stealth114

Hello all.. Its been a while since I posted here.. Several moons ago I was fishing around here on finding a flight school to start learning to fly and now Im almost done with my CFI so its been quite a journey. The same school I did all my training at is interested in me being able to stay on and build my skills as a CFI but that will be impossible without me having the right VISA/ work permit which is a an issue. So I will have to research into who do I contact , or which VISA , if its the H3 or the exchange Visa category I fall under. The school's owner is not too familiar with this . He had a past CFI who was from France and he had to return to his country because he was unable to stay on to work. I want to ensure I got all the paper work perfectly for it no doubt. He will indeed like to have an intern program for newly qualified CFI's and have them work with him. But the focus is to get the CFI first

I thought this be a great place to ask because Im sure there are folks who did their pilot training and CFI certification state side and eventually stayed on at their school. Anyone with advice, do kindly PM me.. Thank you !

I surely will not want to give up on this opportunity for it will be invaluable to me as a pilot and I be able to contribute to the school that gave me that much.

bcpilot

The flying students come to USA usually on an M-1 visa. Long time ago, students also got a J-1 visa, which is basically International student exchange program, but I am not sure if they are doing it anymore for flying training. You can work for a limited time under the J-1 visa.

If your school is willing to sponsor you, Any attorney specializing in employment related matters can help you.
For Canadians NAFTA may be an option, for everyone else H-1, but again, the school will have to put you on a guranteed salary.....

If school wants you, not bad at all......

stealth114

I been through the entire deal with immigration attorneys in the past for another unrelated career and they are so sneaky. They are just ready to drain you of your money and if I can go through the application without an immigration attorney, that be the ideal way. If the school was experienced in this they will know the right channel . Where there's a will there will be a way. Once I get the CFI done, I will then focus on this.

I will imagine one of those exchange VISA's will be applicable since I will be gaining the skills and continued training which I really cant get from back home. Besides , my MEI told me when he did his multi, he had a female MEI from India who trained him.

stealth114

WIll contact SEVIS and see if I may qualify under the J1 visa. Seen a good thread here posted on one using that visa for being able to train and develop ones skills as a CFI upon completion

jcrews

I don't think J-1 visas are being used for flight training students anymore. That used to be the way for students to come to the US, complete their flight training, and get a job for the duration of their visa. If you're on an M1 visa there is the option of OPT (Optional Practical Training) but, if I remember correctly it is only good for 3 months per year of training.

As an earlier poster mentioned, you will need the school to sponsor you.

stealth114

Thank you for posting this jcrew. Im not sure how the school will go about sponsoring because I dont think they have ever sponsored an overseas guy to work for them. Most have already had their green cards etc. I will surely like to be able to be here for at least 12 months. The owner of the school said he always wanted to establish a solid entry level CFI training program that can help all his students including those from overseas develop their training and skills as CFI,s.. Something will work out !

stealth114

Tank you for the reply bcpilot !