M-1 visa to Work Visa

[Tristan111 0]

Hi guys. I would like to find an answer to this question I have.

I am currently in the US on an M-1 visa, training for a Commercial Pilot Licence, Multi Engine, and Instrument Rating. I plan to train for a Flight Instructor Rating afterwards too. I am a British citizen.

I would like to find work in the US as a flight instructor, once I finish training. I would like to work in the airlines eventually. I have been told there is a big shortage of flight instructors in the US, so I thought there would be opportunities. Which working visa would I apply for in this situation? What is the process I would have to go through?

The closest visa I have found for my situation is an E3-B visa. But I may be wrong.

Help and advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Tristan

[kzielu 1,147]

For any of the work visa, it is employer that applies, not you. You have to find it first.

If you meant, EB-3 (not E-3B) - same story - employer (or their lawyer) applied for it. Also keep in mind, EB-3 category for your country is not current, and there is 6 years wait to get it.

[Tristan111 0]

For any of the work visa, it is employer that applies, not you. You have to find it first.

If you meant, EB-3 (not E-3B) - same story - employer (or their lawyer) applied for it. Also keep in mind, EB-3 category for your country is not current, and there is 6 years wait to get it.

So with my M-1 visa, I have the chance to apply for OPT (Optional Practical Training), which is three months in length. Would I be permitted to look for work during this period? Is that the purpose of the OPT? And if so, would the employer apply for it whilst I am in the US under OPT?

What is the required visa if it is not an EB-3?

Thanks.

[thinkerlove0212 158]

There are many laid off Pilots in US. Majors have shifted most to regional airlines and young newer pilots working long hours and only getting little pay for each leg. Only the Regional carriers are hiring. The money is in Foreign carriers that want US trained pilots. Big mergers have complicated the issue for the pilot groups.

[Boiler 45,314]

I do not know how vommon your situation is. Probably a H1b?

[canadian_wife 1,818]

My husband is a commercial pilot, instrument rated and a CFI, he recommended this

http://www.wikihow.com/Become-an-Airline-Pilot

As you can see, it can take up to 10 years to get the 500 - 1000 hours required to fly for a major airline. Not sure if there is a work visa for this.

You'll want to look at the flight school you are currently studying with and see if they can sponsor you for a work visa. My husband is a specialized CFI (tailwheel and aeorbatics) and says at his school there are 30 instructors and only 2 are full time.

good luck

[kzielu 1,147]

What is the required visa if it is not an EB-3?

The required visa allowing you to work in US ? Any, that allows you to work. You should ask the question what visa you have a chance to get and to answer this question you need to find employer willing to sponsor you and invest money in the process. There is (in your situation) no appropriate visa you can apply for yourself. In addition, EB-3 is immigrant visa, work visas (most popular being H-1B and L-1) are temporary work visa.