After the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the American civil aviation sector is resuming its growth and, consequently, opening the doors to the hiring of foreign professionals. And this promising resumption increases the possibility of granting the USA Green Card to career pilots of Brazilian civil aviation.
The optimism is due to the fact that this labour force is considered strategic for the country, even though it is not among the preferences of young Americans. This means that foreign pilots have greater chances of entering the career, through a less rigid immigration process.
If you have ever researched how to live in the United States, you must have come across the Green Card or Permanent Residence Card in the United States.
In this article we will give an overview about the USA Green Card for career pilots in civil aviation. Besides knowing what it is and its function, you will learn about the benefits and opportunities for Brazilian pilots.
Enjoy your reading!
What is the USA Green Card and what is it used for?
The US Permanent Resident Card - Green Card EUA - is the permanent residence visa in the country, which grants the citizen the right to work and live legally in the North American territory. Besides that, it guarantees access to education, medical assistance and other benefits offered by the government.
The foreigner can legally reside in American territory without it affecting his/her nationality of origin, ideal for those who intend to reside there. And if you have to leave, you cannot stay more than one year outside the USA.
It is worth highlighting that this type of visa is different from others, such as the student or tourist visa, for example, which give the right to stay for a determined period of time.
Despite the term permanent, the card is valid and needs to be renewed every 10 years. Another particularity is that it is not possible to vote or be a candidate in elections for public office.
What is the difference between a green card and American citizenship?
Despite possible confusion, there are differences between the Green Card and American citizenship.
Here's what it takes to be considered a US citizen:
- Born in the United States;
- Be born outside of the country, but be a child of Americans (father or mother);
- Have a naturalisation request granted.
The citizenship process is more complex and long-lasting, and it is necessary to remain in the US until the citizenship is granted. You must also prove that you have lived legally in the country for at least five years.
The USA Green Card is not a naturalization request. It consists of a permanent residency request. In other words, it is not necessary to have citizenship to legally live in the country.
What are the benefits of the Green Card for career pilots in civil aviation?
The ownership of the USA Green Card allows the pilot to live in the country, without the need to constantly report to the American Immigration to maintain their legal status.
In addition to legal stay, this permit facilitates travel and allows the sponsorship of close relatives who also wish to reside in the country.
With it, the pilot can also qualify for federal and social security benefits, from to help cover food and childcare costs to covering medical care costs.
How can Brazilian pilots obtain the USA Green Card?
If you intend to work as a career pilot in American civil aviation, the first step is to start the immigration process which takes, on average, one year to complete.
Based on their professional competencies, foreign pilots can apply for the EB-2 NIW visa (National Interest Waiver), even if is not necessarily linked to a job vacancy.
To make the request of this visa eligible, it is necessary that the professional has:
- Higher academic education;
- Experience in the field of work/training;
- Professional licence or membership of a professional association.
As it caters for people who can prove their professional capacity, it is a great migration path for those who intend to become permanent residents.
It is important to say that in order to have this Green Card, it is necessary to have an American pilot license (ATP Certificate). The best option is to take the test in the United States.
According to the National Civil Aviation Agency (Anac), the US will allow the entry of Brazilian pilots for training at Civil Aviation Training Centers (CTACs). The mandatory requirements will be eased for those who aim to obtain or renew the qualification of this type. There will be no need for prior quarantine in third countries, for example.
Demand for foreign pilots in US civil aviation
As in other countries, the Brazilian aviation sector has faced strong oscillations. To get an idea, in 2020, Latam laid off more than 2,500 professionals, including pilots and flight attendants, at one time. Analysis by the National Union of Aeronauts - SNA points to a cut equivalent to 38% of the total number of crew members.
If the scenario here is still one of recovery, the lack of career pilots in the United States makes civil aviation an opportunity for Brazilians who wish to immigrate.
A career pilot earns up to 400 thousand dollars a year, in addition to government incentives. Despite this, the number of hours and the high cost of licences and preparatory courses keep many Americans away from the possibility of training in this area.
It is the law of supply and demand. Compulsory retirement (planned for a few years from now) will also remove from the market a contingent of pilots who must stop when they reach 65 years of age.
Benefits offered by the US for commercial airline pilots?
The number of pilots has dropped 30% in 30 years, and the result of this is the need to get more qualified professionals in the US. This, coupled with the high number of unemployed foreign professionals, has prompted the government to discuss expanding legal immigration, increasing the opportunities for commercial airline pilots.
According to the Correio Braziliense, some companies (such as Qatar Airways) finance the initial training costs to attract young pilots. And they offer a series of extra benefits, such as school fees for their children.
How to apply for NIE USA?
According to Anac, the Brazilian pilot must request the authorization at the American Embassy or Consulate, the same place where he/she obtained the B1 or M1 visa - procedure called National Interest Exception (NIE).
In this category, one must meet certain requirements to be eligible for a Green Card:
- Pilot training;
- Pilot licence attached to any Airbus or Boeing commercial aircraft;
- Experience as a pilot or co-pilot in any commercial airline between 5 and 10 years.
If you already have a valid American visa (type B1, B1/B2 or M1), just send an e-mail to the Consulate or Embassy of the USA in Brazil - the same place where the visa was issued - and request the issuance of the NIE.
If you do not have the B1 or M1 yet, send an email with the visa request, the request for the issuance of the NIE and an emergency interview. In this case, it is necessary to make an interview in person in one of the consular units in Brazil.
How can TS Immigration help civil aviation career pilots?
With safety and experience, we conduct your immigration and residency visa process. You will have access to important guidance on the criteria required by the US Immigration Service for the granting of the EB-2 NIW visa.
Your professional skills and experience in civil aviation may be decisive factors in the process for the USA Green Card. Come and find out how it is possible.
In addition to providing visa and legal services, we have qualified tax lawyers (qualified in the United States).
Our professionals work according to the American legislation, avoiding financial and legal charges for non-conformities.
Conclusion
The lack of career pilots can be an opportunity for professionals who wish to immigrate and work in American civil aviation. Imagine that you can secure your green card even before you get a job offer there.
If you are Brazilian and work as a career pilot in this segment, this could be an excellent opportunity to work and live new experiences in another country.
See you next time!
