Hey there,

This might be a bit off topic but I thought there might be some others who were/are in my situation and can give me some advice.

I am from Europe and since in Canada flying school are way cheaper than in here, and Canada seems to be like a good place to live, I have thought about going there to do the pilot training and moving there, probably permanently.
Someone told me after the training I could get permanent residence easily so I could start flying there but, the idea of getting stuck worries me: finish the training, no more money, can't get work rights in Canada, can't fly in Canada, I have a license which I can only use in Canada + I would be 31 years old when I finished.
I heard somewhere, Canada grants 1 year "post graduate" visa after finishing (which could help me to get on track) or this only applies for University degrees?

Maybe some of you can give me some advice about this, I am about to give up to this as I see it kinda complicated.

Thanks!

Hi,
If you study in DLI (Designated Learning Institute) and course is approved by TC Canada, then you can get PGWP (Post graduate work permit) equal amount to your course (but max permit is 3 years). So check the name of college if it is listed in DLI. Also, you must have completed CPL or in the process of completion of flight instructor (for getting job as instructor). If you fulfil any condition, then you can get PGWP. Also, you can apply for regular PR.

see below link,

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-re ... ogram.html

Regards,

Hi, I am Ryan and I am very glad to see your post.
I have very similar situation with you. My family couldn't help me financially and Canada is the country I found where I can go for my dream to be a pilot. I am more older than 28 your age, but I still want to do it. I will go since I save enough tuition and living expense.

To be a international student, the questions you asked are exactly what I am worried about. I do some research from internet and net friends, hope that can help you. If I am wrong, or there are some better ideas, please tell me without hesitation.

(1) About cost
Most of flight school websites shows low tuition only with minimum fly hours which is ruled by TC. Usually 60000-80000 CAD if you want to complete courses from zero to CPL Multi IFR.
PPL+CPL 50000-60000, Multi+IFR 10000-20000. And accommodation fee probably is 10000 a year, living expense is 10000 a year as well. So, prepare 100k CAD buddy.

(2) course
The only two ways I know to study flight course for international students in Canada are integrated program and modular program.
If you join integrated program, they will 100% help you to get the visa. You will get PPL, CPL, Multi, IFR. And some integrated programs include ATPL exam, some dont. The course is tough, intense, might be failed(? not sure). They usually open program in April and September.

Modular program, basically you arrange the process yourself, full year accepted. But usually for Canadian, school will not provide visa to international student for this kind of program. I only know Cargair provide modular program for international students.

If you are genius, 8-10 months you can CPL. If you are average people, 18 months I guess.

(3) How to stay in Canada
Yes, that might be the most important issue we care about.

(a) Choose the course with diploma. With certain diploma, we can use it to apply open working visa for 3 years. which mean you can stay in Canada without conditions for 3 years. In the meanwhile, go find a job.
Then lets talk about the diploma,
one is for 3 year college, e.g. langley flying school provide it, but it doesnt show on the web, you can call for consultant. but it's too long-term for me, I am old, dont want to spend 3 years for this.
one is for 18 months course, also can apply for 3 years. Cargair and Moncton both provide this. when you finish this, you have CPL license and diploma. then you can find a job that CPL can apply for, or get instructor rating to be a instructor.

(b) If you have no diploma. Get the offer immediately after you finish instructor rating. I only know that if you have instructor rating Annnnd also you get offer from school, then you can apply for not open working visa for a year. which means you can only work for the same company and the period is a year. I am not sure what will happen after one year, need to renew the contract? Or just have to go back?

by the way, instructor rating is 10000-20000 CAD, need 3-6 months (5000 house rent, 5000 living fee for half year), Hummmmm, total 120k CAD.

Here is what I know, I hope that can help you.
120k is not cheap, but I will choose Canada instead of US, cause there is a chance that I can stay for accumulating my flight hours. In US I dont think I can get working visa. When I have enough flight hours, I will try to apply regional airline in Canada, or try some company in south-east Asia, I dont know, just want to fly.


I have checked Langely flying school, Moncton, Cargair, and Harv's.
I prefer to Cargair, because the integrated program with diploma, that can help me to stay. but it's expensive. and it is in Quebec, do they really speak French in ATC? someone told me that, especially I am not English native speaker, I am afraid that I will have language issue.
Moncton, they have program with diploma too, but I heard about some manage problem of school, so.....
Harv's, it is like a great school, but I am not sure I can get a offer once I finish my instructor rating. too risky. Langley is the same reason.

If anyone have any recommend schools, please please leave me a massage, I will check that with my sincere appreciation, thank you.

@Ray011, I hope I can see you in Canada one day