Canadians / US base ?

[Rosbif]

Does anyone out there know if a Canadian can commute to a US base while resident in Canada if working for Cathay Cargo. If so, what visas are required, and do you think the situation will change? (Given "Dubya's" reelection)

[SlamClick]

Rosbif,
Be proud you live in Canada! After Dumbyas re-election many Americans are re-considering the great white north.

Anyway, from what I've been told commuting to work for Cathay Pacific is not a problem. Technically you are crossing the border from Canada to the U.S to go to work for a Hong Kong Based company, so no green card is necessary.

Good luck!

SlamClick

[Koyo]

Really? I assume since you'll be transfer to the North American CX company which is technically seperate, you may not be able to do that. Can someone clear this up?

[Rosbif]

I have heard both Slamclick's and Koyo's response before, and I still don't know for sure.

It would be very stressful indeed to be working in a dream job and wondering when / if the immigration officer will end it all.

I would imagine that American Fedex pilots are based all over the world without any kind of working permission, but reciprocity is not the US's strong suit. Ask any Canadian about "free trade".

If there is some kind of visa (Q or C ?)that would work, then that would help with the stress.

It also seems that as soon as the security flag is waved over an issue that the rules can be changed overnight. Hence my concern and the question.

Is anyone out there actually commuting to a US base, or am I wasting my time over the idea?
I would think that this is a major issue for "Wannabee's"

[bumboclot]

I know of a Cathay cargo pilot that lives in Calgary, but is based out of LAX.

from their own F/O recruitment add:

Job Title: Direct Entry First Officers (Freighter Fleet)
Region: Asia
Company: Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd
Position type: Permanent
Posted: Wednesday 26 May 2004
Job type(s): Flight crew
Description: Successful applicants will operate Cathay Pacific Airways B747 Freighter aircraft from ports within the USA, Europe or the UK. Residents of Canada, the USA, the UK and Europe are eligible to apply. A competitive remuneration package is offered including concessionary travel and medical benefits....

[Rosbif]

Thanks bumboclot, but it might be interpreted as meaning that pilots can commute to any country for which they have working or resident status. For example, a Canadian might base out of Vancouver, but only Frankfurt if he has a Euro passport.

I am sure that it is done, bus is it/will it be legal ?

You can imagine the mess you would be in if the Americans said "well we used to tolerate this arrangement, but now we have to enforce the letter of the law due to security concerns".

Ouch !

Any immigration lawyers or specialists have an opinion?

[BlueEagle]

I'm moving this into the Fragrant Harbour main stream forum as I think you are more likely to get answers from existing crews than from the Wannabes section who may not yet be employees of CX.

[Koyo]

Thanks for the move. I think a lot of us back in the Wannabe forum will really appreciate this kind of info.

[Thunderbird4]

It's this simple. You can live where ever you like, be based where ever you like but the legalities of all of it are up to you. So if you want to live in Canada and be based in the US then call the US Consulate and ask them if this is legal. All the rest is speculation. CX will not support you if you are caught without the correct visa's etc. They make this very clear.

[Koyo]

http://www.amcits.com/exceptions.asp

According to "American Citizen Information Service", Canadian citizens are not require to have a aircrew visa. However, don't take my word for it since it's just a government website. Call them to confirm the status for aircrew visa for Canadians.

[cpdude]

It is NOT A PROBLEM...PERIOD!

[Rosbif]

Thanks for the move, Blue Eagle, & thanks for the link, Koyo.

So the concensus seems to be that Canadians can commute to US bases, without a visa and with no restrictions. -- At least for now.

So the next questions would be.

1)How likely is a change, given that a lot of the other immigration rules have changed?

2)Assuming that one were to work under this arrangement, and the Americans were to suddenly move the goalposts "for security reasons", would CX re-base you, or would you be out on your ear?

And finally, (somewhat tongue in cheek): Am I being overly cautious/pessimistic as a CX wanabee?

[Koyo]

The rules may change depending on how Canada improve their security measures. If US don't like what they see, it's very possible for us Canadians to be required an aircrew visa. However, I don't think the government would let that happen because it would seriously screw up cross border trade. If you don't have a criminal record, I think you have a good chance of getting a visa if you're require to.

As for CX leaving you out to dry, I'll leave it up to the actual employees to answer that. But given the fact that CX will not help you in immigration matter as it is, it can be assume it will be up to you to get everything in place. The US won't suddenly change the rules, I expect at least a 1 year warning. However, if that's enough time to make alternative arrange is another thing.

[Rosbif]

I think I'm probably worrying about nothing. I read the US immigration stuff, and it would appear that even if Canadians were suddenly required to get visas, that a "D" visa would be forthcoming.
Thanks to all for input.

[Goonybird]

ALL CX basing companies are Hong Kong companies, therefore you are not working in the U.S. per say.
So yes you can be "based" in the U.S and live in Canada because as far as the yanks are concerned you work for a Hong Kong company.....Living there, now that's a whole different story.