Converting to be an American
Moderators: North Shore, sky's the limit, sepia, Sulako
Converting to be an American
Has anyone here found any flight opportunities to the South? I've been told that they've changed to regulations making it easier for Canadians and Americans to work on either side of the border. But what I'd like to know is, is the demand for pilot strong- worthy of converting the Canadian CPL to an American one? Is obtaining a Visa to work in the states less difficult than Calculus?
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Kelowna Pilot
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Coverting to a US licnese is now just a matter of doing the conversion written tests and doing some paperwork at the FSDO. No flight tests.
I haven't heard anything about making it easier to work in Fortress USA.
If pilots were added to the NAFTA list of designated professions, that would be a way, but pilots aren't considered professionals in the technical sense so I don't know if that'll ever happen.
I haven't heard anything about making it easier to work in Fortress USA.
If pilots were added to the NAFTA list of designated professions, that would be a way, but pilots aren't considered professionals in the technical sense so I don't know if that'll ever happen.
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Kelowna Pilot
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As a follow up, if the US did allow Canadian pilots to work in the US unresticted, there would be a real shortage in Canada because about half the pilots would leave...
It would be like a stampede of wild elephants at the border crossing... even in spite of the fact that the Regionals pay a wage fit only for illegal Mexicans who work the deep fry at Taco Bell...
It would be like a stampede of wild elephants at the border crossing... even in spite of the fact that the Regionals pay a wage fit only for illegal Mexicans who work the deep fry at Taco Bell...
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TheEvilTwin
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TopperHarley
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Unless you have a greencard or US citizenship, it is pretty much impossible to get a job there as a pilot. And getting the right to work in the USA is not an easy task anymore after 911... my dad's entire side of the family are all American citizens, yet I was unable to get sponsored for a greencard through them.
So unless you marry an American, getting a work permit as a pilot is probably not going to happen. And even if you do marry one, it will still take many years to get the greencard.
So unless you marry an American, getting a work permit as a pilot is probably not going to happen. And even if you do marry one, it will still take many years to get the greencard.
"Never travel faster than your guardian angel can fly." - Mother Theresa
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V1RotateV2
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wallypilot
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+1 couldn't get in either, dads family american, but my dad didn't live there long enoughC-HRIS wrote:Unless you have a greencard or US citizenship, it is pretty much impossible to get a job there as a pilot. And getting the right to work in the USA is not an easy task anymore after 911... my dad's entire side of the family are all American citizens, yet I was unable to get sponsored for a greencard through them.
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ScudRunner
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Here I started a thread about this.It would be like a stampede of wild elephants at the border crossing... even in spite of the fact that the Regionals pay a wage fit only for illegal Mexicans who work the deep fry at Taco Bell...
http://www.avcanada.ca/forums2/viewtopic.php?t=33497
You all make it sound like airlines are the end all and be all of aviation.
Corporate is HUGE in down there and pays a good chunk with some excellent benefits.
Regardless, still tough to get authorization..
Corporate is HUGE in down there and pays a good chunk with some excellent benefits.
Regardless, still tough to get authorization..
Courage is the price that life exacts for granting peace. The soul that knows it not,knows no release from the little things; knows not the livid loneliness of fear, nor mountain heights where bitter joy can hear the sound of wings.
- Amelia Earhart
- Amelia Earhart
I'm on course to move to the US next spring after marrying my American fiance.
Currently I have a K-1 fiance visa under process with the US government, and upon approval of that (should be a month or two before the wedding) I should be able to get a green card within 90 days of entering the country.
I'm not keen on 18-24k per year, so looks like corporate will be my chosen path down there. We'll see how it goes.......
Currently I have a K-1 fiance visa under process with the US government, and upon approval of that (should be a month or two before the wedding) I should be able to get a green card within 90 days of entering the country.
I'm not keen on 18-24k per year, so looks like corporate will be my chosen path down there. We'll see how it goes.......
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North Shore
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One would expect that salary goes up proportionally to experience, so if you're after a decent paying corporate gig, then the company is probably looking for someone with some decent experience - certainly more than the regional minimums that were mentioned above...
Say, what's that mountain goat doing up here in the mist?
Happiness is V1 at Thompson!
Ass, Licence, Job. In that order.
Happiness is V1 at Thompson!
Ass, Licence, Job. In that order.
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hawker driver
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- Joined: Fri Jun 29, 2007 6:49 pm
I work in the US but live in Canada. I commute to work every other week.
I am a dual citizen so I had no problems with the paperwork. I grew up and got all my licenses first in Canada before going down there. I like many of you also paid my due flying cheques and boxes at night out of YYZ, YHM and YUL.
@ Ralliart : When I lived in the US and sponcered my wife on the same visa as you she received a work permit and her SSN in 90 days then it took 30 days for a travel permit so you can travel back to Canada.
If you have over 600 TT and 100 multi you should have no problem getting hired at any of the regionals. If you have more then 1500 TT and 300 multi look to the fractioanls they pay a lot more and will be a better stepping stone to the majors if you want that.
On my job I could live anywhere I wanted in the US, I traveled all over the US and finally came to the conclusion that living in Canada is far superior than any place in the US.
Now with a family I see that Canada is the place to raise my children. I don't want them anywhere near the American school system and I definately don't want them to be raised as Americans. I would like to one day return to work in Canada but at this time I can't afford to take a pay cut.
I am a dual citizen so I had no problems with the paperwork. I grew up and got all my licenses first in Canada before going down there. I like many of you also paid my due flying cheques and boxes at night out of YYZ, YHM and YUL.
@ Ralliart : When I lived in the US and sponcered my wife on the same visa as you she received a work permit and her SSN in 90 days then it took 30 days for a travel permit so you can travel back to Canada.
If you have over 600 TT and 100 multi you should have no problem getting hired at any of the regionals. If you have more then 1500 TT and 300 multi look to the fractioanls they pay a lot more and will be a better stepping stone to the majors if you want that.
On my job I could live anywhere I wanted in the US, I traveled all over the US and finally came to the conclusion that living in Canada is far superior than any place in the US.
Now with a family I see that Canada is the place to raise my children. I don't want them anywhere near the American school system and I definately don't want them to be raised as Americans. I would like to one day return to work in Canada but at this time I can't afford to take a pay cut.
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hawker driver
- Rank 5
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@ Relliart
With that time don't waist your time with the commuters send in an application to NETJETS right away they are looking for 2500 TT 1000 multi and are hiring. I just heard they might be going to home basing so you can live at home anywhere (in the US) and they arrange your travel to and from work. No need to beg for a ride jump seating. Starting pay is about 40K and you work 7 on 7 off. There is a union contract in place with lots of good bennies. 5th year Captain pay is 92K with Overtime and holiday pay you can make over 105K easy.
Lots of airline guys went to the fractionals and never returned when they were called back. You fly new aircraft less then 5 years old to some real nice places.
The other fractional are OK as well, Citation shares, Flex Jet and Flight Options are the main ones and they are all hiring. I have been doing the fractional thing for almost 9 years and have no desire to go to the airlines. Corporate all the way for me.
With that time don't waist your time with the commuters send in an application to NETJETS right away they are looking for 2500 TT 1000 multi and are hiring. I just heard they might be going to home basing so you can live at home anywhere (in the US) and they arrange your travel to and from work. No need to beg for a ride jump seating. Starting pay is about 40K and you work 7 on 7 off. There is a union contract in place with lots of good bennies. 5th year Captain pay is 92K with Overtime and holiday pay you can make over 105K easy.
Lots of airline guys went to the fractionals and never returned when they were called back. You fly new aircraft less then 5 years old to some real nice places.
The other fractional are OK as well, Citation shares, Flex Jet and Flight Options are the main ones and they are all hiring. I have been doing the fractional thing for almost 9 years and have no desire to go to the airlines. Corporate all the way for me.
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1000tolevel
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- Location: In Range
For those realistically thinking about making the move stateside, a little piece of advice...
Never, ever, even think about going to work for Mesa Airlines. Yes, I know it might seem attractive since they hire now at 500TT and 100 Multi. But you will regret it forever. They lowered their minimums so low because they are loosing pilots at the rate of 75+ a month. And those guys are not leaving to go to Majors, they're leaving to go to other Regionals back at the bottom of the list. It's that bad.
Take my word for it. I am a dual citizen (Canadian first) and worked there for five years and couldn't come back here fast enough.
If you're headed South, do yourself a favor and do some research. Flightinfo.com is a good place to start, it's worth the $10 admission fee. Also Mesahub.com has a lot of info on working conditions there, should you still think you want to go there.
Another tip: If you are getting married to a Yankee lady, move to the Caribbean and apply for your Green Card through the US Consulate in Barbados, you'll save YEARS on the wait. You will have to be working in the Caribbean Region to be allowed to do that though. If you think you can apply for it through the Consulates in Canada or even in the US, you'll still be waiting for the Card and work permit by the time you reach retirement age.
The grass is not always greener in the neighbour's backyard. Especially not now. That being said, it's probably a good time to buy a house down there. I am glad I sold mine before the real estate crash.
Good luck.
Never, ever, even think about going to work for Mesa Airlines. Yes, I know it might seem attractive since they hire now at 500TT and 100 Multi. But you will regret it forever. They lowered their minimums so low because they are loosing pilots at the rate of 75+ a month. And those guys are not leaving to go to Majors, they're leaving to go to other Regionals back at the bottom of the list. It's that bad.
Take my word for it. I am a dual citizen (Canadian first) and worked there for five years and couldn't come back here fast enough.
If you're headed South, do yourself a favor and do some research. Flightinfo.com is a good place to start, it's worth the $10 admission fee. Also Mesahub.com has a lot of info on working conditions there, should you still think you want to go there.
Another tip: If you are getting married to a Yankee lady, move to the Caribbean and apply for your Green Card through the US Consulate in Barbados, you'll save YEARS on the wait. You will have to be working in the Caribbean Region to be allowed to do that though. If you think you can apply for it through the Consulates in Canada or even in the US, you'll still be waiting for the Card and work permit by the time you reach retirement age.
The grass is not always greener in the neighbour's backyard. Especially not now. That being said, it's probably a good time to buy a house down there. I am glad I sold mine before the real estate crash.
Good luck.
