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strikers_1
25th May 2015, 04:33
Hello everyone,

I'm Canadian and I just finished my CPL with multi-engine and instrument ratings. I would like to work in the USA if possible but I don't really know if I could and how.
I've been searching for an answer for a while now but everybody is telling me different stuff and I didn't find a complete answer on the internet.
I found on the internet that we must get a valid Verification Letter from AFS-760 that has been verified by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) (no idea what is this and how to get it). And then we apply for an FAA certificate or authorization.
Is there any exams or flight tests to do? Minimum flight hours to get? Is there a possible way to obtain the right to work in the USA?
It would be great if someone who has this experience could tell me how did he do it but anybody who could help me get an answer is welcome.

I know some of you might be bothered of those new pilots always asking the same questions but I really searched a lot for the answer and didn't get a clear one. Sorry if it bothers you.

Thank you very much!

PBY
25th May 2015, 08:31
Hi there,
look at this

Advisory Circular (AC) No. 401-001 - Transport Canada (http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/opssvs/managementservices-referencecentre-acs-400-401-001-478.htm)

It tells you clearly, you don't need a flight test to get FAA cpl, but you need to write a test.
What concerns a flying job, you have a zero chance to get one in the US.
The only exception is an instructing job. Than you can get a work visa.If you want to be an instructor, get your FAA cpl and than get your US instructor rating in a school, where you would like to instruct.
Hope this helps.

MarkerInbound
25th May 2015, 13:48
That's FAA to Transport Canada. This is TC to FAA


http://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_61-135A.pdf


Because we like our neighbors to the north and they like us the FAA and TC have a special deal. You fill out a form so the FAA can check with TC and find out what kind of license you have. You pass a FAA medical and a short differences written, set up an appointment at a FAA office or with a DE the FAA has authorized to do Canadian conversions and you get your FAA certificate.


To get the right to work outside a limited time instructing you'll need a "green card."

Gomrath
26th May 2015, 23:03
To get the right to work outside a limited time instructing you'll need a "green card."

He won't be able to work at all in any capacity - limited or otherwise. He holds a CPL and therefore not eligible for a degree course with the option of OPT. However no mention is made of trying that route.
Even getting a flight school to sponsor an individual is pretty hard going. Sponsoring costs the company money, time and effort. Flight Schools run on a pretty tight margin and just can't be bothered with so many 'local' options available to them - especially when they know the individual is using it as a stepping stone and will be off in a couple of years.

Without the residency rights to work in the US, it is pretty tough with plenty of readily available competition.
Employers can simply get already qualified staff without the hassle of going down the visa sponsorship route enroute to a Green Card.
It is pretty tough out there in all walks of life not just aviation.
Not what you want to hear but that is the reality.

James331
28th May 2015, 05:10
Get hitched to a American girl, I'd recommend visiting CA, good selection.

paokara
28th May 2015, 14:12
Green card holders are flying at Delta and I assume United and American and the rest


You need a green card

dera
6th Jun 2015, 22:56
The first website to visit, if not a USC or PR, when thinking of working as a non-EASA instructor pilot in the US is match.com not pprune.org