Pilot Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Getting visa sponsorship as a pilot in the U.S. is possible but significantly more complex than most aviation professionals expect. H-1B visa can work for pilot positions that require a bachelor's degree, though many airlines don't formally require one, which weakens the petition. L-1 visa intracompany transfers, O-1 visas for pilots with extraordinary credentials, and treaty-based visas like E-2 and TN visa are more common pathways. Regional airlines facing severe pilot shortages have shown increasing willingness to sponsor, but you'll need FAA certification since foreign licenses don't transfer directly. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
Find Pilot JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 151+ Pilot jobs
See all 151+ Pilot Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Pilot roles.
Get Access To All JobsJoin our life-saving team in Chesterfield, MO and take advantage of off-duty housing and a sign-on bonus up to $50,000 — this offer won’t last long! Apply today!
Are you an exceptional pilot looking to make a real impact from the cockpit? PHI Health is seeking skilled and dedicated pilots to join our elite team. You will be at the forefront of life-saving missions, delivering critical care to those in need with speed, precision, and unwavering commitment.
Our pilots are not just aviators; they are heroes in the sky, providing rapid medical response in challenging and diverse environments. In this role, you'll experience the thrill of aviation combined with the profound satisfaction of knowing that your expertise and quick thinking can change the course of a patient's future. If you thrive under pressure, have a passion for excellence, and are ready to elevate your career to new heights, PHI Health is the place for you.
Who We Are:
PHI Health is the leading air ambulance provider in the United States. With an unmatched safety record and the best aviation, medical and communication specialists in the field, we set the standard in the air medical industry. We transport more than 22,000 patients each year from our more than 80 bases across the country, all while offering services and outreach education to local communities and leading healthcare systems. Our mission is simple: move communities to health while maintaining the highest standard of safety, period.
Job Summary:
- PHI Air Medical (operating under CAMTS guidelines)
- Helicopter Air Ambulance (HAA) operations
- Captain EC145 SPIFR/NVG (Instrument rating required)
- 24-hour operations (day/night rotation)
- If successful applicant requires aircraft transition - 1 year minimum service requirement
- Relocation package is available - If relocation package is utilized - 2 year minimum service requirement
- Off-Duty Housing provided
Other:
- External search may run concurrently with internal job posting.
- Successful applicant will participate in community outreach programs and adhere to PHI Air Medical policies.
- Some lifting will be required to assist in the loading and unloading of patients and equipment.
- Perform line pilot duties IAW GOM.
- Support Safety Management System, Destination Zero, and other company safety campaigns.
- Work with both internal and external customers to provide safe, efficient, courteous, and reliable service.
Compensation and Benefits:
- We offer a range of competitive pay and benefits package to keep our teams happy, healthy, and invested.
- This package includes competitive pay, shift bonuses, shift incentives, Annual Safety Bonus, Annual Employee Bonus, and much more!
The Successful Candidate Will Have:
- Commercial and Instrument Helicopter Ratings
- First Class Medical
- CAMTS Requirement // 2,000 Total Hours // 1,500 Hours Helicopter // 1,000 Hours PIC Helicopters // 500 Hours Turbine Helicopters // 100 Hours in Unaided Night Operations or 50 Hours Unaided and 100 Hours Night Vision Goggles (NVG) // 100 Hours Instrument (Actual & Hood)
- Must meet and maintain the company’s flight personnel weight restriction policy, which limits individual weight to 235 lbs or less
- Strong Communication, Internal and External Customer Service Skills
- Interview and acceptance by customer/PHI management
- Must be able to pass pre-placement physical exam including functional capacity exam (strength and flexibility assessment, lift 100 pounds to assist in the loading and unloading of patients and equipment), drug screening and background screen.
- Demonstrated Internal and External Customer Service skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Schedule/Location:
- Schedule 7/7, Day of week the base changes schedules, and schedule change may be required
- Off-Duty Housing provided
Our Core Competencies:
- Safe. We are absolute in our belief in the tenets of Destination Zero and that Zero is not only achievable, but the only acceptable outcome.
- Efficient. We are focused on outcomes that are smart and responsible by making the best use of our resources to maximize overall productivity and achieve sustainable profitability as a high performing organization.
- Quality. We are committed to ensuring excellent organizational performance which produces sustainable and reliable outcomes.
- Service. We are dedicated to the service of our customers, our communities and each other.
The PHI Health Advantage:
For more than 40 years, our company has been providing critical air medical transport services across the country. As an organization, we outfit each aircraft we fly with the most advanced technology, subject our crews to the most rigorous protocols and training and pioneer the most-forward thinking safety program in the country.
Everything that we do comes back to the safety of our crew and our patients. Our accident rate is well below the national average and we were the first to receive the Vision Zero Aviation Safety Award. This belief has guided us towards a number of industry firsts and has given us the highest safety rating in the industry.
Sign-On Bonus up to $50,000; Off-Duty Housing provided; Duplicate
The above Statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.
PHI, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Join our life-saving team in Chesterfield, MO and take advantage of off-duty housing and a sign-on bonus up to $50,000 — this offer won’t last long! Apply today!
Are you an exceptional pilot looking to make a real impact from the cockpit? PHI Health is seeking skilled and dedicated pilots to join our elite team. You will be at the forefront of life-saving missions, delivering critical care to those in need with speed, precision, and unwavering commitment.
Our pilots are not just aviators; they are heroes in the sky, providing rapid medical response in challenging and diverse environments. In this role, you'll experience the thrill of aviation combined with the profound satisfaction of knowing that your expertise and quick thinking can change the course of a patient's future. If you thrive under pressure, have a passion for excellence, and are ready to elevate your career to new heights, PHI Health is the place for you.
Who We Are:
PHI Health is the leading air ambulance provider in the United States. With an unmatched safety record and the best aviation, medical and communication specialists in the field, we set the standard in the air medical industry. We transport more than 22,000 patients each year from our more than 80 bases across the country, all while offering services and outreach education to local communities and leading healthcare systems. Our mission is simple: move communities to health while maintaining the highest standard of safety, period.
Job Summary:
- PHI Air Medical (operating under CAMTS guidelines)
- Helicopter Air Ambulance (HAA) operations
- Captain EC145 SPIFR/NVG (Instrument rating required)
- 24-hour operations (day/night rotation)
- If successful applicant requires aircraft transition - 1 year minimum service requirement
- Relocation package is available - If relocation package is utilized - 2 year minimum service requirement
- Off-Duty Housing provided
Other:
- External search may run concurrently with internal job posting.
- Successful applicant will participate in community outreach programs and adhere to PHI Air Medical policies.
- Some lifting will be required to assist in the loading and unloading of patients and equipment.
- Perform line pilot duties IAW GOM.
- Support Safety Management System, Destination Zero, and other company safety campaigns.
- Work with both internal and external customers to provide safe, efficient, courteous, and reliable service.
Compensation and Benefits:
- We offer a range of competitive pay and benefits package to keep our teams happy, healthy, and invested.
- This package includes competitive pay, shift bonuses, shift incentives, Annual Safety Bonus, Annual Employee Bonus, and much more!
The Successful Candidate Will Have:
- Commercial and Instrument Helicopter Ratings
- First Class Medical
- CAMTS Requirement // 2,000 Total Hours // 1,500 Hours Helicopter // 1,000 Hours PIC Helicopters // 500 Hours Turbine Helicopters // 100 Hours in Unaided Night Operations or 50 Hours Unaided and 100 Hours Night Vision Goggles (NVG) // 100 Hours Instrument (Actual & Hood)
- Must meet and maintain the company’s flight personnel weight restriction policy, which limits individual weight to 235 lbs or less
- Strong Communication, Internal and External Customer Service Skills
- Interview and acceptance by customer/PHI management
- Must be able to pass pre-placement physical exam including functional capacity exam (strength and flexibility assessment, lift 100 pounds to assist in the loading and unloading of patients and equipment), drug screening and background screen.
- Demonstrated Internal and External Customer Service skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Schedule/Location:
- Schedule 7/7, Day of week the base changes schedules, and schedule change may be required
- Off-Duty Housing provided
Our Core Competencies:
- Safe. We are absolute in our belief in the tenets of Destination Zero and that Zero is not only achievable, but the only acceptable outcome.
- Efficient. We are focused on outcomes that are smart and responsible by making the best use of our resources to maximize overall productivity and achieve sustainable profitability as a high performing organization.
- Quality. We are committed to ensuring excellent organizational performance which produces sustainable and reliable outcomes.
- Service. We are dedicated to the service of our customers, our communities and each other.
The PHI Health Advantage:
For more than 40 years, our company has been providing critical air medical transport services across the country. As an organization, we outfit each aircraft we fly with the most advanced technology, subject our crews to the most rigorous protocols and training and pioneer the most-forward thinking safety program in the country.
Everything that we do comes back to the safety of our crew and our patients. Our accident rate is well below the national average and we were the first to receive the Vision Zero Aviation Safety Award. This belief has guided us towards a number of industry firsts and has given us the highest safety rating in the industry.
Sign-On Bonus up to $50,000; Off-Duty Housing provided; Duplicate
The above Statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.
PHI, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
See all 151+ Pilot Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Pilot roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Pilot Jobs
Convert your license to FAA certification before job hunting
U.S. employers expect you to hold or be actively working toward FAA certification. Start the license conversion process as early as possible since it involves written exams, practical check rides, and potentially additional flight hours. Some training programs in Florida, Texas, and Arizona specialize in foreign license conversions. Having your FAA certificate in hand makes you immediately employable and dramatically improves your chances of sponsorship.
Target regional airlines facing acute pilot shortages
Regional airlines are where the pilot shortage hits hardest, and they're the most open to international hiring. Republic Airways, SkyWest, Envoy Air, Piedmont Airlines, and Mesa Airlines have all struggled with pilot recruitment. Research which regionals are currently offering signing bonuses or relaxing requirements, as those are signals of desperation that work in your favor. Many regional airlines have flow-through agreements with major carriers, so it's also a pathway to bigger airlines.
Explore the flight instructor pathway at Part 141 schools
Getting hired as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) at an FAA Part 141 flight school is one of the most accessible entry points. Schools like ATP Flight School, CAE, and L3Harris Flight Academy hire instructors regularly. The H-1B case is often stronger for instructor roles since accredited schools can argue the position requires a degree in aviation. You'll build U.S. flight hours toward your ATP minimums while earning a paycheck and maintaining visa status.
Look into corporate aviation and charter operators
Corporate flight departments and charter companies like NetJets, Flexjet, and Wheels Up have different hiring dynamics than scheduled airlines. Some corporate aviation roles explicitly require degrees in aviation management or aeronautical science, which strengthens the H-1B case. These employers may also use L-1 or O-1 visas for experienced pilots with exceptional credentials. The pay can be competitive with regional airlines, and the lifestyle is often more predictable.
Use an aviation-specific immigration attorney
Pilot visa cases are unusual enough that a general immigration attorney may not know the best strategies. Look for attorneys who specifically handle aviation industry immigration cases and understand FAA certification, airline hiring practices, and the specialty occupation nuances for pilot positions. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and Regional Airline Association (RAA) may be able to refer you to experienced attorneys. A knowledgeable attorney can make the difference between approval and denial.
Consider cargo airlines as an alternative to passenger carriers
Cargo operators like Atlas Air, Kalitta Air, and Western Global Airlines have different hiring pressures than passenger airlines. They often recruit more aggressively internationally because the lifestyle demands of cargo flying (irregular schedules, remote bases) reduce the domestic applicant pool. Some cargo airlines have established international recruitment pipelines. The pay is competitive, and the experience counts toward eventually transitioning to a major passenger carrier if that's your goal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can pilots get H-1B visa sponsorship in the U.S.?
It's possible but tricky. The H-1B visa requires that the job normally demands at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Many airline pilot positions don't formally require a four-year degree, which makes the specialty occupation argument harder to win. Some corporate aviation and flight training positions do require degrees, making them stronger H-1B candidates. If you have a bachelor's degree in aviation, aeronautical science, or aerospace engineering, your case is stronger. But don't count on H-1B as your primary path.
Do I need to get FAA certification before applying to U.S. airlines?
Yes. Foreign pilot licenses, including ICAO-compliant ones, don't automatically transfer to the U.S. You'll need an FAA certificate, and for airline transport roles, you need an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. The process involves verifying your foreign credentials, passing FAA written and practical exams, and meeting U.S. flight hour requirements. Some flight schools offer programs specifically designed to help foreign-trained pilots convert their licenses. Budget several months and significant expense for this process.
Which U.S. airlines are most likely to sponsor foreign pilots?
Regional airlines like Republic Airways, SkyWest, Envoy Air, and PSA Airlines are the most likely to consider sponsorship because they face the most acute pilot shortages. Major carriers like Delta, United, and American typically prefer hiring from their regional feeders or the military pipeline. Charter operators, corporate aviation departments, and cargo airlines like Atlas Air also sponsor occasionally. Flight schools with Part 141 certification sometimes sponsor instructors, which can be a stepping-stone pathway.
How to find Pilot jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find pilot jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international pilots with sponsoring employers. Major airlines, cargo carriers, and charter companies frequently sponsor H-1B, O-1, and TN visas for qualified pilots. Focus on airlines experiencing pilot shortages, regional carriers expanding routes, and aviation companies seeking experienced commercial pilots with specific aircraft certifications.
Is the pilot shortage real enough to help with visa sponsorship?
The U.S. pilot shortage is well-documented and projected to worsen through the late 2020s as mandatory retirements increase and training pipelines can't keep up. Regional airlines are the hardest hit and the most motivated to look internationally for talent. That said, the shortage alone doesn't guarantee sponsorship. Airlines still need to justify the visa petition, navigate the immigration process, and cover the costs. The shortage makes employers more willing, but you still need the right qualifications and certifications.
Can I work as a flight instructor to get into the U.S. aviation industry?
Yes, and it's actually one of the more practical pathways. Flight schools with Part 141 or Part 61 certification hire instructors regularly, and some will sponsor visas. The advantage is that flight instructor positions at accredited schools may have a stronger case for H-1B since they can require a degree in aviation or aeronautical science. You'll build U.S. flight hours, earn FAA credentials, and make industry connections. Many U.S. airline pilots started as CFIs, so it's a recognized career ladder.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Pilot jobs?
When a U.S. employer sponsors a foreign worker for a work visa, they are legally required to pay at least the "prevailing wage" — the average wage paid to workers in the same occupation, in the same geographic area, with similar experience. This is set by the Department of Labor to prevent employers from hiring foreign workers at below-market rates. The prevailing wage varies significantly by role, location, and experience level — for example, a pilot in Texas will have a different prevailing wage than the same role in a smaller state. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search tool.