frequentflyer1234

Hello all,

I probably know the answer but I thought I’d ask as I can’t find the information anywhere.

We submitted the I-130 and associated paperwork last month (August 2020), I’m an airline pilot and want to go to the USA to convert my licenses so I can start looking for work immediately once the green card comes through and hopefully Coronavirus is under control.

To do this I’ll need an M1 visa.

Both myself and my spouse live together in the Middle East at present.

Do you think it’s a bad idea to apply for the M1 visa with the I-130 pending?

Thanks

Noorah101

I had to look up an M-1 visa. It states that you must prove strong ties to your home country. I would say that having an I-130 in the works is not going to help prove your intent to return home.

Have you been accepted at an institution?

I'm going to say your chances of an M-1 are low. But I suppose there's nothing to stop you from applying, if you don't mind losing the application fee.

Rene

civilservant

Chances of getting a non immigrant visa when you clearly have immigrant intent are basically zero. If you get denied, you will not be able to travel to the US at all until your spouse visa is approved.

frequentflyer1234

Ok thanks for the replies, that’s what I was expecting.

S Folinsky

I am retired but from experience of having represented airline crew (cockpit and cabin) in similar situations, I sense it may very well be possible. A cogent answer will be quite fact dependent.

I can't really answer your question other than to say you might want to explore the possibility.

frequentflyer1234

Thanks, I’m working with the school and their visa specialist to get a better picture on things.

Zoe Bell

No offence but are you aware of the employment situation for pilots right now?
pretty much all airlines have furloughed pilots

frequentflyer1234

Yes I am fully aware, having been made redundant myself.

Both mine and my wife’s entire family live in the USA. We are alone in the Middle East living on my wife’s teaching salary with a baby, in one of the most expensive cities in the world. We need to be closer to a support system, there is no other option right now.

civilservant

Just out of curiosity (and bearing in mind the above) what are your current type ratings?

frequentflyer1234

Airbus 320 and Boeing 787

civilservant

The demand will certainly be there for the A320 when domestic flights begin to pick up again, but that's unlikely to be until we have a vaccine. Then again, it's obviously going to take some time for you to get your spouse visa anyway (allowing you to work)

Hopefully by then things will be improving.

frequentflyer1234

I’ll be doing the FAA conversion on the A320, hopefully you’re right!

Zoe Bell

I'm sorry I didn't mean to sound callous , I really do hope that the industry picks up again for you and wish you and your family the very best of luck

scrubbedexpat099

I have a couple of friends who are pilots, one is Fed Ex and has been very busy, lowing through his hours, Somebody else who worked for United was coming up retirement, offered a deal and took it.

I would have thought a M1 is possible. I take it you are ESTA authorised?

frequentflyer1234

I saw that around 50% of pilots were eligible for early retirement, hopefully things will be on the up and up when I arrive!

I have a B1/B2 and C1/D visa.

I’m still waiting to hear back from the school’s visa specialist, maybe after the weekend I’ll have more clarity.