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How to get a work permit in the US airlines after graduation?

How to get a work permit in the US airlines after graduation.


The United States boasts the world's safest airline industry and offers its pilots some of the highest pay-rates globally. This remarkable achievement is the result of rigorous safety regulations, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to continuous improvement. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plays a pivotal role in ensuring strict safety standards, overseeing training programs, and monitoring aircraft maintenance. Moreover, U.S. airlines invest heavily in modern, well-maintained fleets, providing pilots with reliable, state-of-the-art equipment. In terms of pilot compensation, the United States offers competitive salaries, enticing benefits, and a clear career path. Airlines recognize the importance of experienced and well-compensated pilots in maintaining their exemplary safety records. Together, these factors solidify the United States' position as a global leader in aviation safety and pilot remuneration, and the most desirable place to work for thousands of international flight students who come here for flight training and internship programs every year. But how to obtain a coveted US airline employment position on an F-1 visa? read on…


The United States has one of the most vibrant and diverse airline industries in the world, attracting top aviation talent from around the globe. Foreign pilots with extraordinary skills and achievements have the opportunity to apply for employment in the U.S. through the EB-1 visa program. And we are here to give you an advise on how to transition from your F-1 student visa, which restricts you to a limited 18-month internship, to a visa which will allow you to work in the US permanently. This coveted PR-Visa is called “EB-1”.



What is EB-1 Visa?

EB-1 visa, or Employment-Based First Preference Visa, is a category reserved for individuals with “exceptional skills and abilities” in various fields, including aviation. Foreign pilots seeking employment in the United States can qualify for the EB-1 visa if they meet specific criteria related to their professional achievements and expertise.



Eligibility Requirements.

To qualify, pilots must show evidence of achievement in One or more of the following categories:

  1. Exceptional Ability: To qualify for the EB-1 visa, foreign pilots must demonstrate exceptional ability in their field. In aviation, this typically involves a significant record of achievements, such as flight school awards, excellent flight instructor references, authoring publications, volunteer work, etc. For ex-military pilots - commendations and medals could be used, even when awarded by a foreign air-force. The evaluation of “exceptional” is holistic in nature, and a whole number of factors in considered at the same time. We will discuss how to achieve them below.

  2. International Recognition: Applicants must provide evidence of international recognition for their skills and contributions to the aviation industry. This may include certificates, letters of recommendation, or publications highlighting their accomplishments.

  3. Sustained National or International Acclaim: Foreign pilots must show that their accomplishments have resulted in sustained national or international acclaim. This can be substantiated by media coverage, speaking engagements, or invitations to judge or evaluate aviation-related events.

  4. Continued Work in the Field: Applicants must demonstrate their intent to continue working in the United States in their area of expertise. For pilots, this typically involves securing employment with a U.S. airline or aviation organization.



So, how can a “regular foreign pilot graduate” become eligible to apply for EB-1?

Foreign pilots can successfully apply for the EB1 visa and get their US Permanent Residency and employment permit, followed by work in the major US airlines, stemming from this position job security, high earnings and prestigious social status. But what would you need in order to qualify?

Here is what you can do:


Collect multiple reference letters.

  1. Instructor reference letters: If you are doing well during your flight training, ask your instructors (you will probably have several - ask all of them!) for a short reference letter, which would commend you on your achievements and praise you for excellent subject knowledge, lesson preparedness and natural piloting abilities. You don’t have to be “amazing” - just doing well, or “above average” should be enough for most of your instructors to give you a dazzling reference letter. Save all the letters and file them with immigration when you apply for the EB-1. If instructors are busy, instead of asking them to make-up a letter, have a letter ready-printed and just give it to them to sign.

  2. School president reference letter: even more weight would carry a letter from a school president or director. Towards the end of your flight training  phase, pop into his/her office and ask to sign a student reference letter, stating how good of a student you were. And, towards the end of your internship as a flight instructor, ask him/her to sign your employment reference letter, stating what a great flight instructor you turned out to be.

  3. Employer reference letters: after you get the letters from the school president, ensure to get reference letters from your employer (Global Air BVI) - an internship provider which is built into most of our integrated programs.

  4. Reference letter from a US Airline Captain: it would be extremely helpful for your EB-1 application to present the immigration officer with a reference letter from your career guidance consultant at Aerocadet. Remember - most of our consultants are active and current airline captains in the major US airlines. A letter from one of them could make a big difference in the outcome of your application.


Make useful contributions to online and press publications.

  1. Dont just do your “9-to-5” flight instructor job, and go home. Doing the bare minimum is not going to get you far in your career. Instead, spend at least 2-3 hours per week writing useful articles on the popular self-publishing platforms, such as Quora, Blogspot and so on. You can present links and printed-out discussions that you have authored to the immigration officer upon application for EB-1.

  2. Write letters with articles to the editors of the popular aviation magazines, such as Aviation Week & Space Technology, AOPA Pilot, Flying, Air & Space Magazine, Plane & Piloting so on. In case your letter/s is/are published, you can claim to be a published author in a major US aviation publication. That’s a big deal!


Volunteer.

  1. Volunteering is a big thing in the US! Volunteer experience is appreciated not only by the US immigration, but also by the US airlines. If you volunteer your time and expertise (as a pilot and a flight instructor) in some professional organization, such as AOPA, or simply volunteer as a tutor and a mentor to the new students at your school or even local flying club adjacent to your school, you can log your volunteer hours and present them as evidence of extra-curricular activities during your EB-1 application. Of course, make sure to document your volunteer work and get it mentioned in the instructor or school president reference letters.

  2. Want to go above and beyond? You can! Volunteering does not need to be limited to aviation only. You can also volunteer in the local charity organizations, such as hospitals, dog shelters, “habitat for humanity” builders and so on. All this volunteer time can be documented and presented as a sign of an excellent character upon your EB-1 application.



EB-1 Application Process.

To apply, all you need to do is to follow a clearly-outlined application process. However, we do recommend that you hire an immigration attorney to guide you through the process and fill out the form for you.

  1. Filing Form I-140: The first step in obtaining an EB-1 visa is for the prospective employer, typically an airline, to file Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, on behalf of the foreign pilot. This form documents the pilot's extraordinary ability and outlines the job offer.

  2. Evidence Submission: Along with Form I-140, the applicant must provide substantial evidence to support their eligibility for the EB-1 visa. This evidence should include documentation of the pilot's extraordinary ability, international recognition, and sustained acclaim in the aviation industry.

  3. Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing: After approval of the Form I-140, the foreign pilot can choose to adjust their status if already in the U.S. or go through consular processing if outside the country. Once these steps are complete, they will be granted lawful permanent resident status (a Green Card).

  4. Employment with a U.S. Airline: To maintain their EB-1 status, the foreign pilot is required to secure employment with a U.S. airline. This employment is often contingent on having the appropriate FAA licenses and certifications.



Questions? Comments? Want to discuss your US training, internship and employment options with us?

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