Anybody got experience with an H1B Visa in the USA?
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Anybody got experience with an H1B Visa in the USA?
To my situation at the moment my friend and I are both flight instructors in the us as a non us citizen (legally). Our employer is very satisfied with the work we do and therefor want to employ us for longer.
My question is anybody of you guys has been almost in the same situation and applyed for an H1B Visa and got it approved? Does not matter if for a flight school or another helicopter company.
Please send me a pm.
Thanks
My question is anybody of you guys has been almost in the same situation and applyed for an H1B Visa and got it approved? Does not matter if for a flight school or another helicopter company.
Please send me a pm.
Thanks
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USCIS
To my knowledge, pilot is NOT one of the categories authorised for H1B visa...
Now if you are a Doctor, nurse, etc... good to go...
Check the USCIS.gov web site for all relevant H1 information.. Good luck.
Now if you are a Doctor, nurse, etc... good to go...
Check the USCIS.gov web site for all relevant H1 information.. Good luck.
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Hi,
It sounds like i was in the same situation you are now a few years ago, i applied for a one year h1b visa, it took them three weeks less than a year to process it and refuse it, so i did get what i wanted really as you can still legally work whilst they are processing it, and even apply again and still stay working, if you are willing to pay for each application, but mine was refused because i didnt have a degree????
but maybe it has changed since?
Lee...
It sounds like i was in the same situation you are now a few years ago, i applied for a one year h1b visa, it took them three weeks less than a year to process it and refuse it, so i did get what i wanted really as you can still legally work whilst they are processing it, and even apply again and still stay working, if you are willing to pay for each application, but mine was refused because i didnt have a degree????
but maybe it has changed since?
Lee...
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Ignoring the (important!) issue of eligibility, one general issue with H-1 visas is the quota system and massive imbalance between demand and supply, see paragraphs 2+3 of this article:
http://www.economist.com/world/na/di...ory_id=9090288
http://www.economist.com/world/na/di...ory_id=9090288
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I was in that situation also. To make a long story short.......forget it. Hate to be mean, but that's the way it is.
I was working for a guy who paid an attorney to try and sort out the visa for us. The application process was a nightmare and the time involved is very very lengthy (read over a year). On top of that they only issue 60,000 a year. They do the selections in March/April and then the processing is in October/November. If you miss that, then wait another year........ Your employer must prove that there is no-one in the US capable of doing the job that he is trying to employ you for. Sadly helicopter pilots do not figure highly on the list.
Basically life is too short to hang around trying to get an H1.
I was working for a guy who paid an attorney to try and sort out the visa for us. The application process was a nightmare and the time involved is very very lengthy (read over a year). On top of that they only issue 60,000 a year. They do the selections in March/April and then the processing is in October/November. If you miss that, then wait another year........ Your employer must prove that there is no-one in the US capable of doing the job that he is trying to employ you for. Sadly helicopter pilots do not figure highly on the list.
Basically life is too short to hang around trying to get an H1.
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If you have another trade (that is on the list) you may be able to combine a visa application that covers both trades e.g. C++ Programmer - who must be able to fly helicopters, 1000 hours etc...
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I went through this process back in 2000 with the employer i was with at the time....It takes a year to get anything back and it depends on what office in the immigration takes your case.
From what i remember also was you had to have a bachalors degree or equivilant to receive the visa. Talk came back to me that certain certificates were equivilant, ie. commercial to a bachelors, instrument to masters and ATP to Honours. I could never find this in print but was assured it was out there.
Anyway, i was turned down for the visa and found another way, but here's the kicker, my now ex-employer called me out of the blue one day and said they had revised my case and issued me a visa.
So, don't know what to suggest here except give it a go but it looks like a 50/50 if you get it or not and now with the crack down on foriegn student pilots i'm not sure if it is possible.
Good luck.
From what i remember also was you had to have a bachalors degree or equivilant to receive the visa. Talk came back to me that certain certificates were equivilant, ie. commercial to a bachelors, instrument to masters and ATP to Honours. I could never find this in print but was assured it was out there.
Anyway, i was turned down for the visa and found another way, but here's the kicker, my now ex-employer called me out of the blue one day and said they had revised my case and issued me a visa.
So, don't know what to suggest here except give it a go but it looks like a 50/50 if you get it or not and now with the crack down on foriegn student pilots i'm not sure if it is possible.
Good luck.
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My wife and I have both applied for an H1B - she pretty much got approved for green card sponsored by her employer (no, she's not a pilot!) and now the waiting for our "priority date" starts 
.
In order to bridge this period (everyones guess is as good as mine but we're guessing 2-3 years) we try to get H1B's. Our immigration attourney recons that at least one of us will get the H1B, maybe both.
As far as the "your-job-needs-to-be-on-list" s*** goes, my attourney is confident that I fit into "air carrier pilot/co-pilot" (I fly both helicopters and planks Part 135).
Oh, we applied for the H1B now and (hopefully) get it in october.
Can somebody shed some light on the afore mentioned "I applied for a visa, and since I applied, I can keep working" theory? I mean if that would be true (I doubt it) my wife and I could stay, since we're just waiting for our priority date to come up?! That doesn't sound right?!
(no, she's not a pilot!) and now the waiting for our "priority date" starts . In order to bridge this period (everyones guess is as good as mine but we're guessing 2-3 years) we try to get H1B's. Our immigration attourney recons that at least one of us will get the H1B, maybe both.
As far as the "your-job-needs-to-be-on-list" s*** goes, my attourney is confident that I fit into "air carrier pilot/co-pilot" (I fly both helicopters and planks Part 135).
Oh, we applied for the H1B now and (hopefully) get it in october.
Can somebody shed some light on the afore mentioned "I applied for a visa, and since I applied, I can keep working" theory? I mean if that would be true (I doubt it) my wife and I could stay, since we're just waiting for our priority date to come up?! That doesn't sound right?!
That's what I did - went on a J1, then just before that ran out, submitted the paperwork for change of status to an H3. Once you have submitted the paperwork you are in limbo - you can stay until they give you a decision. By the time they said no i'd already got the time in I wanted. It seems that visa and status are different - visa is for getting you in, status is what matters.
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rudestuff-SNAP,
I even called the immigration department whilst i was waiting as i wanted to come back to the UK for a visit but was advised they could not guarantee permission to re-enter the US if i left but it was fine if i stayed.
I was also told that i had to leave immediately once i had the refusal unless i applied again.
I was flying part 135 as well with an IR ticket but that didnt seem to count at the time, maybe they just ran out of them, hehehe
Lee...
I even called the immigration department whilst i was waiting as i wanted to come back to the UK for a visit but was advised they could not guarantee permission to re-enter the US if i left but it was fine if i stayed.
I was also told that i had to leave immediately once i had the refusal unless i applied again.
I was flying part 135 as well with an IR ticket but that didnt seem to count at the time, maybe they just ran out of them, hehehe
Lee...
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H1B visa
Many moons ago (mid 90's) I applied for H1B visa based on potential US employer recommendations and ATP, lotsa hours, turbine time, etcetera.
Was told firmly and repeatedly that a professional pilot's license was NOT sufficient. Let me say that again: I researched, talked to different attornies, spent some dough, and was told the same thing over and over again. Now, as it happened, my potential employer wanted pilot-mechanics. And he could not find enough in the USA. Went back to the legal beagles, and pointed out that I also had an FAA A&P license. Oh! They said. Research, research. More money. Then they came back and said: a PILOT does NOT qualify for an H1B but a dual rated PILOT-MECHANIC does.
Go figger.
The A&P course I completed was 13 months. Actually very interesting, and well done. Never thought it would lead to a green card, but it did, eventually, via the H1B.
Have to say I'm very happy in the great USA, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT HERE, and you can take the North Sea, and Aberdeen, and the CAA, and unrestricted immigration, and go and kiss my.....elbow.
Hope this helps. My understanding is that MANY pilots have tried the H1B route, based on their pilot's licenses, and I have yet to hear of one succeeding. Now, I could be wrong. But this is my experience.
Also, the great helicopter pilot shortage over here is... on the wobble a bit. PHI has stopped hiring right now. That is significant, and won't help your chances to get on with an H1B.
Hope it helps. Good luck in your endeavours.
PS: Have you tried the green card lottery? I've met quite a few people/pilots who tried that and won.
Best of luck to you.
Was told firmly and repeatedly that a professional pilot's license was NOT sufficient. Let me say that again: I researched, talked to different attornies, spent some dough, and was told the same thing over and over again. Now, as it happened, my potential employer wanted pilot-mechanics. And he could not find enough in the USA. Went back to the legal beagles, and pointed out that I also had an FAA A&P license. Oh! They said. Research, research. More money. Then they came back and said: a PILOT does NOT qualify for an H1B but a dual rated PILOT-MECHANIC does.
Go figger.
The A&P course I completed was 13 months. Actually very interesting, and well done. Never thought it would lead to a green card, but it did, eventually, via the H1B.
Have to say I'm very happy in the great USA, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT HERE, and you can take the North Sea, and Aberdeen, and the CAA,
and unrestricted immigration, and go and kiss my.....elbow.Hope this helps. My understanding is that MANY pilots have tried the H1B route, based on their pilot's licenses, and I have yet to hear of one succeeding. Now, I could be wrong. But this is my experience.
Also, the great helicopter pilot shortage over here is... on the wobble a bit. PHI has stopped hiring right now. That is significant, and won't help your chances to get on with an H1B.
Hope it helps. Good luck in your endeavours.
PS: Have you tried the green card lottery? I've met quite a few people/pilots who tried that and won.
Best of luck to you.
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thumbing for you
"As far as the "your-job-needs-to-be-on-list" s*** goes, my attourney is confident that I fit into "air carrier pilot/co-pilot" (I fly both helicopters and planks Part 135)."
I'm VERY surprised at that statement. Well,I hope for your sake that your attorney is right. I would caution you that that does NOT gel with my experiences.
I was also DUAL rated. Extensively so. Made absolutely no difference.
(As regards the time scale. Everything took much longer than expected.
The whole H1B process took nearly two years. The green card process after that took about six! Whatever time period you are quoted, multiply it by three or four...)
It will be interesting to many to see how you get on, and I for one will be thumbing for you. Let us know how you get on.
I'm VERY surprised at that statement. Well,I hope for your sake that your attorney is right. I would caution you that that does NOT gel with my experiences.
I was also DUAL rated. Extensively so. Made absolutely no difference.
(As regards the time scale. Everything took much longer than expected.
The whole H1B process took nearly two years. The green card process after that took about six! Whatever time period you are quoted, multiply it by three or four...)
It will be interesting to many to see how you get on, and I for one will be thumbing for you. Let us know how you get on.
Last edited by Dysfunctional; 23rd Feb 2008 at 04:27.
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Mr D and Mr Rude - lil details query
for an H1B but a dual rated PILOT-MECHANIC does.
As I might want to stay in the US bit longer after J1 and plan to start mechanic course, this option would be interesting to me.
Can I succesfully apply for F1 status (ie doing 'conversion' or downgrade from EASA part 66 to A&P) after one application for change of status at the end of J1?
How do you see it having done some apps before?
How does the H1 or H2 visa deadline (is it H2 only?) influence the decision time (ie at the end of J1?) or is it all about one year no matter when the deadline for the current or start for another H visa year is?
Thanks
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"Did you need US A&P or part 66 would be sufficient? (ie Canadian CPL for the purposes of skilled visa to Canada)"
Answer: I don't know. At a guess, (guess!) I don't think it would make a difference. Provided your Canadian experience is documented. And I would research the mechanics on attaining a US A+P on the strength of Canadian.
Your other questions: I'd be guessing. I'd like to help, but you really need an immigration lawyer. Bear in mind that the BIG decision is when your application goes to the department of LABOR. If they approve that stage, the rest may take a long time, but appears to be a formality. Department of Labor decide if you are "sufficiently highly qualified".
I can give you some hope. It is widely thought that if a US citizen applies for your job, then the employer MUST give it to said US citizen. Not so, my attorney said. The employer still has discretion.
As I see it, from my limited perspective, the keys are two:
1) an employer who wants to employ you as a pilot - mechanic. Or as a Pilot+SOMETHING.
They are about.
2) an EXTRA qualification that is really relevant to the job the employer wants you for. A+P is a good example, but there might be others.
Maybe a luxury yacht would love to have a pilot who has been to school on the vessel's turbine engines. Maybe a ENG job would love a pilot who has ENG experience in his native country. Etcetera.
Of the two keys, the employer who wants to employ you is the secret.
My attorney said a helpful employer who was willing to show previous (unsuccesful) advertisements (like mine was) was worth its weight in gold.
Finally... let me encourage you to really try. I just love living in the USA. It's a paradise for helicopter pilots, maybe not for high wages (we're just glorified bus drivers I think), but for a wide variety of job opportunities.
And to be able to jump on my V-twin in February, without freezing to death or getting soaked to the skin, I think is terrific.
Sorry I can't answer all your questions. Sure would if I could.
Answer: I don't know. At a guess, (guess!) I don't think it would make a difference. Provided your Canadian experience is documented. And I would research the mechanics on attaining a US A+P on the strength of Canadian.
Your other questions: I'd be guessing. I'd like to help, but you really need an immigration lawyer. Bear in mind that the BIG decision is when your application goes to the department of LABOR. If they approve that stage, the rest may take a long time, but appears to be a formality. Department of Labor decide if you are "sufficiently highly qualified".
I can give you some hope. It is widely thought that if a US citizen applies for your job, then the employer MUST give it to said US citizen. Not so, my attorney said. The employer still has discretion.
As I see it, from my limited perspective, the keys are two:
1) an employer who wants to employ you as a pilot - mechanic. Or as a Pilot+SOMETHING.
They are about.
2) an EXTRA qualification that is really relevant to the job the employer wants you for. A+P is a good example, but there might be others.
Maybe a luxury yacht would love to have a pilot who has been to school on the vessel's turbine engines. Maybe a ENG job would love a pilot who has ENG experience in his native country. Etcetera.
Of the two keys, the employer who wants to employ you is the secret.
My attorney said a helpful employer who was willing to show previous (unsuccesful) advertisements (like mine was) was worth its weight in gold.
Finally... let me encourage you to really try. I just love living in the USA. It's a paradise for helicopter pilots, maybe not for high wages (we're just glorified bus drivers I think), but for a wide variety of job opportunities.
And to be able to jump on my V-twin in February, without freezing to death or getting soaked to the skin, I think is terrific.
Sorry I can't answer all your questions. Sure would if I could.
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Thanks Mr D.
I meant as an example, having Canadian CPL so they recognise it as a suitable qual for migrating to Canada as a pro pilot. Ie having A&P a must.
Anyway, I mentioned that my plan (as it stands now) is to do JAR-66 in the UK. With mech papers and a bachelors, I'd be better off in some ways.
A&P should be piece of cakes then.
I'd like to be able to take the best out of flying in the US in helicopters.
I don't plan to settle there for good. Probably Australia or Canada. Or somewhere around the world. I'll see what life brings.
I'm not desperate to live or settle in the US. There's far too many interesting places around the world. But thanks to the cost of training in Europe and min TT for FI etc, it's the only viable option for me at the moment. Whether going there every summer or two and eventually getting enough hours (and instructing in the UK afterwards), or getting enough dosh for J1 expenses in few years' time.
As I can see it, having aero maintenance degree (ideally some experience to be fully licensed for JAA/EASA) helps in getting to Australia, Canada and via employer sponsorship to the US as well. So I don't have to do some more catering experience for Canada or Australia and focus on saving money and flight training. As it stands right now, I can go to Canada and NZ on working holiday work visa. In less than 3 years I'll have UK passport ready so some more.
NZ and Canada are fairly easy to get residence visa to with right papers and experience (plus bags of time in Canada).
Well, in theory it might work out as a mechanic job with piloting skills. Ie test pilot example as someone who needs both skills (not that I aspire to be one, plus it's way too distant <im>possibility for me to think about it seriously).
Yeah. Flying in the US or Australia has many advantages. But OZ isn't very good place to start in thanks to 'hangar ratting' before instructing, oversupply of low timers (worse than elsewhere, maybe except NZ). I don't fancy doing offshore in North Sea for good. The weather here is getting me down.
Who cares what people think? Bus drivers, pedicab drivers, formula drivers, chopper drivers. As long as we do what we want/like/adore, it's good.
I'm no 'cool' freak, mainstream hollow head, blunt whatever to care about that kind of status. Though, acceptable working conditions do matter. I also like the GA-friendly nature of USA. Planes or helos.
I meant as an example, having Canadian CPL so they recognise it as a suitable qual for migrating to Canada as a pro pilot. Ie having A&P a must.
Anyway, I mentioned that my plan (as it stands now) is to do JAR-66 in the UK. With mech papers and a bachelors, I'd be better off in some ways.
A&P should be piece of cakes then.
I'd like to be able to take the best out of flying in the US in helicopters.
I don't plan to settle there for good. Probably Australia or Canada. Or somewhere around the world. I'll see what life brings.
I'm not desperate to live or settle in the US. There's far too many interesting places around the world. But thanks to the cost of training in Europe and min TT for FI etc, it's the only viable option for me at the moment. Whether going there every summer or two and eventually getting enough hours (and instructing in the UK afterwards), or getting enough dosh for J1 expenses in few years' time.
As I can see it, having aero maintenance degree (ideally some experience to be fully licensed for JAA/EASA) helps in getting to Australia, Canada and via employer sponsorship to the US as well. So I don't have to do some more catering experience for Canada or Australia and focus on saving money and flight training. As it stands right now, I can go to Canada and NZ on working holiday work visa. In less than 3 years I'll have UK passport ready so some more.
NZ and Canada are fairly easy to get residence visa to with right papers and experience (plus bags of time in Canada).
Well, in theory it might work out as a mechanic job with piloting skills. Ie test pilot example as someone who needs both skills (not that I aspire to be one, plus it's way too distant <im>possibility for me to think about it seriously).
Yeah. Flying in the US or Australia has many advantages. But OZ isn't very good place to start in thanks to 'hangar ratting' before instructing, oversupply of low timers (worse than elsewhere, maybe except NZ). I don't fancy doing offshore in North Sea for good. The weather here is getting me down.
Who cares what people think? Bus drivers, pedicab drivers, formula drivers, chopper drivers. As long as we do what we want/like/adore, it's good.
I'm no 'cool' freak, mainstream hollow head, blunt whatever to care about that kind of status. Though, acceptable working conditions do matter. I also like the GA-friendly nature of USA. Planes or helos.
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Ignoring the (important!) issue of eligibility, one general issue with H-1 visas is the quota system and massive imbalance between demand and supply, see paragraphs 2+3 of this article:
http://www.economist.com/world/na/di...ory_id=9090288
http://www.economist.com/world/na/di...ory_id=9090288
I've read something similar with H2 visas. lower skill or unskilled visa for casual temporary work. Quite a 'fun' when considering the bucks spent on petition and then having 'lottery' if agency applied the first hours of new application period.
Seems internship is a way to go. Just that I'm not sure I'd get J1 18 months visa for eng internship after J1 for flight training. And doing it the other way round to endanger 2yr flight training J1 is just mad.
H1B or H2B
Has anyone recently been through the process of getting a H1B or H2B visa to work as a helicopter pilot in the US? I have a job offer to work over there but the bureaucracy and red tape make things almost impossible! Any info is appreciated
Thanks
Thanks
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Not sure about the H1-B, but I've held a L1-B for 6 years now and I'm a Canadian. The eligibility required for that is, one must be employed for a minimum of one year with the company, in my case the sister corporation in Canada, proof of education in regards to university degree's or equivalent, and specialized flying that is hard to obtain in the US. Also one of the biggest hurdles can be the Homeland Security clearances required, if you are flying a type one aircraft (heavies).
You really have to offer are a rare to come by specialized ability or skill....and even that will not gaurantee a work visa.
Good luck....
You really have to offer are a rare to come by specialized ability or skill....and even that will not gaurantee a work visa.
Good luck....
