Non Us-citizen [Archive]

GreenBook

5th Mar 2020, 15:01

This one has probably been asked about a 100 times here, but most of the posts are in the archive I suppose.

Is it at all possible for somebody like me (West-European) who is holding a full ATPL, with 3000+hrs, but without the US-citizenship or a green card to find a way to get a job as a pilot in the US with a regional or a major?

Please only answers regarding my question, don't need opinions about how it is/is not a great idea to go the States.

BroBear

5th Mar 2020, 15:10

Sorry to say but no

Sunrig

5th Mar 2020, 15:16

Generally speaking I would say there’s no chance. The only thing I’ve heard of is from Cape Air. They supposedly have a program to sponsor the green card in return of flying for maybe 1 or 2 years for them. I think you have to cover all involved costs for that procedure. Could be wrong but I think it’s maybe 20-30 K. But this is a rumor only though maybe worth trying to find out. Best of luck!

Jonnyknoxville

5th Mar 2020, 15:38

yes its possible , quite easily actually

GreenBook

5th Mar 2020, 15:42

yes its possible , quite easily actually

Could you elaborate?

OldCessna

5th Mar 2020, 16:49

Cape Air is a good bet. C402 and tons of pilots go through them. Not bad to work for either and you get to fly in real weather. They can sponsor you for an ARC card but you have to pickup costs. 10 years ago it was about 3k.

I think they use a H1B visa these days.

Neufunk

5th Mar 2020, 17:03

Don't forget to sign up for the Diversity Visa upcoming season (October 2020).

Climb150

5th Mar 2020, 19:42

The Cape Air scheme is about 35k now

The Bunglerat

11th Mar 2020, 04:02

Must admit, I'm curious too. 51 years old with 25 years in aviation, 9,500 hrs, Boeing & Airbus type rated. Always dreamed of a corporate/bizjet career but in my part of the world it was actually much easier to get into a major airline. Yes, the pay and stability (if there is such a thing in this game) is no doubt better than biz aviation, but frankly I'm over it. Gimme a US corporate jet job with its ensuing variety any day! Yeah yeah yeah, I know - but hey, we all gotta dream, right...?

cruisepower

15th Mar 2020, 12:08

Cape air, you pay around 35k they sponsor you green card and you fly with them for 2-3 years. Pay is not bad good for someone who wants to move to the US the easy way. If you then want just move to the regional or majors after wards.

rudestuff

15th Mar 2020, 12:53

Could you elaborate?
Well you start by meeting a girl...