Question for you EGOTRHASHER... Have.kept track of the number of expats at your carrier that have upgraded? If so... how many were from the US versus, say other countries. Also, how many expats were passed over for upgrade with less years of service than the average expat? The reason for the question is that I've worked for 4 overseas carriers for about 18 years as a DEC and TRI/TRE & SFI/SFE. The carrot was dangled in their adverts stating "Opportunities for Upgrade". The pecking order was was locals followed by EASA license holders then as a bone FAA certificate holders, when seat movement was active. You may want to mull the true prospects for upgrade versus seeking employment back home. You ae right... you will accumulate enough SIC time to meet the requirements for CFR 121.436 to move to qualify as PIC. However, prior to applying THRASHER, get the FAA ATP certificate before applying with US Carriers. Good luck in which direction you take.