Obtaining work permits/visas

[Freak On A Leash]

Greetings all!. .Does anybody know how non-U.S. citizens can get work permits/visas with regards to working as a CFI?. .. .My situation is that the flight school I worked for under my J-1 student visa is interested in having me back as a CFI, but is unsure how the process is about sponsorships and such.I know it is possible, as a larger flight academy in California is constantly seeking foreign instructors and sponsoring 2-year work permits.. .. .Hope you guys can be of some help here. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="cool.gif" />

[I have control]

FOAL. .. .If you find a way of getting a visa in order to work, everyone will want to know how! Its nigh on impossible unless you marry for a green card. A J1 visa can only be issued if you don't already have a CPL, either fixed wing or rotary. The only visa which looked possible is the H1 visa, also known as the "professionals visa". It requires either a university degree or experience in your sphere of work equivalent to that. I think they credit you with 1 year for every two years you have worked. Then the employers have to prove that there is no one else in the whole of the USA who could do that job - kind of difficult just now with the way the pilot employment situation is. If you manage to get past all of that, then you will be told that the H1 visa just is not available for pilots. It sucks, believe me.. .. .There is another way to side step the INS, but its highly illegal and puts everyone involved at risk, so unless you are absolutely desperate, best avoided, especially nowadays.. .. .Hope I haven't been too blunt, but you might as well know the facts. If you do find a way to get a work permit, pleeeeeese let me know! Good luck. . .. .There is a website which is something along the lines of <a href="http://www.immigrationlawyers.com/org/net" target="_blank">www.immigrationlawyers.com/org/net</a> etc, etc. You could try doing a search for it. If you post a question on there, I think you can get a reply with info as well.

[Freak On A Leash]

Thanx for the input Control <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="smile.gif" /> . .I happened to notice an ad from Sierra Academy in a Norwegian plane magazine requesting CFIs.I would normally think that this might be a misprint or such, but I`ve seen this ad in several backissues as well, and it basically says that they will sponsor work permits.. .I don`t know if they have some special agreement with the INS, but the way I see it; if they can sponsor visas then surely other companies can do so as well.The thing is; HOW do they do it legally? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="confused.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="confused.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="confused.gif" />

[Sir_Fly-a-Lot]

Try <a href="http://travel.state.gov" target="_blank">http://travel.state.gov</a>. .I think your best bet is trying to obtain a visa through the Diversity Visa Lottery. Chances are actually pretty good if you come from a country with a low immigration rate.. .Cheers, SF.

[LearX]

FOAL,. .. . Good luck with the lottery route, this year will be my 4th year trying. I understand that some countries are not eligible, so check before you enter. There is no fee, so don't pay some lawyer for it.. .. . The work visa you are after is a H-1B. You are allowed to work for the same company for 3 years and then renew it for a further 3 yrs. After the 6th year, you are supposed to leave for a year. Anytime you decide to switch companies in between, you have to apply for new paperwork for the new company.. .. .Helpful web address : <a href="http://www.ins.gov" target="_blank">www.ins.gov</a>. .. .Good Luck.

[tas]

Freak on a leash. .. .Out of curiousity, who is this "larger flight academy in California"?. .. .tas

[Freak On A Leash]

The one I`m referring to is Sierra Academy in Oakland.They`ve been advertising in Norwegian aviation magazine "Flynytt" for CFIs saying that they`ll sponsor work permits.As there are a few Norwegian CFIs currently benefitting from this offer this is not merely a pie in the sky.