THE GROWING SHORTAGE OF HELICOPTER PILOTS IN THE UNITED STATES
In recent years, there has been a growing shortage of helicopter pilots in the United States. This shortage has left a significant impact not only on the aviation industry, of which helicopter pilots play a vital role, but also in various sectors including the country’s infrastructure, emergency medical services, and even military operations.
This shortage has escalated to the scale of national importance of which a USA EB2 National Interest Waiver is available to resolve this crisis.
HELICOPTER PILOTS – A VITAL ROLE IN THE UNITED STATES
As the fourth largest country in the world, the United States has a constant need for helicopter pilots due to the country’s vast geography spanning across a multitude of terrains.
Despite the vast network of highways and roads it possesses, when a crisis or natural disaster strikes, vial time is lost when roads are inaccessible. Helicopter pilots can fill this gap by transporting people and goods in such situations, providing a vital link between urban centers, and remote regions.
THE IMPORTANCE OF HELICOPTER PILOTS IN EMERGENCY AND MILITARY OPERATIONS
The manoeuvrability of helicopters also makes them the perfect transportation vehicle during search and rescue operations and rendering emergency medical services. Helicopter pilots can skilfully navigate and land in hard-to-reach locations, cover vast and remote areas, and react quickly when ground transportation is unavailable or inadequate.
Helicopter pilots are also crucial to the military operations of the United States as they are used extensively in the military for reconnaissance, transport, and combat operations. They must also be trained to fly in various conditions and be accustomed to flying at low altitudes and in urban environments.
THE DIRE SHORTAGE OF HELICOPTER PILOTS IN THE UNITED STATES
However, in spite of this ever-present and growing need for pilots, there US is experiencing a dire shortage. This shortage has been attributed to several factors, including the aging of the current pilot workforce, increased demand for air travel, and changes in training requirements.
AGING WORKFORCE: AN IMPENDING CRISIS
According to a report by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the current pilot workforce is aging rapidly. The average age of pilots in the United States is currently over 50 years old, and many of these pilots are approaching retirement age. This means that there will be a significant number of job openings in the coming years, and the industry will need to find ways to attract and train new pilots to fill these roles.
IMPACT ON VARIOUS SECTORS INCLUDING MEDICAL AND AIR TRANSPORT INDUSTRIES
The shortage of helicopter pilots is not only affecting the air transport industry but also other sectors that rely on helicopter pilots.
For example, according to a recent article in The Wall Street Journal, many medical transport companies are struggling to find qualified helicopter pilots to transport patients to hospitals and medical centers.
This shortage has forced some companies to ground their helicopters or rely on pilots who may not have the same level of experience and training as their counterparts.
Learn about eligibility and application processes.
NATIONAL IMPORTANCE: THE USA EB2 NATIONAL INTEREST WAIVER PROGRAM AS A SOLUTION
However, despite the growing demand for helicopter pilots, there has been a decrease in the number of pilots entering the industry due to the high barrier-to-entry costs associated with training, ranging from $75,000 to over $150,000 and increased flight hours requirements. These barriers, coupled with the effects of Covid-19 has forced the American aviation industry to confront this shortage and escalate its resolution to one of national importance.
QUALIFY FOR A GREEN CARD
As such, experienced helicopter pilots holding the appropriate background can now qualify for a green card for themselves and their families through the United States EB-2 National Interest Waiver Program.
The EB2 NIW program allows individuals to obtain an unconditional green card for themselves and their families thereby allowing them to work and live in the US and alleviate this pilot shortage and render assistance to the US air transport industry and the American public at large.
EB2-NIW VISA PROCESSING TIME: EXPECT 8-12 MONTHS
For those aspiring to secure the EB-2 NIW visa, the question of processing times is of paramount importance. Our initial assessment of the EB-2 NIW processing timeline, as conducted when we submitted our initial petitions in December 2021, indicated an expected waiting period of 8 to 12 months for USCIS feedback.
While we are pleased to report that some of our distinguished clients have experienced remarkably expedited responses, with feedback arriving in as little as 3 months, we recommend that all prospective applicants prepare for a standard processing timeframe of 8 to 12 months.
It is essential to recognize that USCIS processing times may exhibit variations based on past cases and circumstances. This awareness is crucial in establishing realistic expectations as you navigate the process of obtaining the EB2 pilot visa, particularly if you are a helicopter pilot seeking this coveted status.
Trump Gold and Platinum Card: An Alternative EB-2 NIW Pathway
Beyond the traditional EB-2 NIW and PERM routes, the Trump Gold and Platinum Card program offers a streamlined golden visa pathway to U.S. permanent residency through financial contributions rather than labor certification or employment-generating investments.
How the Program Works
Introduced by the Trump administration through an Executive Order, this program allows individuals recosnized for their business abilities to obtain Green Cards for themselves and their families through direct financial gifts to the U.S. government:
- Gold Card: USD 1 million for individual applicants
- Corporate Gold Card: Minimum USD 2 million when a company sponsors an individual
- Platinum Card: USD 5 million, including tax advantages (holders can spend up to 270 days annually in the USA without U.S. taxes on non-US income)
Key Differences from EB-2 NIW
| Feature | Trump Gold/Platinum Card | EB-2 NIW |
| Petition Type | Self-petition via financial gift | Self-petition via national interest waiver |
| Cost | $1M – $5M contribution | Legal fees + filing costs (~$10K-$25K) |
| Job Offer | Not required | Not required |
| Labor Certification | Waived | Waived |
| Business Plan | Not required | Recommended |
| Processing Time | ~12 months (expedited available) | 12+ months (premium processing available) |
| Evidence Required | Proof of lawful funds, business ability | Extensive documentation of exceptional ability and national importance |
Gold Card Eligibility Requirements
The Executive Order specifies that Gold Card contributions serve as evidence of eligibility under two EB categories:
- EB-1A: Extraordinary ability in business
- EB-2 NIW: Exceptional business ability qualifying for a National Interest Waiver
Applicants must:
- Demonstrate recognised business abilities
- Provide proof that contribution funds come from lawful sources
- Be admissible to the United States
- Meet standard permanent residency requirements
Benefits of the Trump Card Program
- No language requirements: Unlike some employment-based visas, English proficiency is not tested
- No job offer needed: Applicants can self-petition without employer sponsorship
- Family inclusion: Spouses and unmarried children under 21 receive unconditional Green Cards
- Faster processing options: Premium processing can significantly reduce the standard 12-month timeline
- Platinum Card tax benefits: The highest tier allows extended US stays without triggering worldwide income taxation
- Path to citizenship: Permanent residents can apply for U.S. citizenship after 5 years
Trump Gold Card Application Process Overview
The Trump Gold and Platinum Card process follows these general steps:
- Initial Assessment (1-2 months): Verify eligibility, demonstrate business abilities, and confirm lawful source of funds
- Application Submission: File Form I-140 with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) along with proof of the required financial gift
- USCIS Review (~12 months standard, or faster with premium processing): USCIS adjudicates the petition
- Visa Processing: After I-140 approval, applicants either adjust status (if in the U.S.) or proceed through consular processing
- Green Card Issuance: Upon approval, applicants and their families receive permanent resident status
Common Questions About Trump Gold and Platinum Cards
How does this differ from EB-5 investment visas?
The EB-5 program requires USD 800,000 invested in projects that create at least 10 jobs for U.S. workers. Trump Cards require higher contributions (USD 1M – 5M) but have no employment-generating requirements and may be processed more quickly.
Can I work in any field after receiving my Green Card?
Yes. Unlike employer-sponsored visas, your Green Card is not tied to a specific job or employer. You have full flexibility to work in any lawful occupation.
What happens if my application is denied?
If denied, you may have options to appeal or refile with additional evidence. The financial contribution is typically not processed until after initial approval, protecting applicants from financial loss.
Are there country-specific quotas or backlogs?
EB-2 category visas are subject to per-country limits. Applicants from India and China currently face longer wait times (over 12 years for India, over 4 years for China) before their priority dates become current, even after I-140 approval.
Can I include my adult children?
Only unmarried children under 21 qualify as dependents. Adult children would need to pursue separate immigration pathways.
What evidence of “business ability” is required?
While the Executive Order does not specify detailed criteria, applicants should be prepared to document their business experience, achievements, leadership roles, and contributions to demonstrate recognised business abilities.
