Convert Canadian ATPL to FAA

[Ash Ketchum]

Anyone on here able to get the FAA ATP converted through the Rochester FSDO without paying a DPE $500 USD to do it? I thought the offices did it for free but apparently not as Rochester only uses DPE's.

[Ash Ketchum]

In June Rochester was still work from home due to covid. I managed to get an FAA signoff using zoom. DPE in Rochester wanted $700USD for ATP and all my types

That's absurd.

I paid $75 to do it over zoom with a dpe.

I am regretting going through Rochester. I wonder how hard it would be to switch FSDOs after the license verification letter is sent.

[flymore]

Here’s a step by step guide from doing an ATP conversion this year.

PS: you can call the FAA office and switch FSDOs. No biggie.

[wallypilot]

Just search “skies mag TC to FAA” and I am sure it is the first article will come up if you use Google.

[SamuelTheKitty]

FWIW, at least when completing the ATP-CTP with FlightSafety, from their scheduler - "the ATPCTP is exempt from TSA approval only if the client holds an airman certificate from either the FAA or another country that is recognized by the FAA."

Sounds like the rules may have changed - YMMV.

[newlyexpat]

I just converted my Canadian CPL to FAA ATP.
Tired of waiting for TC to review logbooks/send ATPL sticker … taking wayyyy too long. TC is soooo extremely slow.
The entire process in USA is fast and efficient.

[BE02 Driver]

It's easy to switch FSDOs, just call the main number in Oklahoma and they will move the paperwork.

The hardest part is getting your verification letter with your medical showing as valid as TC is sooooooo far behind.

The knowledge exam is pretty easy. Mostly the trick type questions where you have to read the notes on a given plate, or performance chart.

You don't require your radio certificate until it's time to get a job. It takes 10 minutes online and you can print it off. If you don't have work authorization, and a FAA certificate in hand, you will be issued a restricted LIMITED radio licence (RL). The conditions of holding a regular unlimited licence (RR) requires a FAA pilot certificate and work authorization. The LIMITED only allows you to operate aircraft which you have registered on the strength of your Industry Canada licence. It's easy enough to lie or make a mistake, and be issued the (RR) but filling out Federal Forms incorrectly is a VERY bad way to start your immigration process, and is grounds for denial of visa/Green Cards.

[SamuelTheKitty]

The hardest part is getting your verification letter with your medical showing as valid as TC is sooooooo far behind.

This is absolutely true - the letter itself however generates fairly quickly (I've done two - both were completed inside of a month). However, in my experience converting my licenses, the FSDO that I went to didn't seem to care that my verification letter showed an expired TC medical, as I presented my FAA medical when making the license application.

[Aspiredtofly]

How many of you guys managed to get a job at an airline over there considering that you're still canadian and not an American citizen yet

[BE02 Driver]

How many of you guys managed to get a job at an airline over there considering that you're still canadian and not an American citizen yet

I know I did, and I personally know 2 others so far. You don't need citizenship, just work authorization, and there are many ways to get that.

[BE02 Driver]

The hardest part is getting your verification letter with your medical showing as valid as TC is sooooooo far behind.

This is absolutely true - the letter itself however generates fairly quickly (I've done two - both were completed inside of a month). However, in my experience converting my licenses, the FSDO that I went to didn't seem to care that my verification letter showed an expired TC medical, as I presented my FAA medical when making the license application.

I agree. As long as you have 1 valid medical for the license level you are seeking you should be okay, I felt weird going in with a letter however that showed I had an invalid license due to Medical Expiry.......4 months after a valid medical!!!! So I applied for a second letter once it was processed. Letter take 2-3 weeks to generate. I have learned since moving here that the FAA is anything but uniform in it's interpretation of their own AC's. So it's always better to be prepared.

[newlyexpat]

How many of you guys managed to get a job at an airline over there considering that you're still canadian and not an American citizen yet

I was hired and sponsored by an America business jet operator.
The licence conversion took a few weeks, and the O-1 work visa takes 15 days for approval if your sponsor pays for the express option.

[BE02 Driver]

How many of you guys managed to get a job at an airline over there considering that you're still canadian and not an American citizen yet

I was hired and sponsored by an America business jet operator.
The licence conversion took a few weeks, and the O-1 work visa takes 15 days for approval if your sponsor pays for the express option.

O-1? That's the first I've heard of that one being used. Congratulations on your visa.

What did they reference as your extraordinary ability so that others might follow?

[newlyexpat]

How many of you guys managed to get a job at an airline over there considering that you're still canadian and not an American citizen yet

I was hired and sponsored by an America business jet operator.
The licence conversion took a few weeks, and the O-1 work visa takes 15 days for approval if your sponsor pays for the express option.

O-1? That's the first I've heard of that one being used. Congratulations on your visa.

What did they reference as your extraordinary ability so that others might follow?

I was able to meet 4 of the 8 extraordinary criteria (3 are required for O-1 Visa eligibility).
Google search O-1 eligibility for a detailed list if interested. I met the following criteria:

1. Have you ever participated as a judge of the work of others.. - You meet this if you have ever managed or trained pilots/staff, conducted performance reviews, review/supervision of day to day work, involved in hiring/promotion of staff, conducted/reviewed FOQA audits, Quality Assurance Audits, Safety Management Investigations, hold an ACP/flight test examiner, etc.

2. Have you produced any original scientific, scholarly, or business related contributions of major significance in your field of expertise - You can meet this if you have ever worked in the business side of aviation, worked on any major projects for your company, worked on aircraft acquisition projects, reviewed or set profit/loss goals, financial goals, authored manuals, procedures/sop's, work instructions, or other business/operations projects, etc.

3. Have you ever worked in a “critical or essential” capacity for an organization - You can meet this requirement if you have held a training captain, supervisory, leadership or management role within an organization.

4. Have you, or will you, receive a high salary - You can meet this criteria if you are at the top salary range, essentially a senior captain or manager should be able to meet this criteria. Also starting captain salaries in the USA on a heavy biz jet tend to be in the 250k USD range annually which additionally qualifies you in this category.

The advantage of the O-1 visa is that if you qualify, there are unlimited number of these Visa's issued (therefore very fast processing times). Most other visa's are generally lottery based with long vetting/wait times (6 to 12 months). There are a set amount of these lottery based VISA's issued annually. This makes it more competitive, and generally you require significant skills and flying experience for approval. This being said, being sponsored by an employer in most cases guarantees approval and gives you a much higher approval advantage in regards to lottery based visas (or any Visa). Having access to a good immigration lawyer is also highly recommended.

One other issue one may experience in regards to this process is Visa interview wait times (once formally approved) are very long in Canada. Current wait times for interviews in Canada range from 70 to 120 days dependant on embassy/consulate location. Wait times in Europe and South America for interviews can be as quick as 1 to 7 days (I travelled to South America as I need my visa ASAP). This is the last step in visa issuance.

This information is based on my experience and information from my immigration lawyer. Your experience may differ.

Best of Luck!

[schnitzel2k3]

Absolutely the first I've heard of this...

Your regular line pilot isn't going to qualify - but this is an alternate doorway.

Did you or did your emoloyer organize the lawyer and paoerwork for this visa?

[Ash Ketchum]

How many of you guys managed to get a job at an airline over there considering that you're still canadian and not an American citizen yet

I was hired and sponsored by an America business jet operator.
The licence conversion took a few weeks, and the O-1 work visa takes 15 days for approval if your sponsor pays for the express option.

Congrats, that's good to hear. Do you know if US business jet operators would hire and sponsor experienced Canadian airline pilots with no business jet experience? I have converted my license and have been trying to get sponsored by a US airline for the past year without luck and do not yet meet all the requirements for the EB-2 NIW.

[newlyexpat]

Absolutely the first I've heard of this...

Your regular line pilot isn't going to qualify - but this is an alternate doorway.

Did you or did your emoloyer organize the lawyer and paoerwork for this visa?

As I was sponsored by my employer, they provided, paid for and retain their own immigration law firm. The company is in the process of sponsoring 10 pilots from all over the world, therefore they are very experienced in regards to hiring foreign pilots.

[newlyexpat]

How many of you guys managed to get a job at an airline over there considering that you're still canadian and not an American citizen yet

I was hired and sponsored by an America business jet operator.
The licence conversion took a few weeks, and the O-1 work visa takes 15 days for approval if your sponsor pays for the express option.

Congrats, that's good to hear. Do you know if US business jet operators would hire and sponsor experienced Canadian airline pilots with no business jet experience? I have converted my license and have been trying to get sponsored by a US airline for the past year without luck and do not yet meet all the requirements for the EB-2 NIW.

The key to successfully being hired by an American biz jet operator is to hold a type rating and flying experience on the aircraft they are hiring for - as this makes you a favourable candidate.

Keep in mind that SIC/FO type ratings are NOT transferable from a Canadian to USA licence during the conversion process.

The work around is to attend a FAA upgrade/recurrent type rating course for the particular aircraft type. Even if you are current on an aircraft type (PIC/SIC), part 135/121 operators will require you to attend a recurrent course as part of their initial pilot training program (regardless if you recently completed a TC recurrent/initial course in the very recent past). If you fly for a part 91 operator, these above mentioned rules may not apply to you.

I would highly recommend researching jobs on types which you hold a rating. Contact the CP and/or HR and present a case detailing hiring/sponsoring you would be cost efficient and beneficial, over hiring a non-type rated/non-experienced pilot off the street.

Most Biz jet companies are not experienced hiring foreign pilots, you may need to walk them through the process.

Hope thats helpful.

[schnitzel2k3]

How many of you guys managed to get a job at an airline over there considering that you're still canadian and not an American citizen yet

I was hired and sponsored by an America business jet operator.
The licence conversion took a few weeks, and the O-1 work visa takes 15 days for approval if your sponsor pays for the express option.

Congrats, that's good to hear. Do you know if US business jet operators would hire and sponsor experienced Canadian airline pilots with no business jet experience? I have converted my license and have been trying to get sponsored by a US airline for the past year without luck and do not yet meet all the requirements for the EB-2 NIW.

If you don't meet the NIW, you'll not meet the O1. The O1 is a step up on the NIW it looks like for requirements.

That said, it doesn't hurt to try.

Hence BE02s response and my incredulity.

[Ash Ketchum]

I was hired and sponsored by an America business jet operator.
The licence conversion took a few weeks, and the O-1 work visa takes 15 days for approval if your sponsor pays for the express option.

Congrats, that's good to hear. Do you know if US business jet operators would hire and sponsor experienced Canadian airline pilots with no business jet experience? I have converted my license and have been trying to get sponsored by a US airline for the past year without luck and do not yet meet all the requirements for the EB-2 NIW.

If you don't meet the NIW, you'll not meet the O1. The O1 is a step up on the NIW it looks like for requirements.

That said, it doesn't hurt to try.

Hence BE02s response and my incredulity.

Thanks, yes it does look fairly tough to meet those requirements.

[Ash Ketchum]

I was hired and sponsored by an America business jet operator.
The licence conversion took a few weeks, and the O-1 work visa takes 15 days for approval if your sponsor pays for the express option.

Congrats, that's good to hear. Do you know if US business jet operators would hire and sponsor experienced Canadian airline pilots with no business jet experience? I have converted my license and have been trying to get sponsored by a US airline for the past year without luck and do not yet meet all the requirements for the EB-2 NIW.

The key to successfully being hired by an American biz jet operator is to hold a type rating and flying experience on the aircraft they are hiring for - as this makes you a favourable candidate.

Keep in mind that SIC/FO type ratings are NOT transferable from a Canadian to USA licence during the conversion process.

The work around is to attend a FAA upgrade/recurrent type rating course for the particular aircraft type. Even if you are current on an aircraft type (PIC/SIC), part 135/121 operators will require you to attend a recurrent course as part of their initial pilot training program (regardless if you recently completed a TC recurrent/initial course in the very recent past). If you fly for a part 91 operator, these above mentioned rules may not apply to you.

I would highly recommend researching jobs on types which you hold a rating. Contact the CP and/or HR and present a case detailing hiring/sponsoring you would be cost efficient and beneficial, over hiring a non-type rated/non-experienced pilot off the street.

Most Biz jet companies are not experienced hiring foreign pilots, you may need to walk them through the process.

Hope thats helpful.

Great, thanks for the response. I figured a previous type rating and time on type would be a prerequisite. I am currently an FO for a major Canadian airline and have no business jet type ratings or experience. I guess I will just wait to meet the EB-2 NIW hours/experience requirements and try to go that route in a few years.

[BE02 Driver]

I was hired and sponsored by an America business jet operator.
The licence conversion took a few weeks, and the O-1 work visa takes 15 days for approval if your sponsor pays for the express option.

O-1? That's the first I've heard of that one being used. Congratulations on your visa.

What did they reference as your extraordinary ability so that others might follow?

I was able to meet 4 of the 8 extraordinary criteria (3 are required for O-1 Visa eligibility).
Google search O-1 eligibility for a detailed list if interested. I met the following criteria:

1. Have you ever participated as a judge of the work of others.. - You meet this if you have ever managed or trained pilots/staff, conducted performance reviews, review/supervision of day to day work, involved in hiring/promotion of staff, conducted/reviewed FOQA audits, Quality Assurance Audits, Safety Management Investigations, hold an ACP/flight test examiner, etc.

2. Have you produced any original scientific, scholarly, or business related contributions of major significance in your field of expertise - You can meet this if you have ever worked in the business side of aviation, worked on any major projects for your company, worked on aircraft acquisition projects, reviewed or set profit/loss goals, financial goals, authored manuals, procedures/sop's, work instructions, or other business/operations projects, etc.

3. Have you ever worked in a “critical or essential” capacity for an organization - You can meet this requirement if you have held a training captain, supervisory, leadership or management role within an organization.

4. Have you, or will you, receive a high salary - You can meet this criteria if you are at the top salary range, essentially a senior captain or manager should be able to meet this criteria. Also starting captain salaries in the USA on a heavy biz jet tend to be in the 250k USD range annually which additionally qualifies you in this category.

The advantage of the O-1 visa is that if you qualify, there are unlimited number of these Visa's issued (therefore very fast processing times). Most other visa's are generally lottery based with long vetting/wait times (6 to 12 months). There are a set amount of these lottery based VISA's issued annually. This makes it more competitive, and generally you require significant skills and flying experience for approval. This being said, being sponsored by an employer in most cases guarantees approval and gives you a much higher approval advantage in regards to lottery based visas (or any Visa). Having access to a good immigration lawyer is also highly recommended.

One other issue one may experience in regards to this process is Visa interview wait times (once formally approved) are very long in Canada. Current wait times for interviews in Canada range from 70 to 120 days dependant on embassy/consulate location. Wait times in Europe and South America for interviews can be as quick as 1 to 7 days (I travelled to South America as I need my visa ASAP). This is the last step in visa issuance.

This information is based on my experience and information from my immigration lawyer. Your experience may differ.

Best of Luck!

Great Stuff! Thanks for the info. I'm already stateside working for a Major, but that information is just one more options for those that qualify. There are literally dozens of ways to make this happen.

[BE02 Driver]

Congrats, that's good to hear. Do you know if US business jet operators would hire and sponsor experienced Canadian airline pilots with no business jet experience? I have converted my license and have been trying to get sponsored by a US airline for the past year without luck and do not yet meet all the requirements for the EB-2 NIW.

The key to successfully being hired by an American biz jet operator is to hold a type rating and flying experience on the aircraft they are hiring for - as this makes you a favourable candidate.

Keep in mind that SIC/FO type ratings are NOT transferable from a Canadian to USA licence during the conversion process.

The work around is to attend a FAA upgrade/recurrent type rating course for the particular aircraft type. Even if you are current on an aircraft type (PIC/SIC), part 135/121 operators will require you to attend a recurrent course as part of their initial pilot training program (regardless if you recently completed a TC recurrent/initial course in the very recent past). If you fly for a part 91 operator, these above mentioned rules may not apply to you.

I would highly recommend researching jobs on types which you hold a rating. Contact the CP and/or HR and present a case detailing hiring/sponsoring you would be cost efficient and beneficial, over hiring a non-type rated/non-experienced pilot off the street.

Most Biz jet companies are not experienced hiring foreign pilots, you may need to walk them through the process.

Hope thats helpful.

Great, thanks for the response. I figured a previous type rating and time on type would be a prerequisite. I am currently an FO for a major Canadian airline and have no business jet type ratings or experience. I guess I will just wait to meet the EB-2 NIW hours/experience requirements and try to go that route in a few years.

If you are married, Check to see if your wife has a job that is easier to sponsor. If you aren't married, marry a RN. Quite possibly the easiest realtively common career to get a Green Card for, only half joking.....

[Ash Ketchum]

The key to successfully being hired by an American biz jet operator is to hold a type rating and flying experience on the aircraft they are hiring for - as this makes you a favourable candidate.

Keep in mind that SIC/FO type ratings are NOT transferable from a Canadian to USA licence during the conversion process.

The work around is to attend a FAA upgrade/recurrent type rating course for the particular aircraft type. Even if you are current on an aircraft type (PIC/SIC), part 135/121 operators will require you to attend a recurrent course as part of their initial pilot training program (regardless if you recently completed a TC recurrent/initial course in the very recent past). If you fly for a part 91 operator, these above mentioned rules may not apply to you.

I would highly recommend researching jobs on types which you hold a rating. Contact the CP and/or HR and present a case detailing hiring/sponsoring you would be cost efficient and beneficial, over hiring a non-type rated/non-experienced pilot off the street.

Most Biz jet companies are not experienced hiring foreign pilots, you may need to walk them through the process.

Hope thats helpful.

Great, thanks for the response. I figured a previous type rating and time on type would be a prerequisite. I am currently an FO for a major Canadian airline and have no business jet type ratings or experience. I guess I will just wait to meet the EB-2 NIW hours/experience requirements and try to go that route in a few years.

If you are married, Check to see if your wife has a job that is easier to sponsor. If you aren't married, marry a RN. Quite possibly the easiest realtively common career to get a Green Card for, only half joking.....

Unfortunately my wife is in sales so I don't believe that qualifies. I was a software engineer in a previous career, I am considering getting sponsored for that and then once I get my green card I can go back to flying in the US.

[BE02 Driver]

Great, thanks for the response. I figured a previous type rating and time on type would be a prerequisite. I am currently an FO for a major Canadian airline and have no business jet type ratings or experience. I guess I will just wait to meet the EB-2 NIW hours/experience requirements and try to go that route in a few years.

If you are married, Check to see if your wife has a job that is easier to sponsor. If you aren't married, marry a RN. Quite possibly the easiest realtively common career to get a Green Card for, only half joking.....

Unfortunately my wife is in sales so I don't believe that qualifies. I was a software engineer in a previous career, I am considering getting sponsored for that and then once I get my green card I can go back to flying in the US.

Not a horrible idea. Once GC is in hand you have to hang around for 6 months, then you are basically in the clear for job change. It can be done earlier, but you may have to find some justification.