International Students

Click here to view our Indian Student Pilot Program

Abbotsford Flight Centre is extremely experienced in training students from outside Canada. Approximately one third of our business comes from abroad. International students are drawn to Canada due to the high standard of the Canadian ICAO License, and the fact that in Canada you will receive quality, value, and a supportive training environment at Abbotsford Flight Centre, you can’t ask for much more than that.

Over the years we have trained pilots from all over the world. We are well versed in the special needs that our out-of-country students may need and we go out of our way to make your stay a positive one in every way possible. We will pick you up at the airport, drive you to your Medical, Transport Canada and coordinate accommodation as required. We offer housing within walking distance of our Abbotsford Flight school facility and it is a great way to get to know many other pilots in similar situations. If you require English as a Second Language (ESL) training, we will also coordinate this for you.

We do everything possible to make your stay a good experience. We often find that when the training is complete and it is time to return home, many of our students find leaving difficult due to the deep friendships, magnificent experiences, and exceptional training received from Abbotsford Flight Centre. Many of our former students are now flying for major airlines in their home countries and keep in touch with us as they progress in their careers.

DO I REQUIRE A STUDENT AUTHORIZATION VISA TO ATTEND?

If planning to train in Canada for over six months, you will be required to obtain a Student Authorization Visa from your local Canadian Consulate. You do not need a study permit if you are planning to study in a short-term program in Canada of six months or less. If you are planning to attend for six months or less, you can enter Canada as a Visitor. Some countries require a Visitors Visa to enter Canada and some do not. If you do not need one, you can enter based upon your valid passport.

PEOPLE FROM THE FOLLOWING COUNTRIES DO NOT NEED A VISITORS VISA:

Citizens of Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Botswana, Brunei, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel (National Passport holders only), Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Portugal, Republic of Korea, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, San Marino, Scotland Singapore, Solomon Islands, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Slovenia, Switzerland, United States, and Western Samoa;

If planning to attend Abbotsford Flight Centre for over six months you must make application at your local Canadian Consulate for a Student Authorization Visa. This is not a problem; it simply takes a little more time to process. It is important that all of the paperwork is in order and in approximately 4-6 weeks you will likely be granted permission to enter Canada and commence training at our school.

PROCEDURE TO RECEIVE A STUDENT AUTHORIZATION VISA:

The following are the requirements from the Canadian Consulate to successfully process your Student Visa application. You will be required to produce the following:

If everything seems in order with respect to your application to train as a pilot with us, Abbotsford Flight Centre will issue you with an original Letter of Acceptance authorizing you to train at our Institution. This letter must be an original, a photo-copy, fax, or e-mail copy will not suffice. This letter requires a valid and subsisting passport indicating date of birth, date of issue, country of issue, passport number, and details of the course you intend to study for;

Proof that you have sufficient funds to pay school fees and cover living expenses for your duration of stay in Canada;

Proof that you will be returning home at course completion;

Pass a Medical Exam if needed, (if you are inbound from some countries, this will be an additional requirement).

The Canadian Consulate will review your application, conduct the required background checks, and possibly interview the candidate. If everything on the application is satisfactory, you will be granted the Student Authorization Visa to train in Canada for the duration that is specified on the Visa. If at a later date you require an extension of the Visa, it is normally not a problem if you have a valid reason and the extension is requested early enough to grant it.

For more information, please refer to the Citizen and Immigration Canada Website located at www.cic.gc.ca. It is very comprehensive and will answer any further questions you may have about coming to Canada to train with the Abbotsford Flight Centre.

In all cases, you will be supported by Abbotsford Flight Centre in your application by correspondence in the form of e-mails, fax, or telephone if required.