Are H-1B’s an option for FOs In US regionals?
06-09-2021, 02:13 PM
#11
New Hire
Joined APC: May 2021
Posts: 2
Originally Posted by funpilot
Hi All,
Does anyone know whether the regional airlines sponsor non-US citizens for first-officers using H-1B sponsorship?
I’m a CRJ Captain with a regional airline with ~2,500 hours – and not a U.S. Citizen nor a U.S. permanent resident.
I am currently authorized to work under a student F-1 visa status. I studied and was an instructor in an accredited R-ATP U.S. university – and have been living and studying in the U.S. for 9 years. My student visa expires next year and I am starting to look for employment under H-1B Visa status – which requires sponsorship by a U.S. Based employer.
As a non-US citizen I consider it an honor and privilege to fly for a U.S. based company, and know that many U.S. pilots also work for international airlines – so it could be this is reciprocal .
Immigration rules require I obtain H-1B sponsorship from my employer if I am to continue to fly in the US.
1) Is anyone aware of U.S. based companies that sponsor international pilots for First Officer or Captain roles?
2) As H-1B’s are frequently used in other industries, does anyone know of specific policy and/or precedents that prevents this from happening for the airlines?
Any information on this topic would be greatly appreciated.
Best regards and thanks in advance.
funpilot
Does anyone know whether the regional airlines sponsor non-US citizens for first-officers using H-1B sponsorship?
I’m a CRJ Captain with a regional airline with ~2,500 hours – and not a U.S. Citizen nor a U.S. permanent resident.
I am currently authorized to work under a student F-1 visa status. I studied and was an instructor in an accredited R-ATP U.S. university – and have been living and studying in the U.S. for 9 years. My student visa expires next year and I am starting to look for employment under H-1B Visa status – which requires sponsorship by a U.S. Based employer.
As a non-US citizen I consider it an honor and privilege to fly for a U.S. based company, and know that many U.S. pilots also work for international airlines – so it could be this is reciprocal .
Immigration rules require I obtain H-1B sponsorship from my employer if I am to continue to fly in the US.
1) Is anyone aware of U.S. based companies that sponsor international pilots for First Officer or Captain roles?
2) As H-1B’s are frequently used in other industries, does anyone know of specific policy and/or precedents that prevents this from happening for the airlines?
Any information on this topic would be greatly appreciated.
Best regards and thanks in advance.
funpilot
First off, I had no idea Air Wisconsin sponsored H1-B in the past. That on itself is great news.
I'll beg to differ from everyone else's opinion. COVID did kill foreign pilots chances. Last year. With most regional on the hiring move and flood gates wide open at bigger companies, the chance may present itself in a not to far future.
Have you considered EB-2 under NIW? You'd wave the sponsorship provided you can fulfill a few criteria. Doesn't seem easy, but does seem feasible. Which should be enough if you're taking the immigration seriously
If you have 9 years living legally in the US, can't you apply for citizenship already?
08-12-2021, 02:28 AM
#12
Line Holder
Joined APC: Dec 2019
Posts: 44
Originally Posted by FlyingPequi
Hi, there! Excuse me to put in my two cents.
First off, I had no idea Air Wisconsin sponsored H1-B in the past. That on itself is great news.
I'll beg to differ from everyone else's opinion. COVID did kill foreign pilots chances. Last year. With most regional on the hiring move and flood gates wide open at bigger companies, the chance may present itself in a not to far future.
Have you considered EB-2 under NIW? You'd wave the sponsorship provided you can fulfill a few criteria. Doesn't seem easy, but does seem feasible. Which should be enough if you're taking the immigration seriously
If you have 9 years living legally in the US, can't you apply for citizenship already?
First off, I had no idea Air Wisconsin sponsored H1-B in the past. That on itself is great news.
I'll beg to differ from everyone else's opinion. COVID did kill foreign pilots chances. Last year. With most regional on the hiring move and flood gates wide open at bigger companies, the chance may present itself in a not to far future.
Have you considered EB-2 under NIW? You'd wave the sponsorship provided you can fulfill a few criteria. Doesn't seem easy, but does seem feasible. Which should be enough if you're taking the immigration seriously
If you have 9 years living legally in the US, can't you apply for citizenship already?
08-12-2021, 02:47 PM
#13
In a land of unicorns
Joined APC: Apr 2014
Position: Whale FO
Posts: 6,469
Originally Posted by Team Boeing
Does anyone know if this EB2 NIW is actually open to pilots? Have heard lots of rumour with no substance
08-16-2021, 11:04 AM
#14
New Hire
Joined APC: Aug 2021
Position: A350 SIC
Posts: 1
I´m also pretty interested on the subject. I have EASA ATPL with 1500 hours as flight instructor and 4000 hours in A320, A340 and A350. I´m current in the A350 as first officer in a European legacy company. I´m willing to convert to FAA ATP and relocate to U.S. with my family. I´ve been looking at U.S. companies like United, Frontier, JetBlue, Spirit and Allegiant and they all require a right to work in the U.S. which I obviously don´t have. Do you guys think visa sponsorship would be unlikely with before mentioned companies also in the future?
08-16-2021, 01:20 PM
#15
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,275
Originally Posted by Dexterity
I´m also pretty interested on the subject. I have EASA ATPL with 1500 hours as flight instructor and 4000 hours in A320, A340 and A350. I´m current in the A350 as first officer in a European legacy company. I´m willing to convert to FAA ATP and relocate to U.S. with my family. I´ve been looking at U.S. companies like United, Frontier, JetBlue, Spirit and Allegiant and they all require a right to work in the U.S. which I obviously don´t have. Do you guys think visa sponsorship would be unlikely with before mentioned companies also in the future?
Majors rarely have any trouble getting enough applicants here.
08-17-2021, 02:25 AM
#17
Line Holder
Joined APC: Nov 2015
Posts: 32
Also interested in EB2 NIW if it indeed is “open” for FAA ATP holders.
FAA ATP, CFI, CFI-I, current in PC12 and A320 series (been furloughed for 16 months now and counting).
Had enough of European socialism, unfortunately don’t have US birthrights. Maybe I could seek political asylum
FAA ATP, CFI, CFI-I, current in PC12 and A320 series (been furloughed for 16 months now and counting).
Had enough of European socialism, unfortunately don’t have US birthrights. Maybe I could seek political asylum
06-02-2022, 06:12 PM
#19
In a land of unicorns
Joined APC: Apr 2014
Position: Whale FO
Posts: 6,469
Originally Posted by maxconthrust
Does anyone have more info on Air Wisconsin and how to apply for the H1B program? Not much from the website.
An email address in HR possibly?
An email address in HR possibly?
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