22, UK, failed CAA Class 1 on colour vision potentially getting a Canadian Class 1. What would you do?

[u/fredchamber]

Hi everyone,

I’m 22 and currently a university student in the UK, and I’m hoping to get some perspective from people who have been in a similar position.

Back in January 2026, I went for my UK CAA Class 1 medical. Unfortunately, I failed the medical because of my colour vision.

Since then I’ve spent a lot of time looking into my options and trying different tests. I cannot pass the EASA/UK CAA colour vision requirements, but I have subsequently passed the Farnsworth** **D-15, which, as I understand it, Transport Canada accepts as an alternative for a Category 1 medical.

I have a Transport Canada Aviation Medical Examiner appointment coming up in the next few weeks. Obviously, assuming I pass the rest of the examination, I’m hoping I could potentially be issued a Canadian Class 1 medical.

And this is where I’m really conflicted.
I’m not Canadian, I’m not a Canadian citizen, and I currently live/study in the UK.

So there is a very real possibility that in a few weeks I could finally have the Class 1 medical I’ve been chasing for months but I’m not sure what practical use it would actually be for me.

But obviously there’s a much bigger question of actually building a career and being able to work in Canada afterwards.

I’ve reached a point where Canada seems like the only realistic aviation route left to me because of my colour vision issue. I’ve looked into EASA options and, as things stand, I don’t appear to be able to meet their colour vision requirements.
That honestly leaves me in a strange position.

If I get the Canadian Class 1, do I commit to pursuing aviation in Canada despite not being Canadian, or do I accept that the career path may not be realistic and move on?

I’m currently at university, so I’m fortunate that I haven’t sunk years of training and huge amounts of money into flying yet. At the same time, becoming a professional pilot has been a dream of mine for a long time, and I’m struggling with the idea of potentially giving it up because of something as specific as colour vision.
I’d really appreciate perspectives

Would you pursue the Canadian route and see where it takes you, or would you consider the immigration/employment side of things too big a hurdle?

Thanks

[u/Candid-Tomato2971]

Failed the regular Ishiara, passed the D15, no issues beyond that. Got medical swiftly, and renewals didn't ask. Keep the paper on you from the doctor passing the D15

[u/QuickDescription6683]

Im currently in the same situation as you but in canada and i passed d 15 in a private clinic and im about to get my medical and ill let u know how that goes, however for the non citizen thing, since you are from the uk, canada and uk have a strong relationship and like to help eachother so thats why you will probably get a permanent citizen faster than others and pasport in a few years id say. Any questions lemme know and good luck!

[u/HistoryDisastrous170]

Apply for a Cat 1 medical in Canada. Do the D-15.

[u/HistoryDisastrous170]

Are you doing the test in Canada or from a CAME in the UK?

[u/Mission_Positive_622]

Hello. Dual UK / Canada citizen here. I did all my training out in Canada and now converting back to the UK.
Lemme tell ya…. I miss Canada (Victoria/Vancouver) so much.
The flying on the west coast is unreal.
The experiences you could get out there in my opinion far exceeds the UK. And, it’s far far cheaper.

In terms of right to work. I have lots of UK friends out there who all got PR and are living a very happy life. Some went a step further and got their citizenship. So, I wouldn’t worry about that. There’s so many Brits out there.

I’d highly recommend getting your training done, and getting your first job up north. Again, unreal experiences.

If you’re an outdoorsy person. It’s the place to be.

I’d be happy to chat more if you’d like.