I am a regional FO here in the states with about 5000 TT but very little PIC turbine (only about 300 hrs from a previous job, but no type rating or ATP from it). I'm looking at relocating to Montreal for personal reasons, and can do a cross-border commute to PHL for a while without too much heartache, however eventually I know it will get old, and finding a job in Canada would be best.

Has anyone had friends or coworkers from the States that have gone up north and gotten either airline or corporate jobs? Most job descriptions (even Air Canada) only require landed immigration status and a Transport Canada license (which is an easy conversion from an FAA license), however I don't know how much preference is put towards Canadian citizens.

I am learning French now as well, which I'm assuming would help in getting a job (especially in Québec).

How is the pilot job market in Canada as well? Are they anticipating the same amount of retirements up north as in the States, with the "supposed" pilot shortage as well?

Thanks for any advice.

 

You're probably going to have a hard time replacing Canadian pilots. They have a tough time finding jobs in Canada as it is without having to become expats.

 

The conversion is pretty straight forward and not too much of an issue. Just make sure you get a Transport Canada medical before you go into the Transport Canada office to do the conversion. Once you get the medical done, it will still take up to three months to get the medical in the mail.

Your BIG BIG hang up will come with getting the right to work in Canada. It is very difficult to come up here and work - especially when so many Canadian pilots have had to go to Europe and Asia to fly commercially.

 

You have to marry her, and then you can work in Canada...

 

From what I understand, having permanent resident status from CIC qualifies you to work in Canada and apply for most jobs. Is there extra permission required from Immigration to get a pilot job?

 

As an American, it is very very hard to get the legal right to work up here. Unless you're a doctor, which we're very short of up here, coming up here can takes years. It is the same for Canadians who wish to work in the US. I would contact a Canadian immigration lawyer.

 

Study for the conversion written test too....I made THAT mistake the first time around!

 

Do you have the legal right to work in Canada? There's really no preference towards being a Canadian citizen, but just like in the States, you have to have the legal right to work and reside in Canada...(green card/landed immigrant).

Cheers

 

I married a Canadian citizen recently (she's never lived or worked in Canada but she's got the passport). What do I need to do to get this "right to work"? I'm just a lowly regional FO but I'd love to live in Montreal (+ the wife is looking at Canadian Med schools) and being based in Montreal would be perfect. Thanks in advance for any info..I just starting looking into this.

 

Good luck in your situations, gents.

I flew with a Captain at Continental who commuted from Canada. His wife was also a pilot and flew for Northwest airlines. She is a Canadian citizen and they live in Montreal.

The first question I asked was - "why not Air Canada for both of you and driving to work?"
He said it makes a lot more sence to work in the US.

Not sure why.