student visa is NOT required. For a longer term course of more then 6 months a student visa must be obtained. For details about the Canadian student visa system:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/index.html
Licence Conversions to the Canadian licence:
To fly a Canadian registered aircraft you have to obtain a Canadian pilot licence. If you already have a ICAO (including JAA or FAA) pilot licence, then to obtain a Canadian Pilot Licence there are several options depending on what you want to accomplish in Canada. A foreign licence Validation is the easiest to obtain and can be completed by fax and email before you arrive in Canada. For exact details on all licence conversions:_
http://www.tc.gc.ca/civilaviation/ge...onnel/fore.htm