cujomomba yes the ICAO (ZS) license is 'transferable' to FAA PPL, but if you want to use the FAA PPL, and the foreign license, to test for FAA ATP, then the foreign license needs to be either CPL or ATP. If you only have foreign PPL, then (I think) you only get FAA PPL and have to do CPL and then ATP when you have the hours and exams. All this is said as per my personal experience and under correction. Some details might be wrong, but in general, thats the gen.
As far as Greencard. I dont have one. It takes 25 months for Greencard application to be processed. I have workpermit and advance parole, allowing me to be employed and leave/re-enter the USA multiple times. There is a difference, but for all practical purposes its academic only. Trouble is, I have now been turned down from 5 companies because of this. Not citizen, not greencard holder, even though I am legally authorized to work and can function as any other aircrew member on international routes.
Yeah, dunno what to make of the situation thus far. I can join the National Guard, in fact have spoken to recruiter already. Can be sent off to get shot, maimed, paralyzed or killed leaving my wife a widow at 28, but I cant get a job? That doesnt seem right.
I applied to US Air Force, as check 6 said, you need to be citizen for pilot and also since I have served in a foreign military, they wont take me. Same with Air National Guard. Applied to Coast Guard for position as SAR pilot, but wont take me either. Can be a cook or mechanic...thats about it.
Or join NG as infantry and get blown to bits, but no, you cant get a job.
mjbow2 you fail to see how not having my type ratings transferred to my FAA certificate hurts my employment prospects? There have been numerous positions advertised in Airjobsdaily, planejobs, climbto350, avianation etc that require a B190 or C500series type rating. With hour requirements that I exceed two or three times.
Before you open your mouth next, engage your brain. At no time did I encourage cujomomba NOT TO TAKE UP AVIATION or NOT TO PURSUE A JOB AT GREAT LAKES. I said that if he has the FAA certificates, then dont bother. Its not worth the effort. IF however, he has nothing, like he said, then it might work out a lot cheaper for him to get the ICAO licenses first and convert them to FAA.
Your posts on this thread have been rather negative. How about you lighten up. We are all taking strain as expats.
If you are American, you have a huge advantage on all of us, period.
Also, as far as my knowledge goes about the type rastings at this time, turbine engined a/c do require them, regardless of MAUW. If I am wrong on this point, I shall bow to your superior knowledge.