fuelsurvey,

(The China gig is great and commuting from the US allows me to keep my green card. I'll look again eventually)

I didn't get this. Did they base you on US soil?[/left]

In the FAA world the authorization to command a turbojet powered aircraft or an aircraft weighing more than 12,500 pounds is called a type rating, sometimes shortened to TR. These are added to the FAA certificate at the completion of the type rating checkride.

rudestuff, the only way I know to transfer a foreign type to a FAA cert is to complete the 61.75 process, pass the regular IR written and checkride and have "US TEST PASSED" added to the 61.75. Then when you get a regular FAA commercial or ATP and IF you can show the training for the foreign type rating was conducted by an "authorized instructor" which is FAA speak for a FAA CFI and IF the training and records fills all the squares of 61.157 (b) you can have the type ratings moved to the regular FAA certificate. Or they could be on a Transport Canada license.

I'm on a commuting contract. 3 weeks in China and 3 weeks off, at home in the U.S

Debated whether to start a separate thread for my question but I'll put it here instead and hope someone sees it. It seems Spirit Airlines has hired a number of Avianca pilots who are doing a great job according to reports. The thread containing this info doesn't mention how they're able to work here...dual citizen, green card, visa of some kind. Any Spirit pilot want to comment ?

https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/s...t-process.html

probably green card holders already.

As of late Spirit Airlines has not filed any LCA ( Labor Condition Application) for any foreigner.

That's the most likely case. I assume these folks would also have FAA ATPs as the current requirements for Spirit list that:

https://re12.ultipro.com/spi1000/job...6DDCCEEE6A2413

You'll need to apply for a re-entry permit. I had one a few years ago. It's valid for two years.
The 50% time spent in the U.S is for naturalization purposes only.
For visits outside the country of less than 6 months customs has the burden of proof that you've abandoned your green card. Trips more than 6 months but less than a year you have the burden of proof.
In any case, if it's clear that you are not actually living in the U.S or maintaining your intention of living in the U.S you could have your green card revoked.

Has anyone tried to change status from J-1 to green card.

Assuming the waiver was approved. please share your experiences.

Dual citizens, in fact quite a few are even US-born.