Concerning foreign ATPL and conversion to the United States is pretty easy, so easy it's basically ridiculous.
Foreign Pilot Certificate Conversions (FAR 61.75):
In order to convert your foreign pilot certificates and ratings to FAA pilot certificates and ratings you must accomplish the following:
- Bring a valid government issued photo ID
- Bring original foreign pilot certificates and ratings.
- Bring foreign pilot medical andor FAA issued medical certficate (minimum class III).
- Fill out and bring to the examiner a letter of Verification or authenticity of foreign license, rating, and medical certification which is issued by the FAA to verify foreign pilot certificate and ratings held.
The process of obtaining the letter of verification of foreign licenses from the FAA may take several weeks so plan in advance.
- if you want instrument rating priviliges on your FAA license issued on the basis of your foreign pilot license, you must take a IRA (Instrument Rating written test for foreign pilots conversions).
- Complete an online IACRA or a Paper copy FAA 8710 Form and bring it to the examiner.