In recent years, the job market for helicopter pilots in the United States has seen considerable growth and has attracted many professionals from other countries. According to a survey by immigration consultancy HAYMAN-WOODWARD, more than 2 thousand foreign pilots received green cards in the last 3 years.
Also according to the consultancy's survey, together with the FAA (Federal Aviation istration), the helicopter pilot market records a projected employment growth rate of 6% from 2018 to 2028 and a significant increase in the salaries of these professionals - with a jump of 21% in the last five years. To give you an idea, in 2023, the average salary of a helicopter pilot is $89,418 per year.
The survey also found that there are currently more than 4,945 helicopter pilots employed in the US, with approximately 4,054 open positions for helicopter pilots, indicating considerable demand. HAYMAN WOODWARD CEO Leonardo Freitas explains that there is a shortage of this type of professional in the USA, because the industry faces challenges in maintaining a stable workforce, in part due to high training and certification costs. “Additionally, there is a generational gap created by the retirement of experienced pilots. What's more: the recovery of the aeronautical sector is requiring more qualified professionals every day. Therefore, the industry and government can begin to consider immigration policies that are more aligned with the needs of the sector to ensure a constant flow of talent that can meet current and future demand,” he says.
What are the immigration pathways for helicopter pilots in the US?
While there are no specific visa programs for pilots, existing categories such as the O-1 visas for individuals of extraordinary abilities, H-2B for seasonal work, H-3 and J-1 for paid internships, and the EB-2 green card NIW (which exempts the contractor from being the visa sponsor, for reasons of national interest) may be viable options.
The vast majority of pilots who today have their green cards approved by EB-2 NIW have at least 2.500 flight hours as commercial professionals. However, other factors are considered in this analysis, such as academic background, specific training and recognition of skills and abilities of the class.
Leonardo Freitas explains that generally speaking, the EB-2 NIW green card requires applicants to demonstrate exceptional skills, which may include substantial experience in the field and a history of professional achievement. “However, recently the White House signaled a relaxation in visa evaluation criteria, through internal USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Service) regulations, that areas of national interest such as STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) are a priority in green card approvals. Placing aeronautical science professionals with great possibilities of obtaining a permanent residence visa for the United States”, explains Freitas.
Incentive for Brazilian pilots
Leonardo Freitas also highlights the incentive for Brazilian pilots who wish to work in the USA. For the CEO of HAYMAN-WOODWARD, “the American market stands out for its competitive salaries and advanced working conditions. With rising salaries and a well-developed aviation infrastructure, the United States presents itself as a promising career destination for successful pilots who wish to pursue a career in the USA”, he reinforces.
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