Foreign Pilots in the US

[Ilyushin76]

Just wanted to know if there are any airlines in the US that hire foreign pilots (Airbus/Boeing rated) - no green card or citizenship?

Insights are welcomed :) !

[bafanguy]

Just wanted to know if there are any airlines in the US that hire foreign pilots (Airbus/Boeing rated) - no green card or citizenship?


It seems the hiring atmosphere here has changed a bit. While there's still a good bit of hiring going on, it's not at the frantic pace it was a couple of years ago.

The LCCs have really slowed down and the regionals don't appear to be losing their captains at a high rate...and have a surplus of F/Os.

All this adds up to make it tougher for visa holders (non-green card).

You're probably familiar with the Aussie E3 visa. I'm not aware of who is currently hiring E3s. Atlas and National have in the past. I'm not sure what other visa categories they might take.

Spirit has taken some visa holders but I was not able to verify what visa. I think it was H1B or H1B1 ? But I think they've stopped hiring.

Breeze Airways has taken E3s in the past but I'm not aware of any other visa category.

Looking to APC for info might help.

https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/

[bustinsurance]

Just wanted to know if there are any airlines in the US that hire foreign pilots (Airbus/Boeing rated) - no green card or citizenship?

Insights are welcomed :) !
US airlines typically require pilots to have legal authorization to work in the country, such as a green card or citizenship. However, some regional airlines may sponsor visas for foreign pilots with appropriate qualifications. It is recommended to directly contact regional carriers like Envoy Air, Republic Airways, or Mesa Airlines, as policies and opportunities may vary. Additionally, foreign pilots should stay updated on immigration regulations and consult with legal experts for personalized advice.

[flyingmed]

Just wanted to know if there are any airlines in the US that hire foreign pilots (Airbus/Boeing rated) - no green card or citizenship?

Insights are welcomed :) !

To fly commercially in the US you would need work authorization (visa) and/or licenses. There are cases where you wouldn't need a visa, but those cases are very limited (normally VIP based outside the US). If you are looking at airlines in the US, you would need a work visa, for which there are several options depending on your personal circumstances, qualifications & experience.

It can take the best part of 2 years to get through visa & training / conversions. It's better to consider the entire market though, the broken pilot supply isn't fully fixed, but it isn't as bad as it was a year ago. Just yesterday there's 260 A320 pilots on the market who were furloughed from Spirit for example.

[NuGuy]

Just wanted to know if there are any airlines in the US that hire foreign pilots (Airbus/Boeing rated) - no green card or citizenship?

Insights are welcomed :) !

What are your chances? Theoretically, a very low, but non-zero number. In reality, functionally zero.

Unless you already have a green card or are dialed into the Aussie E3 program, you are better off chasing unicorns.