First Officer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
First Officer roles at U.S. airlines require an Airline Transport Pilot certificate and FAA medical clearance before visa sponsorship can begin. Most employers file H-1B visa petitions for qualified foreign nationals, making early credential verification and FAA certificate conversion critical steps in securing a sponsored offer.
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Get Access To All JobsSUMMARY
The Senior First Line Risk & Control Officer role sits within the first line of defense, working directly with business leaders and control owners and partnering with the second (2LOD) and third (3LOD) Lines of Defense to build and sustain a strong first line risk and control environment.
The role blends two complementary responsibilities at a senior level. The individual sets direction for the function itself by leading the design of risk and control programs, owning process and control documentation, maturing the control inventory, establishing and governing assessment cycles, and shaping the reporting that gives leadership a clear view of the risk profile. In equal measure, the individual owns risk management in a live operating environment by driving complex issues to closure, leading root cause and thematic analysis of operational risk events, representing the first line to auditors and regulators, and serving as a trusted senior risk partner to the business.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
-
Issues management. Lead the first line issue lifecycle across assigned business verticals, including validation, root cause analysis, action plan design, owner accountability, escalation of aging or at-risk items, closure evidence, and sustainability validation. Set the standard for issue owner meetings and ensure closed items withstand second line challenge, audit review, and regulatory examination.
-
Risk event management. Direct the capture, triage, and escalation of risk events within established thresholds; lead root cause analysis on significant events; ensure events convert into issues where a control failed or was absent; and own thematic analysis that turns the event population into control improvements.
-
Risk and control self-assessment (RCSA). Own RCSA execution across a portfolio of risk assessable units, including building the process universe, leading process-to-risk-to-control mapping, challenging residual risk ratings with the business, and driving remediation of control gaps under the enterprise methodology.
-
Controls management. Set and apply first line control standards, prioritizing higher-risk controls; ensure control design is documented and owned; safeguard the integrity of the control inventory in the system of record; and lead assessment of design and operating effectiveness.
-
Business partnership and proactive risk identification. Serve as the senior first line risk partner to business leaders, anticipating emerging risk ahead of events and influencing decisions before losses occur, while providing guidance and technical direction to less-experienced risk and control staff.
-
Regulatory and audit engagement. Represent the first line to examiners and internal audit for assigned areas, coordinate and quality-review responses, and assess how regulatory change affects the risk and control environment.
-
Reporting, indicators, and risk culture. Shape recurring risk reporting and Risk and Control Forum materials for senior leadership and second line partners, define and monitor risk and control indicators, and drive a strong risk culture across first line associates and leaders.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Indicate the level of supervisory responsibility required
- No supervisory responsibilities
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Additionally, the qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required in this position:
-
Fifteen or more years of related experience in banking or a regulated financial institution, including at least ten years of direct experience in risk management, risk and control, or a comparable control discipline, including a sustained track record leading issues management and risk and control self-assessment (RCSA).
-
Deep, demonstrated expertise across the full first line risk and control toolkit, including issue lifecycle and remediation, operational risk event and loss data management, control design and testing, RCSA methodology, and regulatory and audit engagement, with the ability to set standards that others follow.
-
Proven record designing, building, or maturing a risk and control program, framework, or taxonomy, not only operating one, and driving it to a sustainable, examinable state.
-
Advanced consumer and small business banking knowledge across deposit, payment, digital channel, fraud, origination, and servicing processes, sufficient to challenge process and control owners and anticipate emerging risk.
-
Strong command of the three lines of defense model and the first-to-second line boundary, with a track record of influencing senior business and risk leaders, holding the quality bar under pressure, and representing the first line directly to internal audit and regulators.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
-
Extensive experience inside a first line risk and control or business control function, including in a lead or program-owner capacity.
-
Second line operational risk, First line Risk Management, internal audit, or regulatory examination background, with an authoritative view of supervisory expectations.
-
Track record of helping build, scale, or modernize a risk and control function.
-
Deep familiarity with the risk domains concentrated in a consumer banking profile, including external fraud, manual processing error, technology and third-party dependence, data quality, and workforce and incentive risk.
-
Demonstrated experience building or mapping enterprise risk, control, or process taxonomies, and applying automation and analytics to control testing and monitoring by designing test logic.
-
Experience mentoring or providing technical direction to risk and control staff.
-
Professional certification such as CRCM, CIA, CRMA, CAMS, PRM, or an equivalent; advanced degree a plus.
Indicate the amount education required and add the type of education required or preferred if necessary
- Bachelor (4-year college) degree
- 15+ years of related banking or financial services experience, including 10+ years of direct experience in risk management or first line risk and control, or equivalent combination of education and experience
COMPUTER AND OFFICE EQUIPMENT SKILLS
Indicate the software experience required or preferred
- Microsoft Office suite
- Special software: list any special software
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS (Ex: CPA, Series 6 or 7 license, etc)
- None required
About us
First Horizon Corporation is a leading regional financial services company, dedicated to helping our clients, communities and associates unlock their full potential with capital and counsel. Headquartered in Memphis, TN, the banking subsidiary First Horizon Bank operates in 12 states across the southern U.S. The Company and its subsidiaries offer commercial, private banking, consumer, small business, wealth and trust management, retail brokerage, capital markets, fixed income, and mortgage banking services. First Horizon has been recognized as one of the nation's best employers by Fortune and Forbes magazines and a Top 10 Most Reputable U.S. Bank. More information is available at www.FirstHorizon.com.
Benefit Highlights
- Medical with wellness incentives, dental, and vision
- HSA with company match
- Maternity and parental leave
- Tuition reimbursement
- Mentor program
- 401(k) with 6% match
- More - FirstHorizon.com/First-Horizon-National-Corporation/Careers/Our-Benefits
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SUMMARY
The Senior First Line Risk & Control Officer role sits within the first line of defense, working directly with business leaders and control owners and partnering with the second (2LOD) and third (3LOD) Lines of Defense to build and sustain a strong first line risk and control environment.
The role blends two complementary responsibilities at a senior level. The individual sets direction for the function itself by leading the design of risk and control programs, owning process and control documentation, maturing the control inventory, establishing and governing assessment cycles, and shaping the reporting that gives leadership a clear view of the risk profile. In equal measure, the individual owns risk management in a live operating environment by driving complex issues to closure, leading root cause and thematic analysis of operational risk events, representing the first line to auditors and regulators, and serving as a trusted senior risk partner to the business.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
-
Issues management. Lead the first line issue lifecycle across assigned business verticals, including validation, root cause analysis, action plan design, owner accountability, escalation of aging or at-risk items, closure evidence, and sustainability validation. Set the standard for issue owner meetings and ensure closed items withstand second line challenge, audit review, and regulatory examination.
-
Risk event management. Direct the capture, triage, and escalation of risk events within established thresholds; lead root cause analysis on significant events; ensure events convert into issues where a control failed or was absent; and own thematic analysis that turns the event population into control improvements.
-
Risk and control self-assessment (RCSA). Own RCSA execution across a portfolio of risk assessable units, including building the process universe, leading process-to-risk-to-control mapping, challenging residual risk ratings with the business, and driving remediation of control gaps under the enterprise methodology.
-
Controls management. Set and apply first line control standards, prioritizing higher-risk controls; ensure control design is documented and owned; safeguard the integrity of the control inventory in the system of record; and lead assessment of design and operating effectiveness.
-
Business partnership and proactive risk identification. Serve as the senior first line risk partner to business leaders, anticipating emerging risk ahead of events and influencing decisions before losses occur, while providing guidance and technical direction to less-experienced risk and control staff.
-
Regulatory and audit engagement. Represent the first line to examiners and internal audit for assigned areas, coordinate and quality-review responses, and assess how regulatory change affects the risk and control environment.
-
Reporting, indicators, and risk culture. Shape recurring risk reporting and Risk and Control Forum materials for senior leadership and second line partners, define and monitor risk and control indicators, and drive a strong risk culture across first line associates and leaders.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Indicate the level of supervisory responsibility required
- No supervisory responsibilities
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Additionally, the qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required in this position:
-
Fifteen or more years of related experience in banking or a regulated financial institution, including at least ten years of direct experience in risk management, risk and control, or a comparable control discipline, including a sustained track record leading issues management and risk and control self-assessment (RCSA).
-
Deep, demonstrated expertise across the full first line risk and control toolkit, including issue lifecycle and remediation, operational risk event and loss data management, control design and testing, RCSA methodology, and regulatory and audit engagement, with the ability to set standards that others follow.
-
Proven record designing, building, or maturing a risk and control program, framework, or taxonomy, not only operating one, and driving it to a sustainable, examinable state.
-
Advanced consumer and small business banking knowledge across deposit, payment, digital channel, fraud, origination, and servicing processes, sufficient to challenge process and control owners and anticipate emerging risk.
-
Strong command of the three lines of defense model and the first-to-second line boundary, with a track record of influencing senior business and risk leaders, holding the quality bar under pressure, and representing the first line directly to internal audit and regulators.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
-
Extensive experience inside a first line risk and control or business control function, including in a lead or program-owner capacity.
-
Second line operational risk, First line Risk Management, internal audit, or regulatory examination background, with an authoritative view of supervisory expectations.
-
Track record of helping build, scale, or modernize a risk and control function.
-
Deep familiarity with the risk domains concentrated in a consumer banking profile, including external fraud, manual processing error, technology and third-party dependence, data quality, and workforce and incentive risk.
-
Demonstrated experience building or mapping enterprise risk, control, or process taxonomies, and applying automation and analytics to control testing and monitoring by designing test logic.
-
Experience mentoring or providing technical direction to risk and control staff.
-
Professional certification such as CRCM, CIA, CRMA, CAMS, PRM, or an equivalent; advanced degree a plus.
Indicate the amount education required and add the type of education required or preferred if necessary
- Bachelor (4-year college) degree
- 15+ years of related banking or financial services experience, including 10+ years of direct experience in risk management or first line risk and control, or equivalent combination of education and experience
COMPUTER AND OFFICE EQUIPMENT SKILLS
Indicate the software experience required or preferred
- Microsoft Office suite
- Special software: list any special software
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS (Ex: CPA, Series 6 or 7 license, etc)
- None required
About us
First Horizon Corporation is a leading regional financial services company, dedicated to helping our clients, communities and associates unlock their full potential with capital and counsel. Headquartered in Memphis, TN, the banking subsidiary First Horizon Bank operates in 12 states across the southern U.S. The Company and its subsidiaries offer commercial, private banking, consumer, small business, wealth and trust management, retail brokerage, capital markets, fixed income, and mortgage banking services. First Horizon has been recognized as one of the nation's best employers by Fortune and Forbes magazines and a Top 10 Most Reputable U.S. Bank. More information is available at www.FirstHorizon.com.
Benefit Highlights
- Medical with wellness incentives, dental, and vision
- HSA with company match
- Maternity and parental leave
- Tuition reimbursement
- Mentor program
- 401(k) with 6% match
- More - FirstHorizon.com/First-Horizon-National-Corporation/Careers/Our-Benefits
Follow Us
X formerly Twitter
YouTube
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding First Officer Jobs
Convert your ICAO license to FAA ATP
U.S. carriers can't sponsor you until you hold a valid FAA Airline Transport Pilot certificate. Start the conversion process early, written exams, flight checks, and medical clearance can take months before any employer petition moves forward.
Target Part 121 carriers with active H-1B history
Regional and major carriers operating under FAA Part 121 rules are the primary H-1B filers for First Officer roles. Use Migrate Mate to find airlines with verified LCA sponsorship history filtered specifically for flight crew positions.
Verify your foreign hours meet ATP minimums
FAA regulations require 1,500 flight hours for a U.S. ATP certificate, though military and structured training pathways allow reduced minimums. Document every logged hour with ICAO-compliant records before submitting applications to any sponsoring employer.
Understand how specialty occupation applies to pilots
H-1B eligibility requires a specialty occupation, and USCIS scrutinizes First Officer petitions because the role doesn't always require a bachelor's degree. Employers typically support the petition by citing aviation science degrees or equivalent technical training alongside your ATP certification.
Confirm prevailing wage tier before accepting an offer
Your employer's LCA must certify wages at the DOL prevailing wage level for your base location. Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the wage level for aircraft pilot occupations in your assigned domicile before you sign an offer letter.
Account for H-1B cap timing in your start date
H-1B is subject to an annual cap and selection process, and the rules have changed recently. If you're not selected, your start date shifts by a full year. Build this into your contract negotiations so your employer holds the offer through a second filing cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What visa types can sponsor a First Officer working in the U.S.?
H-1B is the primary visa for sponsored First Officer roles, though it requires the employer to establish specialty occupation status, which can be more complex for pilot positions than for degree-dependent professions. TN visa classification is not available for commercial pilots under the USMCA profession list. Pilots who are Australian nationals may qualify for the E-3 visa, which has no lottery and a separate annual cap.
Does a First Officer need a degree to qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
USCIS requires that H-1B positions qualify as specialty occupations, normally meaning a U.S. bachelor's degree or its equivalent in a directly related field. For First Officers, employers often demonstrate this requirement through aviation science, aerospace engineering, or aeronautical degrees combined with an FAA ATP certificate. Without a degree, the employer may need to show that the specific role normally requires one, which can trigger a Request for Evidence.
How do I find U.S. airlines that sponsor First Officer visas?
Migrate Mate lists U.S. employers with verified LCA sponsorship history, so you can browse airlines that have actively filed for flight crew roles rather than cold-applying to carriers with no sponsorship track record.
Will my foreign flight hours count toward FAA ATP requirements for sponsorship purposes?
FAA accepts foreign flight hours logged under ICAO-compliant standards toward the 1,500-hour ATP minimum, but you'll need verifiable logbook documentation in a format U.S. carriers and FAA examiners can audit. Your employer's HR and flight operations teams will typically review your logbook before initiating any USCIS petition, so inconsistencies or gaps in foreign hour records can delay or complicate the sponsorship process.
What happens to my H-1B status if I'm furloughed or my airline shuts down?
If your employer terminates your position, your H-1B status ends and USCIS allows a 60-day grace period to find a new sponsoring employer, change status, or depart. Because aviation hiring is cyclical, it's worth confirming with any prospective employer whether they'll maintain your status through base closures or furlough periods, as some carriers include status protection clauses in pilot contracts.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored First Officer jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.