Immigration Guide : How to Become Licensed Aircraft Engineer in Canada

Last Updated On : May 10 , 2025

An aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) is a licensed professional who performs and validates aircraft maintenance. The license is globally accepted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

The American FAA recognizes the certification in foreign countries but refers to it as "aviation maintenance engineer" instead of "aircraft..." Unlicensed mechanics or tradespeople are frequently referred to as "unlicensed AMEs."

AMEs' Role in Aviation Safety

• Perform thorough inspections and maintenance.
• Proactively address potential issues.
• Guarantee seamless aircraft operation.
• Play a part in maintaining air travel reliability.

NOC Code Details and TEER Categories

As per NOC 2021 Version 1.0, the NOC code for Aircraft Mechanics and Aircraft Inspectors is 72404.

The occupation falls under the TEER category 2, which is for supervisory occupations in Canada.

Why Canada Needs Aircraft Maintenance Engineer?

Considering the major airlines and vast aerospace industry, Canada needs Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) to meet the in-demand jobs of skilled technicians to ensure that airliners are kept secure.

Moreover, there will be a number of Retiring Experienced AMEs leaving the industry shortly and due to this, there will be an increasing aircraft demand to fill the vacancies as there is a shortage of qualified AMEs in fields like structures and avionics because of which companies are struggling to fill aeroplane maintenance roles.

Canadian Provincial Requirements For Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME)

Immigration Program for AME - Federal Skilled Trade Program

The Federal Skilled Trade Programme (FSTP) is a component of Express Entry, the permanent residency application management system, and serves as a primary immigration route for AMEs to enter Canada.

To be eligible, you must:

1. Possess a minimum of two years' worth of full-time AME job experience
2. Fulfil the National Occupational Classification's (NOC) standards for that skilled trade.
3. As part of the application process, you must obtain an apprenticeship authority certificate at the provincial or territorial level. This certificate is a key requirement for the FSTP.
4. Show that you can communicate in either French or English.
5. Present documentation of your educational background.
6. Reach the minimal score needed to go on in the FSTP points grid.

Candidates with a valid employment offer receive bonus points. After approval, permanent residents can apply for the AME licenses that Transport Canada recognizes.

Certificates Needed for AME Immigration through Express Entry

A valid AME license issued by a recognized Canadian regulatory agency is highly desirable for your AME specialism. On the other hand, your prospects can be greatly increased by obtaining a Certificate of Qualification from a Canadian organisation that certifies your eligibility for your particular AME specialism.

Having an aviation maintenance diploma or certificate from an accredited school enhances your application and demonstrates your technical expertise.

Additional Supporting Documents:

• Educational Credentials: You can highlight your qualifications and improve your CRS score by presenting diplomas, transcripts, or certificates from any relevant educational programmes you've finished.
• Evidence of Funds: proof that you will have enough money (Proof Of Funds) to support yourself in Canada.

How To Obtain an AME license from Canada

To become licensed as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) in Canada, take the following actions:

Step 1: Comply with the Fundamentals

• Have attained the age of 21.
• Finish an AME basic training course that has been certified by Transport Canada.

Step 2: Acquire Knowledge and Expertise

• Obtain relevant experience in civil aviation repair.
• Complete a variety of specialised maintenance duties.

Step 3: Succeed in Technical Tests

• Transport Canada requires you to write technical tests for the appropriate classification (M, E, or S).
• There are ninety multiple-choice questions on each exam, and a 70% minimum score is required.

Step 4: Send in the application and any supplementary materials

• Fill out an application and send it in with the appropriate form and any necessary paperwork.
• Make sure a notary public, commissioner for oaths, or Transport Canada Civil Aviation Safety Inspector/Officer certifies all documents as true copies.

Step 5: Getting the AME License

• Transport Canada will award the AME license if all conditions are satisfied.

How long does it take for AME immigration to Canada?

There is no specified duration because the processing of any application as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) to Canada is done on multiple factors such as visa type, mode of application, and existing backlogs. Below are a few general recommendations you can go through:

The duration of processing applications for Express Entry usually takes six months starting from the day the application is received.

AME average monthly salary in Canada

In Canada, an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer's (AME) monthly income averages about CA$4,430.

NOTE:Your real pay may differ based on the following factors:

Reference:

Jobs For AME in Canada

Provinces for AME in Canada

F.A.Q.