FAQs

Our team offers a great solution for pilots who want to work in the US because we offer an end-to-end service, including immigration assistance and aviation license conversion. We understand the hassle of trying to find these services separately, especially when you're outside the US.

That's why we offer a comprehensive service from the very beginning, so you can focus on your flying.

No, our services are not limited to commercial pilots. We extend our legal expertise and support to a diverse range of professionals within the aviation industry. This may includes mechanics, who play a crucial role in maintaining the safety and functionality of aircraft.

Additionally, we cater to specialized pilots, such as those in firefighting aviation and cargo transportation. Our comprehensive approach ensures that various aviation professionals, regardless of their specific role or sector, receive the tailored legal assistance they need for their licensing and regulatory compliance

In the United States, several visa options are available for aviation professionals depending on their qualifications, job offers, and the purpose of their stay:

• O-1 Visa (Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement): This visa is for pilots who demonstrate extraordinary ability in their field and have a record of significant achievements.

• L-1 Visa (Intracompany Transferee): Pilots employed by a company outside the U.S. that has an office in the U.S. may be eligible for this visa. It is suitable for those transferring to the U.S. branch of their company, either in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge capacity. (Difficult for commercial airlines)

• H-1B Visa (Specialty Occupations): Pilots who have a job offer from a U.S. employer in a specialty occupation that requires their unique skills and knowledge might qualify for an H-1B visa. It requires the employer to sponsor the visa application.

• NIW (National Interest Waiver): Pilots who can demonstrate that their work is in the national interest of the United States might apply for a green card through a National Interest Waiver. This option is part of the EB-2 visa category and allows certain professionals to waive the job offer and labor certification requirements.

• E-2 Visa (Treaty Investors): For pilots planning to invest in a U.S.-based aviation business, the E-2 visa might be a viable option. It is contingent on a treaty between the pilot's home country and the U.S. and requires a substantial investment.

Each visa category has its own unique set of requirements and conditions. Our team of experienced immigration lawyers will assist pilots in carefully identifying their backgrounds and qualifications to select the best visa option.

The National Interest Waiver (NIW) is a good option for outstanding pilots who want to work in the U.S. for a few reasons:

• It does not require labor certification. Labor certification is a process that requires employers to show that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the job that they are offering to a foreign national. This can be a difficult process, especially for pilots, as there is a high demand for pilots in the U.S. The NIW allows pilots to bypass the labor certification process, which can make it easier to obtain a green card.

• It leads to permanent residency. The NIW is a green card process, which means that if it is approved, the pilot will be able to live and work permanently in the U.S. This is a major advantage over other visa options, such as the H-1B visa, which is a non-immigrant visa that does not lead to permanent residency.

• It is a versatile visa. The NIW can be used by pilots who are working for a U.S. employer, as well as pilots who are self-employed or who are starting their own aviation company. This makes it a versatile visa that can be used by pilots in a variety of circumstances.

The key challenge for pilots seeking the National Interest Waiver (NIW) is to demonstrate that they possess exceptional abilities in the aviation industry. It's essential to present evidence that goes beyond standard piloting credentials. The petitioner must show that their contributions to the field have substantial merit and national importance. This could include groundbreaking work in aviation safety, innovative flight training methods, significant advancements in aeronautical technology, or other notable achievements that have a wide-reaching impact on the industry. Simply being a skilled pilot is not sufficient; the applicant must provide convincing evidence of their extraordinary contributions to the aviation sector in the United States

The processing time for a National Interest Waiver (NIW) can vary significantly based on several factors, including the case's complexity and the current workload at the USCIS office handling the application. Generally, obtaining an NIW can take anywhere from 18 to 24 months.

Key factors that influence the processing time include:

• Complexity of the Case: More intricate cases, such as those involving multiple dependents or requiring extensive evidence, typically require a longer processing time compared to simpler applications.

• USCIS Office Workload: The processing speed can also be affected by the caseload at the USCIS office. A higher workload can lead to longer processing times.
  

To expedite the process, it's crucial to precisely address what USCIS requires. Our team is committed to achieving this by:

• Submitting a Complete and Well-documented Application: An application that is thorough and meticulously documented facilitates a smoother review process for the USCIS.

• Providing Clear and Concise Explanations: Articulating how the applicant's skills and experience will benefit the United States can significantly strengthen the application.

• Including Letters of Support from Field Experts: Supportive letters from recognized experts in the applicant's field can provide compelling evidence of the applicant's eligibility for the NIW and O-1

Our focused approach aims to streamline the application process, enhancing the likelihood of a successful and timely outcome."

Yes, for some Visa types petitions, there is a option called premium processing, with the current fee set at $2,500. Opting for premium processing enables USCIS to expedite the review of your NIW petition, aiming to process it within 15 calendar days. However, it's important to understand that this does not guarantee approval within this timeframe.

If USCIS issues a Request for Evidence (RFE), our team is committed to responding promptly within the given deadline. Be aware that the processing clock restarts once your response to the RFE is submitted. There are various reasons USCIS might issue an RFE, even under premium processing. These can include requests for additional information about your qualifications or experience.

Upon approval of your petition, you will receive a Notice of Approval (NOA) within the 15-day period. Conversely, if your petition is denied, you will be issued a Notice of Denial (NOD) within the same timeframe.

It's crucial to note that while premium processing accelerates the review process, it does not influence the outcome of your petition. USCIS will thoroughly evaluate your petition on its merits, irrespective of the premium processing fee

To prove exceptional ability for the National Interest Waiver (NIW) as a pilot, you will need to demonstrate that you have reached a high level of accomplishment in your field. This can be done by providing evidence of your education, training, experience, and awards.

Here are some specific things you can do to prove exceptional ability as a pilot:

• Obtain a high level of education and training. This could include a degree from a prestigious aviation school or a significant amount of flight experience.

• Earn awards and honors. This could include awards for your flying skills, safety record, or contributions to the aviation industry.

• Publish articles or books. This could include articles or books about your flying experiences, aviation safety, or other topics related to aviation.

• Give presentations or lectures. This could include presentations or lectures at aviation conferences or other events.

• Receive letters of support from experts in your field. These letters should attest to your skills, experience, and potential to make a significant contribution to the U.S. aviation industry.

It is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The specific evidence you will need to provide will vary depending on your individual circumstances. For more information, you can apply to our services.

Once you obtain the right to work and live in the US , there are other means to bring your family with you, the process can be much straightforward.

We will guide and help you out in that matter, however that will probably require an extra fee in order to process a new petition.

Due to a high demand, we will encourage you to fill our form by clicking on “Apply” in our website and we will get back to you as soon as possible.