EB2 NIW US Visa, does anyone know anyone who has actually done this?

[Richard_Richard]

Hi All,

Sorry if this has been asked before.

So I keep getting emails and seeing adverts on various sites for this "EB2 NIW" US Visa. Was just wondering if anyone knows anyone / or has themselves actually got one of these Visas to gain employment in the USA.

Being a UK Citizen who is currently going through a redundancy from my current flying position, and as I'm unable to get the right to live and work in the EU (thanks Brexit) despite holding both UK and EASA licences, I would seriously consider giving the USA a go if it was a realistic possibility (yes I know I need an FAA licence and going through the conversion process to get one of those is an expense all on its own but I'd prepared to make the investment if it was worthwhile).

Allegedly the USA requires loads of experienced pilots so I would have expected the process to be more straightforward?

[A321drvr]

Hi,

I know 2 people who tried and succeeded as well as a few who didn't. Not much details as they all signed some sort of a confidentiality agreement with their relevant law firms.

The latter was mainly due to not having a conditional job offer from a US based airline, FAA ATP, and/or not being to demonstrate an uninterrupted airline career of at least 10 years with sufficient proof, like training and checking documentation, employment verification, references, contracts, etc. Also some struggled to provide their legally translated tax returns, payslips and proof of other/all income for the last couple of years etc.

USCIS are really being a pain in the a*s with small details. Your petition should pretty much have everything included what is told to you by your immigration lawyer, even the smallest thing could make or break your individual case.

In any case i haven't come across anyone who managed to get it in less than a year.

Cheerio

[Whitemonk Returns]

Originally Posted by A321drvr

Hi,

I know 2 people who tried and succeeded as well as a few who didn't. Not much details as they all signed some sort of a confidentiality agreement with their relevant law firms.

The latter was mainly due to not having a conditional job offer from a US based airline, FAA ATP, and/or not being to demonstrate an uninterrupted airline career of at least 10 years with sufficient proof, like training and checking documentation, employment verification, references, contracts, etc. Also some struggled to provide their legally translated tax returns, payslips and proof of other/all income for the last couple of years etc.

USCIS are really being a pain in the a*s with small details. Your petition should pretty much have everything included what is told to you by your immigration lawyer, even the smallest thing could make or break your individual case.

In any case i haven't come across anyone who managed to get it in less than a year.

Cheerio

Any recommendations on which law firms to use and any rough idea of price? I hit 10 years professional experience in January and considering giving it a go and getting my paperwork in order over the winter

[rotorwills]

Originally Posted by Whitemonk Returns

Any recommendations on which law firms to use and any rough idea of price? I hit 10 years professional experience in January and considering giving it a go and getting my paperwork in order over the winter

I can't recommend any law firm, however from my experience of knowing a couple of pilots attempts it is imperative that you have a job offered from an airline.
Plenty of law firms will take your money, sorry, take you on the trip. It's a win win for them and boy it's gamble fir the payee even with a sponsor added. The amount of hoops you encounter are pretty much virtually impossible to get through.

Have to add this is information that has come to me from associates and not first hand, so there may be a chink in the USA amour, but none that appear visible so far.

Good luck.

[booze]

Second hand info: uninterrupted airline career of at least 10 years really mean that. If one had let's say a year out of a job due to covid then you have to demonstrate your last 11 years and so on. Also being a long standing member of a professional pilot organisation (with proof and reference), like BALPA for example is a definite must.

[JoseLeon]

Originally Posted by A321drvr

Hi,

I know 2 people who tried and succeeded as well as a few who didn't. Not much details as they all signed some sort of a confidentiality agreement with their relevant law firms.

The latter was mainly due to not having a conditional job offer from a US based airline, FAA ATP, and/or not being to demonstrate an uninterrupted airline career of at least 10 years with sufficient proof, like training and checking documentation, employment verification, references, contracts, etc. Also some struggled to provide their legally translated tax returns, payslips and proof of other/all income for the last couple of years etc.

USCIS are really being a pain in the a*s with small details. Your petition should pretty much have everything included what is told to you by your immigration lawyer, even the smallest thing could make or break your individual case.

In any case i haven't come across anyone who managed to get it in less than a year.

Cheerio

Hi Cheerio,

My last approval was done in 3 weeks. Times are coming down on the EB2-NIW for pilots.

[enzino]

Is an FAA ATP or CPL a requirement before attempting the process?

And am I right in saying that 10 years of experience is a hard requirement?

[JoseLeon]

No, but allows us to make a stronger argument.

[drex_11]

Originally Posted by JoseLeon

Hi Cheerio,

My last approval was done in 3 weeks. Times are coming down on the EB2-NIW for pilots.

Hi JoseLeon,
Please check your PMs! Thanks!