Chances of airline fob in USA for Aussie

[Boeing Hunter]

Does anyone know if airlines in the US accept pilots from overseas eg Australia.
We young guys in OZ here there are plenty of jobs in the US.

I have an Australian CPL, ATPL theort and university degree (aviation).

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[IOS97]

BH there are 1000s of pilot jobs in the US right now but it is not possible to fly for a US airline unless you have US citizenship or a "Green Card" - permanent residency status.
It's kind of a catch 22 situation in that to be able to qualify for a green card you must find an airline that will sponsor you but right now no US airline can sponsor foreign pilots. The US government does not classify pilots in the same category as doctors, engineers, nurses and computer specialists. These 4 professions can literally walk into the US as there are some serious - and government recognized - shortages. The US government does not recognize a pilot shortage...yet. The US Congress is considering passing legislation to extend the age of mandatory retirement for airline pilots from the current 60 to 63 and perhaps even 65. This is a very postive sign that the US government may change the status for foreign pilots.

Look up www.usimmigration.com (http://www.usimmigration.com) for more information on getting into the US. It's an Immigation Lawyer's website that is quite interesting. Check it out.

Hope this helps

[He/She Lobster]

Boeing Hunter,

I am in a similar situation to you at the moment. I have heard of ozmates getting pretty good RPT jobs in the US with little experience. Want to drop me an email, maybe we can compare notes?! Living in Canberra I might go visit the US embassy, and many thanks to IOS97 for your info.

Good luck.

[IOS97]

You stand a better chance if you first get your licences converted into the US FAA equivalents. Shouldn't be too tough to do. A couple check rides and written exams. I don't know where you could do it in Oz. You'll probably have to go to the States to do it.
Adios