Yes its true ! Its called the 'Instrument Foreign Pilot' test...basically a computer based multi choice test
When a U.S. pilot certificate is issued under FAR 61.75, it will include all the ratings (including large aircraft type ratings) that the applicant is qualified for on his foreign pilot certificate except for the instrument rating. If a foreign pilot wishes to obtain a U.S. certificate under FAR 61.75 and include instrument privileges that he may have on his foreign certificate, he must take a written (computer) knowledge test to show familiarity with our instrument rules of flight. This test is called the Instrument Foreign Pilot (IFP) test
Shame it doesn't work both ways
