Permenant Resident Vs Canadian Passport for a Pilot Job

[delay256]

Hello,

Ive been a Permenant Resident of Canada for 2 years now and currently hold a Canadian CPL/multi/IFR/Instructor rating with the ATPL exams written. I have about 1100+ hours of flight time and have applied for several jobs but have not gotten a response or have been told that I need to hold a valid Canadian Passport.

It will be another 2 years till I get my Canadian Passport in hand and I don't think I can wait that long.

Would there be a loop hole in expediting the process?

Can companies reject my application on these grounds?

Thanks for the input

[cdnpilot77]

Maybe its not your hrs, or your passport or where you gained your experience. Maybe you just need help writing a solid resume and cover letter! Have you previously offered to pay for your own training? Aviation is a very small industry, I would strongly advise against doing that.

Edited for photofly

[rigpiggy]

because a lot of companies fly to the states, they could be leery of visa issues, I used to work with 2 frenchmen "the real ones" and they got hassled continuously by both cbsa, and USBP

[photofly]

Have you been offering to pay for your own training? That kind of thing can get you blacklisted very quickly. This is small industry in Canada, dont forget that.

Threats? Shame on you.

[cdnpilot77]

Have you been offering to pay for your own training? That kind of thing can get you blacklisted very quickly.

Threats? Shame on you.

Re-read it...I am not in any position to hire or have any influence, it is simple sound advice that is repeated throughout avcanada.

[photofly]

Nope. Still sounds like a sinister threat to me. How's the OP to know what kind of influence you have?

[cdnpilot77]

Nope. Still sounds like a sinister threat to me. How's the OP to know what kind of influence you have?

See above...better?

[Bigfulla]

I used a C1 D Crewman Visa for 2 years flying in and out of the states from Canada. That particular visa is good for all but 2 ports of entry. I think eligability depends on your nationality. If you qualify i would reccomend putting together a one page overview to present to any prospective employers.

[delay256]

Visas are the issue I have been told because a lot of the flights are to the USA and Caribbean.


Being a New Zeland Passport Holder, Aren't eligible for the Visa Waiver Program into the US? My current citizenship doesnt allow me to do that

[ptc]

It will be another 2 years till I get my Canadian Passport in hand and I don't think I can wait that long.
Would there be a loop hole in expediting the process?

As far as I am aware in order to hold a Canadian Passport (or passport of any nation) you must first be a citizen. Unfortunately for you I would imagine that you will therefore have to wait the required period of time to first become a citizen and then apply to get a passport.

[!bogo]

Take the permanent resident worry out of your equation! Thats something you don't need to worry yourself about. I've been here 6 years and am still a PR. From Bush/float flying, 704 charter and "sked" and recently now major Canadian airline. Worked trans-border; Sim training in the states, never an issue with customs or with employers etc. In fact never asked by employers- I explain how it works and that is sufficient.
If you do have to fly in and out of the states, you do have to apply for a crew visa D-1 issued by US consulate-valid for 10 yrs $120 bucks;-simple process go online all info there, only take a morning visit out of your time at the consulate - Your struggle is the same for all pilots with your hours, keep sending resumes and in person visits, persistence is the key to securing a job.

[photofly]

See above...better?

Much better! I can see why it might put a few noses out of joint with some junior pilots who are competing for the same positions, but can you explain why it would annoy the people hiring at an airline?

[Ralliart]

Here's how it works:

What kind of legal status you have to work in Canada has zero bearing on your ability to be hired as a pilot. It's all about the dollars.
If you have X amount of hours on type, or a fresh type rating, or require less paperwork -- basically anything that is going to make it easier and cheaper for the company to get you on line, you've got a job! It doesn't matter if you burnt your last bridge at the old company with napalm, payed for your previous PPC and worked for free, or wrote off a bugsmasher in your recreational days. If you have something the company needs that will save them money from getting it elsewhere, that's all that matters!

I suspect in your case, your relatively low time and inexperience is the reason why you're having poor luck.