Originally Posted by
JohnBurke
It's certainly not too late to apply to a regional. A lot of foreign students train in the USA. What you'll need to determine is working rights, and whether you can secure employment without citizenship. This depends on your status (and possibly your relationship with your now-girlfriend). I've known a number of Dutch, british, French, German, and other European pilots who have come to the USA and worked. Before you get too mired in the cost and financing, find out what your work options will be.
Yes, your resident and work authorization status should be your priority.
I am from Europe myself and really, there aren't that many options to obtain the legal right to work in the US. You and your girlfriend should discuss your options. Getting married will grant you permanent resident status, first on a 2-year temporary basis and if all goes well after that, for a period of 10 years that can be renewed. The process can be daunting but it is doable. Now of course, marriage is a big decision so give it some (serious) thoughts.
Another option would be to work for a company in Europe that has the need for you to be based in the US. This is not very common, but it happens. In which case, you will have a temporary work visa which should open some doors for you down the road.