Canadian pilot desperate to leave
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NWOPilot
It's a bit sad to learn that Canada is not doing that well in terms of aviation, and that its taxation is so unfriendly. Had the impression that it was a nice country to be in, but I guess it is no longer the case.
If you wouldn't mind me hijacking your thread a bit ...
I'm from the EU, and I don't have the legal right to work in the US. In any case, I decided to have a go at getting an FAA ATP Certificate, given that I'm not doing anything, and can spare the dosh for it.
To the best of my knowledge, the process starts with a License Verification by the FAA of the foreign ATP. After that one has to do an ATP CTP course, then the ATP Written Knowledge Exam, then the ATP Practical Exam.
At this stage I have the ATP CTP + ATP Written + FAA Class 1 Medical.
Keeping the fingers crossed that the US might come to allow other nationalities than just Aussies ...
If it happens that it will not be the case ... then it is always an experience, and one other license.
Lets see how things evolve ...
All the best.
It's a bit sad to learn that Canada is not doing that well in terms of aviation, and that its taxation is so unfriendly. Had the impression that it was a nice country to be in, but I guess it is no longer the case.
If you wouldn't mind me hijacking your thread a bit ...
I'm from the EU, and I don't have the legal right to work in the US. In any case, I decided to have a go at getting an FAA ATP Certificate, given that I'm not doing anything, and can spare the dosh for it.
To the best of my knowledge, the process starts with a License Verification by the FAA of the foreign ATP. After that one has to do an ATP CTP course, then the ATP Written Knowledge Exam, then the ATP Practical Exam.
At this stage I have the ATP CTP + ATP Written + FAA Class 1 Medical.
Keeping the fingers crossed that the US might come to allow other nationalities than just Aussies ...
If it happens that it will not be the case ... then it is always an experience, and one other license.
Lets see how things evolve ...
All the best.
Last edited by zerograv; 7th Apr 2022 at 20:22. Reason: typo
Originally Posted by axiom87
Thanks. I will definitely look into those options!
I'm starting to see mention of Spirit Airlines taking expats on time-limited visas (so far Aussies and E3s). But they're taking those with time-limited visas. So, apply there and see what happens. Can't win if you don't enter.
You'll likely need an FAA ATP but the conversion from Canada to US is pretty easy (OK, sort of easy) so you can do that while pondering other things. I haven't seen any chatter saying they'll provide one.
OK, update: See post #1962 in this thread re Spirit and visa pilots. I'm not on LinkedIn so didn't see this:
Australian pilots can work for US regionals.
Last edited by bafanguy; 7th Apr 2022 at 23:51. Reason: more stuff
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Originally Posted by bafanguy
axiom87,
I'm starting to see mention of Spirit Airlines taking expats on time-limited visas (so far Aussies and E3s).
You'll likely need an FAA ATP but the conversion from Canada to US is pretty easy (OK, sort of easy) so you can do that while pondering other things.
I'm starting to see mention of Spirit Airlines taking expats on time-limited visas (so far Aussies and E3s).
You'll likely need an FAA ATP but the conversion from Canada to US is pretty easy (OK, sort of easy) so you can do that while pondering other things.
Seems like Frontier (they’ve replied to me) and Spirit are considering time-limited visas!
I am indeed in the process of converting the ATP, hopefully done within the next 1-2 months. I’ll do whatever I can within my control I suppose and then hope for the best.
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Curious why you want to leave Canada. Is US just better for pilot careers, not happy with the political climate (out of the frying pan, into the fire, LOL), or just want warmer weather?
My parents are Canadian, but moved to the US before I was born. I thank them every winter.
My parents are Canadian, but moved to the US before I was born. I thank them every winter.
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Originally Posted by Skepilot
Curious why you want to leave Canada. Is US just better for pilot careers, not happy with the political climate (out of the frying pan, into the fire, LOL), or just want warmer weather?
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Originally Posted by axiom87
All of the above. Also Post #17 above goes into further detail.
I guess the difference is our one Legacy carrier does actually pay pretty well typically - but you might be stuck in the back seat (being a Second Officer that is - only in a control seat from FL200 and above) doing SFA for a loooong long time depending on when you join. At least it's lucrative for some and they love it. Our other airlines pay pretty alright too, but they're all wanting cuts at this stage.
As Australians we're able to access E3 visas, can Canadians go for those too? I note CommutAir, Atlas, Frontier and a few others are wanting to hire E3s so could be the go!
EDIT: Sorry axiom87, meant to mention, I'm only quoting this post as mine is directed at you. Not because of whatever you've written in this post specifically.
Originally Posted by ZebraFlyer
As Australians we're able to access E3 visas, can Canadians go for those too? I note CommutAir, Atlas, Frontier and a few others are wanting to hire E3s so could be the go!
E3s are an Aussie-only deal (so far). Not sure what other visa are available to non-Aussies or what US airlines might be accepting visas other than E3.
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Originally Posted by bafanguy
ZF,
E3s are an Aussie-only deal (so far). Not sure what other visa are available to non-Aussies or what US airlines might be accepting visas other than E3.
E3s are an Aussie-only deal (so far). Not sure what other visa are available to non-Aussies or what US airlines might be accepting visas other than E3.
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Hi NWOPilot,
I'm in a similar situation. Turned down Jazz six or seven years back to come fly widebody in Asia, its been great but I'm looking at coming back now.
I'm really reluctant to apply to AC, for all the reasons axiom87 mentioned. Its a massive paycut and to be honest its a laughable salary for a legacy carrier. Tax and housing just make things worse. Middle East looks like a better option to me.
The U.S. is the obvious first choice, but until/unless things open up there it just simply isn't an option. I've heard os Southwest canceling flights for crew shortages, but who knows, maybe it could be years or maybe it wont happen at all.
Obviously I have researched visas extensively, and although there are a couple dozen immigration law firms advertising EB2 NIW Visas for pilots and are happy to take your $10K, but I have not yet seen any evidence of anyone actually being successful in their applications. Hopefully that will change.
I'm in a similar situation. Turned down Jazz six or seven years back to come fly widebody in Asia, its been great but I'm looking at coming back now.
I'm really reluctant to apply to AC, for all the reasons axiom87 mentioned. Its a massive paycut and to be honest its a laughable salary for a legacy carrier. Tax and housing just make things worse. Middle East looks like a better option to me.
The U.S. is the obvious first choice, but until/unless things open up there it just simply isn't an option. I've heard os Southwest canceling flights for crew shortages, but who knows, maybe it could be years or maybe it wont happen at all.
Obviously I have researched visas extensively, and although there are a couple dozen immigration law firms advertising EB2 NIW Visas for pilots and are happy to take your $10K, but I have not yet seen any evidence of anyone actually being successful in their applications. Hopefully that will change.
