AC Pilots leaving to the US?

[Arnie Pye]

Canada has zero say on who the US lets in through immigration. Nada.

If a company wants to hire a Canadian pilot through a H-1B visa, than that is a process that is followed in the US.

The Honourable Transport Minister Omar Alghabra can't do anything.

Same goes for Green Cards.

Not quite true. An opportunity was missed when the USMCA was put together. Labour mobility could have been negotiated into the free trade agreement like Australia did with it's Aus/US version of NAFTA.

[twa22]

Major US airlines are including in their quarterly SEC filings that pilot supply chain issues are and will continue to negatively impact schedule integrity and growth. They are planting the seeds.

My guess is that the US will start by pressing ICAO for an Age 67 limit. Beyond that, they will press to increase the pilot supply chain by creating a facility within the US immigration system for either temporary or permanent resident rights for qualified pilots (either with or without an accompanying offer of employment).

Just watch.

I'm watching.

Circle back to you in a year’s time.

Why are you so against (or seem to be against) Canadian pilots going to the US? The WAWCONs are an absolute joke in this country for every single airline (some worse then others). This is considering what the cost of living was... now it'll be even worse with how much higher the cost of living will be in the future with everything going on...

[hithere]

He is not against anyone going to the States, he is just trying to be realistic about one’s chances of actually successfully scoring a airline job down there with the current immigration policies

[737Maximilian]

He is not against anyone going to the States, he is just trying to be realistic about one’s chances of actually successfully scoring a airline job down there with the current immigration policies

+1

It's truly bizarre to see so many posters on this thread attacking someone simply for posting factual information. I'm sure we all wish the US border was open to pilots, but for now, that simply isn't the case.

[twa22]

He is not against anyone going to the States, he is just trying to be realistic about one’s chances of actually successfully scoring a airline job down there with the current immigration policies

Sorry, but that doesn't seem to be the tone being set... And one could argue that it's being pessimistic. Sure, the chances are slim to get a green card, no doubt about it, but if we all just say "ah screw it, it's too hard it'll never happen", that doesn't do us any good as a pilot group. Anyways, I hope the floodgates do open, better to be hopefully then not, and better to try then to sit on your ass and say it'll never happen

[digits_]

He is not against anyone going to the States, he is just trying to be realistic about one’s chances of actually successfully scoring a airline job down there with the current immigration policies

Sorry, but that doesn't seem to be the tone being set... And one could argue that it's being pessimistic. Sure, the chances are slim to get a green card, no doubt about it, but if we all just say "ah screw it, it's too hard it'll never happen", that doesn't do us any good as a pilot group. Anyways, I hope the floodgates do open, better to be hopefully then not, and better to try then to sit on your ass and say it'll never happen

You are discussing the ideal situation.
Other people are discussing reality.

Go try it and spend 10k on lawyers if you think it's better than saving 10k

[twa22]

He is not against anyone going to the States, he is just trying to be realistic about one’s chances of actually successfully scoring a airline job down there with the current immigration policies

Sorry, but that doesn't seem to be the tone being set... And one could argue that it's being pessimistic. Sure, the chances are slim to get a green card, no doubt about it, but if we all just say "ah screw it, it's too hard it'll never happen", that doesn't do us any good as a pilot group. Anyways, I hope the floodgates do open, better to be hopefully then not, and better to try then to sit on your ass and say it'll never happen

You are discussing the ideal situation.
Other people are discussing reality.

Go try it and spend 10k on lawyers if you think it's better than saving 10k

I didn't say go spend 10k, I'm talking about the principle of being united as a pilot group to stand up to what's right. Whether that means getting together to petition better wages, or collectively trying to find a solution to getting the right to work in the US, it's the mentality to improve our conditions... But as well all know, that's a pipe dream in this country, as clearly demonstrated in this thread. Call it reality, fine, might aswell just call everything reality and never try to improve anything, because why bother, that's "reality". Everyone is individualistic and looks out for themselves, such a shame

[digits_]

Sorry, but that doesn't seem to be the tone being set... And one could argue that it's being pessimistic. Sure, the chances are slim to get a green card, no doubt about it, but if we all just say "ah screw it, it's too hard it'll never happen", that doesn't do us any good as a pilot group. Anyways, I hope the floodgates do open, better to be hopefully then not, and better to try then to sit on your ass and say it'll never happen

You are discussing the ideal situation.
Other people are discussing reality.

Go try it and spend 10k on lawyers if you think it's better than saving 10k

I didn't say go spend 10k, I'm talking about the principle of being united as a pilot group to stand up to what's right. Whether that means getting together to petition better wages, or collectively trying to find a solution to getting the right to work in the US, it's the mentality to improve our conditions... But as well all know, that's a pipe dream in this country, as clearly demonstrated in this thread. Call it reality, fine, might aswell just call everything reality and never try to improve anything, because why bother, that's "reality". Everyone is individualistic and looks out for themselves, such a shame

Ok. What do you want people to do then?

[172ReliefPilot]

I am married to a US citizen and am currently waiting for my green card to be processed (maybe another 5 months). I fly for a Canadian regional and the COVID shutdown/lack of flying last year/uncertainty with airlines is what kickstarted us to try to get me on that side of the border.

Anyway, if youre lucky enough to marry a US citizen/Permanent resident there is still A LOT of scrutiny from the USCIS. Essentially you have to prove that your marriage isnt fraud and that you intend to stay married etc. Not to mention that the wait time can differ drastically based upon where your US relative lives. California office wait times for spouses is like 22-25 months or something (the quickest family category) + the time it actually takes to get an interview at a consulate or field office and the entry visa in your passport.

I dont see the USCIS offering green cards based on employment for pilots anytime soon. Like Canada's immigration theres a whole "why cant an american fill this role" that needs to be surveyed.

Always open for a friendly chat regarding the process. It really wasnt that hard to apply.

[Scuderia]

For your information I am in the process with a lawyer; for the new NIW that is applicable to pilots. At the moment it takes up to 18 months to complete the entire process (including a medical exam) then you get the green card. No need a job offer but a FAA ATP and extensive flying experience on jets. My lawyer got about 3000 applications/requests from Canadian pilots but they have selected about 220 pilots with the appropriate experience to pursue the application.

I've seen this "new" NIW mentioned in several places on this forum and elsewhere but nowhere else. Do you have more information on it?

[schnitzel2k3]

For your information I am in the process with a lawyer; for the new NIW that is applicable to pilots. At the moment it takes up to 18 months to complete the entire process (including a medical exam) then you get the green card. No need a job offer but a FAA ATP and extensive flying experience on jets. My lawyer got about 3000 applications/requests from Canadian pilots but they have selected about 220 pilots with the appropriate experience to pursue the application.

I've seen this "new" NIW mentioned in several places on this forum and elsewhere but nowhere else. Do you have more information on it?

https://www.uscis.gov/forms/explore-my- ... al-ability

[a220hereicome]

Major US airlines are including in their quarterly SEC filings that pilot supply chain issues are and will continue to negatively impact schedule integrity and growth. They are planting the seeds.

My guess is that the US will start by pressing ICAO for an Age 67 limit. Beyond that, they will press to increase the pilot supply chain by creating a facility within the US immigration system for either temporary or permanent resident rights for qualified pilots (either with or without an accompanying offer of employment).

Just watch.

Circle back in another year.

[flying4dollars]

Heard a story that at least 10 pilots from AC are in the process setting up working permits to fly for majors in the US, with 10 more behind? Is there any truth to this?

No

I've flown with 3 guys already in the process. One has an offer from a US major. It is indeed happening.

[Ash Ketchum]

Heard a story that at least 10 pilots from AC are in the process setting up working permits to fly for majors in the US, with 10 more behind? Is there any truth to this?

No

I've flown with 3 guys already in the process. One has an offer from a US major. It is indeed happening.

All EB-2 NIW visas or do they have family ties/spouse from the US?

[flying4dollars]

No

I've flown with 3 guys already in the process. One has an offer from a US major. It is indeed happening.

All EB-2 NIW visas or do they have family ties/spouse from the US?

One has dual, the other two do not and are mostly through the process. That's about all I know. Costly process for a family that's for sure.

[Arnie Pye]

By the time you convert your license etc it can cost you close to $30k. It's a big commitment.

[FL030]

That's like 2 weeks salary if you make it though.

[Oxi]

787 FO went to Fedex (last year)
737 FO went to United (last month)

both had ability to work in the United States.

However many current Air Canada pilots have all their FAA ATP/Airman Certificates and just need a "green card" or such to actually work. Probably 20-30 pilots are actively doing the immigration/lawyer route to have that ability

[Ash Ketchum]

787 FO went to Fedex (last year)
737 FO went to United (last month)

both had ability to work in the United States.

However many current Air Canada pilots have all their FAA ATP/Airman Certificates and just need a "green card" or such to actually work. Probably 20-30 pilots are actively doing the immigration/lawyer route to have that ability

Yup, I have all my licenses and type ratings converted to FAA and all ready to go but still short on the 10 year/5000 hour requirement for the EB-2 NIW otherwise I would be in the process as well.

[Mike1985]

787 FO went to Fedex (last year)
737 FO went to United (last month)

both had ability to work in the United States.

However many current Air Canada pilots have all their FAA ATP/Airman Certificates and just need a "green card" or such to actually work. Probably 20-30 pilots are actively doing the immigration/lawyer route to have that ability

Yup, I have all my licenses and type ratings converted to FAA and all ready to go but still short on the 10 year/5000 hour requirement for the EB-2 NIW otherwise I would be in the process as well.

Where is the requirement mentioned? that specific 10 year/ 5000 hours? It is both 10 years and 5000 hours. Can you please elaborate. Thanks.

[Arnie Pye]

787 FO went to Fedex (last year)
737 FO went to United (last month)

both had ability to work in the United States.

However many current Air Canada pilots have all their FAA ATP/Airman Certificates and just need a "green card" or such to actually work. Probably 20-30 pilots are actively doing the immigration/lawyer route to have that ability

Yup, I have all my licenses and type ratings converted to FAA and all ready to go but still short on the 10 year/5000 hour requirement for the EB-2 NIW otherwise I would be in the process as well.

Where is the requirement mentioned? that specific 10 year/ 5000 hours? It is both 10 years and 5000 hours. Can you please elaborate. Thanks.

I spoke with an immigration lawyer. The NIW basically says that you have exceptional skills and experience that are not found in the US market. There is no hard and fast rule but the people who are successfully getting through are all around the 10-15 year experience level and all have around 10,000 hours. I doubt anyone with 5000 hours would be making it through unless they were a military test pilot. Depends on who's desk your file lands on. If you had 20,000 hours but the Immigration guy's wife ran away with a pilot, good luck.

[Ash Ketchum]

787 FO went to Fedex (last year)
737 FO went to United (last month)

both had ability to work in the United States.

However many current Air Canada pilots have all their FAA ATP/Airman Certificates and just need a "green card" or such to actually work. Probably 20-30 pilots are actively doing the immigration/lawyer route to have that ability

Yup, I have all my licenses and type ratings converted to FAA and all ready to go but still short on the 10 year/5000 hour requirement for the EB-2 NIW otherwise I would be in the process as well.

Where is the requirement mentioned? that specific 10 year/ 5000 hours? It is both 10 years and 5000 hours. Can you please elaborate. Thanks.

I believe it's both. They also mentioned that they ideally want to see candidates with above average pay compared to other pilots in the industry, membership in a professional association/union, aviation degree/diploma, and professional industry publications. All of these aren't of course required but I think they need at least 3-4 of them to make the case viable. The 10 year/5000 hour rule is what that law firm in particular put their lower limit as they have a good track record of success. I spoke with other law firms that said I would get in with my existing stats however these were not very reputable and had no prior cases with pilots.

[Jetlifer]

Maybe this is a stupid question.. but I’m at a loss here.

Explain to me how, if you’re a nurse or a doctor.. you can go south of the boarder with virtually no issues. Didn’t NAFTA open that door for professionals? Are we not professionals?

What am I missing? Why are we splitting hairs on a NIW .. or marrying Americans so we can find a livable wage that’s in line with the great pilot shortage of our age.

Obviously this is not the case.. my question is why isisnt it?

[Ash Ketchum]

Maybe this is a stupid question.. but I’m at a loss here.

Explain to me how, if you’re a nurse or a doctor.. you can go south of the boarder with virtually no issues. Didn’t NAFTA open that door for professionals? Are we not professionals?

What am I missing? Why are we splitting hairs on a NIW .. or marrying Americans so we can find a livable wage that’s in line with the great pilot shortage of our age.

Obviously this is not the case.. my question is why isisnt it?

The TN visa (NAFTA) has a specific list of occupations which qualify. Pilot is not on that list, why it isn't I have no idea but could be because back when the list was made there was no pilot shortage in the US.

[C-GGGQ]

Maybe this is a stupid question.. but I’m at a loss here.

Explain to me how, if you’re a nurse or a doctor.. you can go south of the boarder with virtually no issues. Didn’t NAFTA open that door for professionals? Are we not professionals?

What am I missing? Why are we splitting hairs on a NIW .. or marrying Americans so we can find a livable wage that’s in line with the great pilot shortage of our age.

Obviously this is not the case.. my question is why isisnt it?

The TN visa (NAFTA) has a specific list of occupations which qualify. Pilot is not on that list, why it isn't I have no idea but could be because back when the list was made there was no pilot shortage in the US.

This, but also we’re seeing companies hire nurses on eb3 visas (green cards) and not just tn visas. They’re willing to sponsor (as a TN is a non immigrant visa) so why aren't airlines willing to sponsor?