Canuck pilots in the US
 

Im a Canadian Citizen just finishing up all my licenses and ratings in Canada. I would like to move and live in the US. I was wondering what are some of the regionals down there policy on non-american citizens?(specificaly express, AE, and Skywest) Would it be possible that they would sponser you for a greencard?(I know they prob dont, but thought i would ask anyway) I ask this because I was wondering if I should build time in Canada then move to the regionals in the states or if I should move to the states then build time instructing.
Any info or advice would be greatly apreciated, thanks.

I think it would be hard, I have tried to get some friends a job nobody will sponser them. Work for JAZZ or marry an American. I am a dual citizen with USA and Canada.

Lot's of canadians down here, but I'm pretty sure you'll need a green card. Due to the regional pilot shortage, you might be able to get one just by applying...ask the US consulate.

Thanks, I will give the consulate a call and see what they have to say

I'm a Canadian married to an American Citizen and I work at SkyWest. To be quite honest with you, it will be very difficult for you to find a regional carrier to sponsor you for a work visa (such as an H1B) or a green card. A green card through employment make take years to get, even if you can find some company to sponsor you. It costs a lot of money, and lawyers (highly recommended when going through employment) cost even more. The immigration system here is a nightmare to say the least. You'd be better off with AC Jazz if you don't have an easy pass to a green card. Like I said, I am married to an American citizen, went to school here, flight instructed here, English is my FIRST language and still didn't have an easy time getting a green card. Not trying to be negative, but unfortunately it's not just as easy at applying. Let me know if you have any other questions.

You said that you are not complaining, but you stated that the immigration here is a nightmare. Well, do you know of any western, modern, industrialized nations where the immigration process is easy? Where you can just show up and they dole out right to abode and right to work without having to go through a "nightmare" process? I know, there are SOME exceptions being made in certain parts of the world for certain types of labor. And there are pilots that get it, but even then, they have to be pretty qualified and filling a need that can't be filled with nationals. But it's not the norm. Do you think it would be easy for an American to go to any other country un sponsored and get a flying job? Much less one without much experience?

On another note, maybe it's aviation urban legend, don't know.

But wasn't there a case post 9/11 where a regional was sponsoring some people, and upon further investigation it was discovered that their paperwork was fraudulent? And that pretty much put the nix on airlines sponsoring foreign pilots. Too much liability, regardless of what country they came from.

Canada has a fast track imigration process, hell u just need a pulse to get in this country! Heck we have the largest former Nazi population in the world, terror suspects, international criminals... doesnt matter we take everyone and anyone who wants to be here.
I dont blame the US immigration system. I think it is a good one, it should not be easy to immigrate into someone elses country, Im gonna still keep tryin though

Ok, I'm not saying that everyone who wants to get in should get in... nor should there not be a stringent system (for security reasons) I'm just saying that I've had a difficult time, even though I am married to an American. I think some people just think that you are entitled to a green card if you get married to a US citizen. This is not the case, you still have to go through the process. I am happy to be living here with my wife and working for a good company.

And no I don't know of any immigration systems other than this, so I don't have much to compare to, but some of the stuff I've gone through would make your head spin. I should write a book :)

try going to NZ or AUS as an american and get a flying job...... immigration is only half the battle there.

Or try showing up on the front door of western Europe.

Mexico, and many other Latin countries require you to be BORN there to even get a job flying a plane.