Foreign National Obtaining a GTAA pass
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Canada
Hi,
I know this has been discussed before but I'm hoping somebody can give me up-to-date information.
I'm a British Citizen who has been employed by a Canadian Airline and am currently working under a work permit. I have an immigration application in process but this will take several more months until complete.
I've been advised by the GTAA pass office at YYZ that I am unable to obtain a Airside Pass without a Permanent Resident card or IMM1000 form. Have any other foreign nationals working in Canada on a work permit, found a solution to this problem?
I am in a rather ridiculous situation where I am unable to fly because I cannot obtain an ID to get through the airport.
Many thanks
I know this has been discussed before but I'm hoping somebody can give me up-to-date information.
I'm a British Citizen who has been employed by a Canadian Airline and am currently working under a work permit. I have an immigration application in process but this will take several more months until complete.
I've been advised by the GTAA pass office at YYZ that I am unable to obtain a Airside Pass without a Permanent Resident card or IMM1000 form. Have any other foreign nationals working in Canada on a work permit, found a solution to this problem?
I am in a rather ridiculous situation where I am unable to fly because I cannot obtain an ID to get through the airport.

Many thanks
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 406
Likes: 0
From: the twilight zone
Welcome to canada!! Bureaucratic bull!!!! at it's best
and taxes up the ying-yang everytime you turn around. That's why I left 4yrs ago. Don't miss anything about it!
Maybe I'll go for a visit sometime though.
and taxes up the ying-yang everytime you turn around. That's why I left 4yrs ago. Don't miss anything about it!
Maybe I'll go for a visit sometime though.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,517
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver Island
Steeley, you are in the most anal country in the free world when it comes to regulation of aviation by bureaucrats.
If you stay in Canada be prepared to work like a slave for the privilege of paying the salaries of these parasites.
If you stay in Canada be prepared to work like a slave for the privilege of paying the salaries of these parasites.
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: aintsaying
steeley737,
You can only get a "escort Required pass". Unless the rules have changed again. When I came here in '98 Iwas on an escort required pass until I got my pernament status, then I got a full airside pass after that.
Make sure you have copies of your old UK passes and a letter from the authority that issued the uk pass. keep records of your previous home addresses and copies of your old power bills, cable, phone, etc. this serves as evidence that you were infact there.
Your head will get sore from bashing it against the brick wall every single day for every single situation you will encounter here in Canada.
Yes its does get numb and the pain will be less!!
You can only get a "escort Required pass". Unless the rules have changed again. When I came here in '98 Iwas on an escort required pass until I got my pernament status, then I got a full airside pass after that.
Make sure you have copies of your old UK passes and a letter from the authority that issued the uk pass. keep records of your previous home addresses and copies of your old power bills, cable, phone, etc. this serves as evidence that you were infact there.
Your head will get sore from bashing it against the brick wall every single day for every single situation you will encounter here in Canada.
Yes its does get numb and the pain will be less!!
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Canada
Thanks for the advice.
I knew it was going to be hard, but this hard????aintsaying: my head is already sore!


I just want to fly the aeroplane I'm paid to fly!
At the end of the day it is my choice to be here and I don't regret coming to Canada in the slightest.....just let me fly!
I knew it was going to be hard, but this hard????aintsaying: my head is already sore!



I just want to fly the aeroplane I'm paid to fly!
At the end of the day it is my choice to be here and I don't regret coming to Canada in the slightest.....just let me fly!
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Canada
ODGUY,
Yes it is much easier for Canadian's to get a job in the UK. Admittedly getting a JAR Licence is a nightmare for you guys because you still have to sit all 14 JAA exams, but you are able to fly on a validation.
Any Canadian that has a type rating on a jet could probably walk into a job with a low cost ie Easyjet or Ryanair. Times are good in Europe.
Also don't worry about getting a work permit in the UK, anyone that turns up at the boarder normally has the right to work
Yes it is much easier for Canadian's to get a job in the UK. Admittedly getting a JAR Licence is a nightmare for you guys because you still have to sit all 14 JAA exams, but you are able to fly on a validation.
Any Canadian that has a type rating on a jet could probably walk into a job with a low cost ie Easyjet or Ryanair. Times are good in Europe.
Also don't worry about getting a work permit in the UK, anyone that turns up at the boarder normally has the right to work
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Everywhere
To fly on a validation in the UK it is company specific, they are not guaranteed, and you must have a company sponsor you as part of a reciprocity agreement. You must also have the right to work and live in the UK which is not simply a matter of showing up at the border...it's not quite as easy as you may think.

Joined: Jan 1998
Posts: 452
Likes: 0
From: Where the job is!
Apart from all the advice and information given on these and similar forums anyone contemplating moving to Canada should take a look at www.notcanada.com before making the move!
I fail to see why the lack of a red pass should stop a pilot from flying. All it means is that the individual has to be escorted to the plane at some major airports. So what! That is normal in many countries, particularly in Africa where one is accompanied to and from the plane by a couple of goons with AK47s. At least in Canada when arriving at an airport you may safely get out of the plane and walk to the terminal without risk of being shot because you did not wait for an escort. Oops, perhaps I am behind times and you will be tasered!
I fail to see why the lack of a red pass should stop a pilot from flying. All it means is that the individual has to be escorted to the plane at some major airports. So what! That is normal in many countries, particularly in Africa where one is accompanied to and from the plane by a couple of goons with AK47s. At least in Canada when arriving at an airport you may safely get out of the plane and walk to the terminal without risk of being shot because you did not wait for an escort. Oops, perhaps I am behind times and you will be tasered!
Last edited by Carrier; 2nd January 2008 at 17:44. Reason: addition
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: out of a suitcase
You can't just show up at Ryanair or Easyjet with a Canadian license and a British passport, even with a jet type rating and experience, and say "OK, I'd like my validation please, and I'll work on your exams while I'm here." If I can do that, sign me up. Easyjet or Ryanair recruiters out there, send me a PM if the piloicy has changed. I don't believe that things have changed that much. I would be very happy to be wrong on this.




