Chances of getting a job for a Canadian

ilia

New Member
Hey, the market here in Canada is pretty small/slow for entry level pilot jobs. I see a lot of small operators with light twins/singles (PC12, C208, C412 etc) looking for drivers. Getting an FAA license is a matter of a small exam and a few days of running around, however, how would one go about getting hired as a Canadian Citizen. I understand that I would need the magic green card, that will automatically open all the doors to most FBOs (lol) but I dont seem to qualify for one based on what I read. Has anyone ever heard of a Canadian sponsored by US operator? Any advice for me?? Thanks!!
 
Hey, the market here in Canada is pretty small/slow for entry level pilot jobs. I see a lot of small operators with light twins/singles (PC12, C208, C412 etc) looking for drivers. Getting an FAA license is a matter of a small exam and a few days of running around, however, how would one go about getting hired as a Canadian Citizen. I understand that I would need the magic green card, that will automatically open all the doors to most FBOs (lol) but I dont seem to qualify for one based on what I read. Has anyone ever heard of a Canadian sponsored by US operator? Any advice for me?? Thanks!!

If you have your CFI there are maybe a few flight schools that will get a visa for you (green card is on you, not an employer).Some of the small recip and turbine operators may if they really need guys (which I don't think is the case right now, at least not at any of the ones that are complete dumps). As far the regionals/majors... not going to happen. You'd need work rights before they'd hire you.
 
What BobDDuck said. Not gonna happen at a regional. I did know someone who was a foreigner that got sponsored to work on a visa as a CFI at a flightschool. They worked their long enough to get their greencard and then moved onto a regional.
 
Thanks for the replies so far, I dont know if I am exactly in a mindset to persue a career as a CFI. I would almost rather fly in in a light twin and do ramp work...I know to someone it might be odd, but I just would not want to teach at this point.
 
Why not just impress some American chick with your politeness and knowledge of ice fishing? Convince her to marry you, and you'll be on your way....
 
One of my coworkers used to fly for SkyWest. He has his green card. It probably helps that he instructed at the school he went to here in the US, and he ended up marrying a US citizen. Those things probably helped his case.
 
Why not just impress some American chick with your politeness and knowledge of ice fishing? Convince her to marry you, and you'll be on your way....

Play up the accent, and you're golden. American girls are suckers for an accent.
 
Several ways to get a green card:
Family based (like marriage or through a parent or child)
Adoption
Diversity lottery (Canada is not usually eligible)
Refugee and asylum seekers
Employment based

Your best bet is family based (marrying an American girl) or employment based but those are quite difficult. I know a guy who achieved this by entering on an H1B visa and after 5 years was able to get the green card, and a few years later get citizenship. Getting an employment based work visa in the US is quite challenging for pilots. I have heard of people who knew a CFI who got a visa and eventually got a green card but I don't know anyone personally. I do know people who have been able to instruct on an F1 visa or M1 visa but it was for a limited time and they had to return to their home country afterwards.
 
Several ways to get a green card:
Family based (like marriage or through a parent or child)
Adoption
Diversity lottery (Canada is not usually eligible)
Refugee and asylum seekers
Employment based

Your best bet is family based (marrying an American girl) or employment based but those are quite difficult. I know a guy who achieved this by entering on an H1B visa and after 5 years was able to get the green card, and a few years later get citizenship. Getting an employment based work visa in the US is quite challenging for pilots. I have heard of people who knew a CFI who got a visa and eventually got a green card but I don't know anyone personally. I do know people who have been able to instruct on an F1 visa or M1 visa but it was for a limited time and they had to return to their home country afterwards.


Marriage visas are pretty easy for Canucks. My wife does them all the time. I'm not sure how long they take to process right now, but as long as it's a legit marriage, you should be good.

So get on it ... www.match.com
 
Can't you get a green card after a 4 year stint on active duty? I know we had a Cuban guy in my unit that got his....
 
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