Any Regionals Sponsoring Foreign Pilots?
 

Hi all,

I realize this post might come with a bit of backlash, but here it goes:

To introduce myself: I'm a Canadian citizen, presently flying a B1900D as FO throughout the arctic, with the expectation of reaching the ATP requirements within the next year. Although I completed my degree through a US university, and my extended family owns a number properties in the US, I've found no other way to allow me to gain citizenships/green card.

With the desperate state of the regionals these days, is there any chance of them sponsoring a foreign pilot towards a green card? Might they do that in the future?

Thank you for your time!

Nope. Republic tried but there is not a visa category that allows sponsorship of airline pilots.

Might get lucky at Skywest ...

Why is that?

No offense, but the last thing we need is an influx of foreign labor to perpetuate the regionals. I have no problem with foreigners who already have the right to work to come fly here, but for the airlines to sponsor foreigners would not be a move in the right direction for the current workforce.

find yourself an american spouse. Problem solved.

A myth that has been debunked...

What is wrong with working in Canada?

There is a visa program that allows pilots from other nations to work in America. Although I may not speak for all Americans I personally welcome you to America. We should welcome all legal, skilled, tax paying individuals that wish to be a part of our nations economy instead of an illegal drain on our resources.

People will mention Skywest because they have been the most active in recruiting foreign nationals. The thread link posted above will point you in the right direction for obtaining the appropriate visa. There are other airline that I am sure will accommodate you will the proper paperwork.

Please excuse our xenophobia with foreign pilots. The pilots in America have waited so long to to finally have an opportunity to achieve real gains in this profession that the prospect of a large influx of cheap foreign labor scares and angers us. However we should be open to the inclusion of a few Canadians, Aussies, Brits, South Africans or whoever wishes to join our aviation community. Even Kiwis I suppose.

I wish I could provide more assistance. This country needs skilled labor. Best of luck