Green Card

[bluesideup]

Hey people,

Just wondering if anyone has had any experience with getting a US green card. I have a FAA ATPL, but was wondering if I applied for a job in the states do you think the prospective employer will look after the red tape to get me the green card? Thanks In advance!

B S U

[snoopy]

It really depends how specialized your experience is, how much time you have and how badly the company wants you. It takes a long time, a lot of effort and often quite a bit of $US to put in an application and see it through. Unless you have a connection, it will take a lot of effort on your part to try to find a company to be willing to put in the time and effort (and creative writing required), and hopefully pay the costs associated. If you are a typical pilot with average experience on common aircraft types, this may be very difficult, if not impossible - ie most pilots give up on the idea after making a few inquiries. For green cards it can take several years to achieve. A few specialty occupations can get in under NAFTA, but the typical pilot positions do not qualify.
Bottom line is, it is possible, but you better want it really badly, be extremely creative and be prepared for a very long haul.
Good luck,
Snoopy

[twinpratts]

Try marrying an American...

[Louis]

Ahh, nothing like the good ol' sham marriage!

[jimdandy]

It may be a sham marriage, but there is alot of hot wealthy women down south. It could be a step in the right direction.

[co-joe]

What snoopy said.

I know of one pilot who achieved this remarkably difficult goal, the company really reeally wanted him, and it was actually for his ability as a salesperson more than anything. From him I gathered that you absolutely must have a university degree or an associate degree + military experience.

The more exotic your skill set the better. Marrying a yank is probably an easier idea unless you have your RN, LPN, PHD, or difficult to obtain type rating. I know of many more unsuccess stories unfortunately. Good Luck though. cj

[bluesideup]

Thanks for every ones input! It is just as I had suspected but thought I woulod ask anyway.

Cheers

[Flybabe]

I agree with snoopy as well.

And, btw, marrying an American is NOT the way to go anymore. INS requires PROOF that it isn't "just to get a green card" and there is a minimum 2 year marriage stipulation...if you divorce before that, your ass is back in Canada.

Fact of the matter is... it isn't easy at ALL for pilots to get into the US. I lucked out with NAFTA.

[bluesideup]

HA HA...........not only that I am already married so not an option

[Flybabe]

I take it you aren't mormon then?? Rule out Utah for a flying job

lol

[TTail]

One of the guys here at the co. I fly for is a Norwiegan. He married about a year and a half ago and he's still trying to finalize the green card. By the way, the INS DOES follow up, quite intrusively, if you ask me. He was always telling me about his INS interviews and the types of questions they would ask. They get personal and ask whatever it takes to see if either sides of the marriage have different stories. "How many times a week do you and your partner get intimate??!!" If someone asked me that, I'd punch their lights out first and then tell em its none of your business!

[TTail]

Flybabe:

is it easier under NAFTA if you have an FAA type?

[Flybabe]

No.

NAFTA doesn't recognize aviation as a high demand occupation. They accept the following ONLY:

http://www.unh.edu/oiss/h_o_tn/tn/tn.html

The FAA licence does nothing to help with a visa... unfortunately.. DO notice that they accept Interior Designers, however. I guess HGTV has struck it big, eh?