The flags above represent just some of the nationalities
of past and current students. Click on the flag for a
direct link to the embassy
information of that country.
Some of the most FAQ that we receive from prospective International students are,
How do I become a student with Principal Air?
What needs to be done in order to come to Canada to learn to fly?
How long will it take to for the application to go through?
How much should I budget for training and accommodations?
International Student Enrolment Form
Question: How much should I budget for training and accommodations and how long will the training take?
Answer: The cost from training depend on a number of factors,
-
which type of license or rating you will be seeking?
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how often you plan on flying?
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how dedicated you are towards your studies?
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when in the year will you be starting?
Typically a student who trains with us on
a full time basis can finish their Private License in 8-12 weeks. While a
commercial license will take 4-6 months at the minimum. The best time to fly
in BC is from April to November although it is flyable year round. The
majority of International students have some difficulty with English and
generally will need some extra time on the ground to overcome this. So
depending on the above questions we recommend budgeting around $12,000
Canadian Dollars for a private license and $23,000 for a commercial license.
You will also need to budget for accommodations while you are here. We can
arrange for accommodations for between $400-800 per month plus the cost of
food. Many international students also wish to take their Multi
or multi with IFR. For those
students we have an arrangement with an affiliate school to bring their
multi engine and simulator to Chilliwack as needed for our students to
train on. A multi engine endorsement cost
approximately $4,500. The Cost for the multi IFR endorsement is approximately $11,000
and takes 4-6 weeks.
The
total cost from 0 time to 200hrs Commercial with multi IFR will be
approximately $40,000-$45,000.
To download a program outline for our Private License Program using our Cessna 152 click here.
To download a program outline for our Commercial License Program using our Cessna 152 click here.
Question: How do I become a student with Principal Air?
Answer: As a potential student you should spend some time on this site to research if our programs are a good fit for you. If you have any questions that you cannot find the answer to feel free to send us an e-mail. Once you have decided to enroll with us you should fill out our International Student Enrolment Form.
Question: What needs to be done in order to come to Canada to learn to fly?
Answer: What you will need to do come to Canada to study depends on which country you are a citizen of and how long you are planning to spend here. For many countries you might not need any special paper work for a stay of 6 months or less. If you are going to come here for more than 6 months you will require a student visa. For other countries you will need a visa just to be allowed to visit Canada. To see the list of countries that require visas click here
For a detailed list of the steps you should take click here
Question: How long will it take to for the application to go through?
Answer: This process takes 6 weeks in Europe, up to 3 months in Asian countries after submitting the documentation. Delays will result if there are errors and/or missing documents/fees. For Information on the required documentation click here-
Application for Student Permit (Form IMM1294)
How do I obtain a Student Visa/Study Permit to come to Canada
- Read and study the Citizenship and Immigration Student Visa website and the website of the closest Canadian Embassy to you.
- Download all the documents including the student authorization guide and application located here. Read all the documentation and fill out the application form (Form IMM1294).
- You will need an ORIGINAL letter of acceptance for the student visa officials from us. We will send 2 copies of the letter, one for your records the other in a sealed envelop for the High Commission in your country. Payment for shipping is included as part of the Application fee.
- You may need a medical examination. This is not the same as the aviation medical exam. If you are a citizen of the these countries you need a medical exam. It can take weeks to schedule an examination so do not delay in making an appointment. For a listing of doctors by country visit this website.
- You’ll need a NON-REFUNDABLE processing fee of $125.00 Canadian dollars. Payment for a study permit application must be made by MANAGER’S CHEQUE, CERTIFIED CHEQUE, POSTAL MONEY ORDER or BANK DRAFT payable to the “Canadian Embassy”. Cash will not be accepted.
- Proof of funds (e.g. bank drafts, fixed deposits, a bank statement showing the account balance, etc.). These proof of funds must be under YOUR name. Students are permitted to enter Canada to study on the understanding that they have access to sufficient funds for living expenses, full tuition, return transportation and other necessary costs. Costs in Canada vary according to the location of the institution and room and board facilities.
- Police Checks -- You may also have to prove to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) officers that you are a responsible person and that you do not have a criminal record. Police agencies may do a criminal or security background check. These checks are done on anyone over 18 years of age who applies for a Study Permit.
- The embassy will require the original passport or valid travel document. Your Study Permit will normally be valid for the duration of your course. We suggest that you ensure that your travel document is valid for the full duration of your course of study in Canada.
Countries and Territories Whose Citizens Require Visas in Order to Enter Canada as VisitorsCitizens of the following countries and territories require a Visa to VISIT or TRANSIT Canada: To find the nearest visa office in your country click here
VISITOR VISA EXEMPTIONSMany people do not require a visa to visit Canada. These include:
For more information on "Student Visas" or Study Permits visit the Canadian Citizenship and Immigration Web Site |









