Relocation to Hawaii
 

Aircraft Engineer here,EASA B1 licence with types and 18 years experience.

Looking to relocate from Europe to Hawaii. Lots of hurdles to overcome,first being the FAA conversion. Bit of a catch 22 as I need proof of why I require the conversion to work on N-reg A/C and as my current employer doesn't have or work on any I'm stuck.

Beyond getting the licence I need an actual job. Has anyone got an experience on expats getting hired? Or better still have you got a job for me?

Thanks in advance for your help,let's begin......

Without a Green Card, you're going to have a difficult time. Furthermore it is expensive for an employer to even try to get you a work permit. Also keep in mind that Hawaii is an expensive place to live.

If you can find a company that thinks it can sponsor your H1-B Green Card to be an aircraft engineer the sad fact of the matter is that they're probably both mistaken and completely clueless about immigration law and what's involved. But don't let envy one tell you it's impossible either.

As I see it you have basically two options

- Diversity Lottery Program
I know of an Irish guy that got his this way and as far as I know Irish are still eligible. Check though because it's based on your country of birth.

- Set up a business
If you invest a substantial amount in a business in the US you can apply for an E2 visa valid for 5 years. This would also allow you to work for other outfits on a contract basis. Beware though because since most are totally naive about the law they may think you're trying to pull the wool when you say you can contract but not be an employee.

Either of these cases should satisfy the FAA requirements you're talking about. Whatever you do don't try and do it on your own. I went the business route and it worked well for me. If you need a recommendation for a lawyer, PM me and I'll introduce you.

I'm married to a US Citizen now so I can't comment on renewals since five grand in fees later the problem goes away.

Thanks for the replies.

I will be applying for the diversity lotto and as I'm Irish born.

The business route I've only just been coming aware of so any guidance is appreciated.

About PMing I don't seem to have that option, maybe it's locked out to noobs?

HS125,

I would greatly appreciate any inputs from you for the business route!

PM if you want!

Thanks

R

There are two basic ways to get a business / investor visa: the E2 and the EB5. Neither are well suited "to get a job" in the US.

E2 visa: the typical minimum investment with an E2 visa is around $200,000. But the biggest downside for an E2 is that it is a non-immigrant visa. You do not and cannot receive permanent residency with an E2. You must be a full time, active manager in the business, and you must hire at least some employees (2 or 3). If your business fails, you have to go home. If you retire, you have to go home. If your E2 does not get renewed at the whim of some immigration officer, you have to go home. If you have dependent children, they may not work in the US, and they must leave the US when they turn 21.

Also, if you do not have a demonstrated track record of running a business, your E2 visa petition may be declined.

EB5: with EB5 you and your dependent family members get permanent residency (green cards). However, the minimum investment is $1 million (or $500,000 if you're willing to invest in rural or low-income areas). This minimum amount may be increasing to $1.2 million.

With an EB5, your initial green card is conditional: within two years, you must demonstrate that your investment resulted in creating at least 10 new jobs. Otherwise, your green card will not get renewed.

Marry an American Girl
 

That could be your answer, but it certainly has a lot of strings attached.

Why Hawaii? Do you know Hawaii? I was based there for a while and was quite happy to leave it. Some parts are pretty nice to live, but it is warm, it is humid, it is extreme corrosive environment.

Don't forget ridiculously expensive.........! I personally think the place is way overrated.