How to emigrate as a pilot?

[Nancy1985]

Hallo,
I am new to this network and I really appreciate any kind of help for my problem. This summer I will graduate from flight school in Germany. By then I will have a frozen JAR ATPL. So my problem is that I want to move to the USA so badly but this seems to be not as easy as I thought. How to get a greencard without a job and how to get a job without a greencard and how to get a job with practically zero experience. It doesn't have to be an airline job -I would take whatever people offer me just to move there as soon as possible. I also read that "special skilled persons" can apply for a greencard. Are pilots special skilled persons or does anyone of you made experience with that and can help me? So if you have any serious ideas or can help me in anyway please let me know.
Thanks for your help already.
Nancy

[BRS_flyer]

Unfortunatly pilot if not on the list of skilled jobs for a greencard application. In order to get a greencard on a skills basis an employer needs to convince the INS that there is no US citezen able to do your job, so you will need a particular skill. I'm assuming you don't have any relatives who are US citizens, if that is the case you have only two choices: Enter the greencard lottery but be prepared to wait a while or marry a US citezen.

Sorry to not be more positive but there are few options avalible. I have investigated it thoughrly for myself and as a British national I am not eligible for the greencard lottery and am already married so I have even fewer options :{ Have you considered Canada?? May be a bit easier there.

[Golf Charlie Charlie]

As BRS said, marry a US citizen (or existing green card holder) is the most efficient way to get a green card. But you will have to give full chapter and verse to prove that the marriage is genuine, both at the outset and after two years.

[BelArgUSA]

Hola Nancy -
xxx
Thousands of dreamers want to emigrate to USA.
But realistically, quite difficult nowadays, even near to impossible.
Oh sure, there are ways to do it, as explained above. But...
xxx
The one thing is, about pilot jobs in the USA...
USA pilot jobs now, are very low pay, almost no benefits, and few openings.
Numerous experienced American pilots are on layoff from airlines.
Then thousands of others with 300 hours will wait years for their turn.
xxx
Now, living in the USA... ok, that I understand.
But... working there...? - NO...!
xxx
I read you have/will have a fATPL. Get a job in Europe, or Middle East.
Something well paid. Then...
Nothing prevents you from living say, in Florida, near the beach.
Sure is better than the cold weather in Düsseldorf.
On your days off, a week, 10 days (?) every month, go home to Florida.
You enter with your USA Visa waiver (you can stay 90 days each time).
Rent a studio or little apartment at... Pompano Beach... it is inexpensive.
Live in the USA as your home. Will be your home, no different.
xxx
I know a few Europeans, some are pilots, who do exactly like that.
They work somewhere else, Carribean, Europe, Middle East.
Even that they bought a condominium or a house in Florida.
Nothing prevents you from buying a house and a car there.
xxx
I went to USA for a pilot job in 1968. Back then you could get a green card.
Pay then was twice as high as Europe. The dollar was strong.
But I was from Brussels. I worked in USA, commuting to Brussels.
Was a 7 hours flight (free ticket on my airline) from my JFK base to BRU...
And in 1992, I left USA - Bye bye... No good jobs left for me.
xxx
So, YES, go live your dream to live in USA. very nice to live there.
I told you how. Now you want a green card...?
You will get a headache for one. Sorry. Get a headache for good job first.
Do like me, go to Argentina, South Brazil or Uruguay, instead.
Lovely people, quite affordable, wonderful weather, nice beaches.
xxx
Good luck -
:ok:
Happy contrails

[ask26]

Related to your last point (not sure if it was tongue in cheek), how easy is it to find a job working in South America, ideally in Argentina. I'm approaching 1000TT with 850 on the 737 if that helps.

Also aged 30, can't remember if that is too old to apply for a Green Card.

[Golf Charlie Charlie]

There is no upper age limit for a green card.

[BelArgUSA]

Hola ask26 -
xxx
Aerolineas requires ARG SCPL (Senior Commercial) and written ARG ATPL.
Fluency in Castellano - Argentina or Uruguay Citizenship.
Base AEP, requires residence in Buenos Aires.
Experience 737 is great - No hiring planned in 2009.
Future - 737-200s to be replaced by A-320s.
xxx
:)
Happy contrails