Get permission to fly a drone as a foreign pilot (part 1) - section overview

In plain language

This section outlines the certification, registration, and Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC-RPAS) requirements and application procedures for foreign drone pilots operating in Canada.

Requirement as structured

This section outlines the certification, registration, and Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC-RPAS) requirements and application procedures for foreign drone pilots operating in Canada.

Original regulatory text

Get permission to fly a drone as a foreign pilot - You are considered a foreign pilot if you are not a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or corporation incorporated by/under federal or provincial law. As a foreign pilot flying a drone weighing 250 grams (g) or more in Canada, you need a Canadian drone pilot certificate, even if you are authorized to fly drones in your home country. You might also need a Foreign Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) for a remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) to fly a drone in Canada. On this page - Getting your drone pilot certificate - When you need or don’t need a foreign SFOC-RPAS - Drones under 250 g - Flying a Canadian-registered drone for non-commercial purposes - Flying a foreign-owned drone for non-commercial purposes - Foreign pilots flying under a Canadian RPAS operator - Foreign pilots providing a commercial air service - Flying beyond Basic, Advanced or Level 1 Complex Operations - Registering your foreign-owned drone - Flying a foreign-owned drone for non-commercial purposes - Foreign pilots flying for commercial air service purposes - How to apply - Apply for a Foreign SFOC-RPAS - After you apply - Fees and services standards - Fees and service standards for SFOC-RPAS issuance - Guides and help - Contact us Getting your drone pilot certificate Find your category of operation to understand which pilot certificate you need and how to get it. There are no special pilot certification procedures or credits for foreign pilots. When you need or don’t need a foreign SFOC-RPAS Drones under 250 g Foreign drone pilots do not need a Foreign SFOC-RPAS to fly drones under 250 g except to fly at an advertised event . Drones weighing under 250 g don’t need to be registered. You also need to follow all safety guidelines for microdrones (under 250 g) . Flying a Canadian-registered drone for non-commercial purposes If you are flying a drone for non-commercial purposes, if you hold a Canadian drone pilot certificate and if you are flying a drone that is registered by a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or corporation incorporated by/under federal or provincial law, you don’t need a Foreign SFOC-RPAS. You must still fly within the privileges of your drone pilot certificate. Flying a foreign-owned drone for non-commercial purposes Drones weighing 250 g and above must be registered. Foreign pilots can’t register their drones but can apply for a Foreign SFOC-RPAS to comply with registration requirements. If you are not using your drone for hire or reward, you still need an SFOC-RPAS but the application process is simplified. Recreational and non-commercial foreign pilots do not need to complete the Compliance checklist. Foreign pilots flying under a Canadian RPAS operator If you are an employee, agent or representative of a Canadian RPAS Operator Certificate (RPOC) holder, you don’t need a Foreign SFOC-RPAS. RPAS operator means the holder of an RPAS Operator Certificate (RPOC) issued by TC. Foreign pilots providing a commercial air service Foreign-based commercial air service operators looking to provide a specialty air service (SAS) can apply for a Foreign SFOC-RPAS for Commercial Air Service if they are citizens, permanent residents, or companies from a country that has a free trade agreement in place with Canada under which specialty air services is authorized. These countries include (June 2026): - Australia - Brunei - Chile - Indonesia - Japan - Malaysia - Mexico - New Zealand - Peru - Singapore - Ukraine - USA - Vietnam If your company is not from one of the above 13 countries, you may apply for a temporary regulatory exemption . Please note that regulatory exemptions are assessed on a case-by-case basis, with consideration given to the impacts on aviation safety or security and whether issuance is in the public interest

Applies when

country

Canada

regulatory category

General