Upon recognizing the demonstrated pilot shortage in the US, many have expanded their attention to the US aviation industry writ large and its growing shortage of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AME) and Aircraft Maintenance Technicians. This article will first equip you with some fundamental information about the EB-2 NIW VIsa program and then explore why qualifying AMEs around the world are viable applicants for this program.
The EB-2 category is part of the US employment-based immigration programs designed for professionals holding an advanced degree or possessing exceptional ability. Under this visa category, a successful candidate can bypass the burdensome and lengthy labour certification process and instead apply for a green card based on their own merit and credentials. In other words, no US-employer is required to sponsor the individual, and no job offer is required.
Upon a successful application, the applicant and their qualifying dependents (spouses, and dependent children under 21-years-old) would receive an unconditional green card valid for 10 years. Should the applicant and their dependents meet the residency requirements of citizenship, they will be eligible to apply for US citizenship within 5 years of holding their green card.
U.S aviation industry faces AME shortage
Furthermore, the US aviation market is in need of more AMEs. According to recent statistics, there are more than 200,000 aircraft in the US and the number is expected to climb continuously. Nonetheless, the pool of domestic AMEs remains limited, resulting in an impending shortage of manpower to maintain and inspect all these aircraft.
Amongst the reasons attributable to this looming challenge, the COVID-19 job cuts did impose an impact as it accelerated AME to retire or switch industries. At worst, a dearth of AMEs could result in flight cancellations and delayed repair. Considering the critical role AMEs play in ensuring the competitiveness of the US aviation sector, we believe that foreign-qualified AMEs are very likely to meet the national importance requirement under the EB-2 NIW program
WHY ARE AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE ENGINEERS ELIGIBLE FOR EB-2 NIW VISA ?
AMEs are undoubtedly indispensable to aircraft safety, as they maintain and troubleshoot the airworthiness of the aircraft. To perform such a crucial task, AMEs shall go through a rigorous licensing process beforehand. The Aircraft Maintenance Engineers licensing process varies across jurisdictions, including the US Federal Aviation Administration, the Taiwan Civil Aviation Administration, the European Aviation Safety Agency, and so on.
While there are multiple sets of laws governing AME qualifications, one thing is almost certain: to qualify as Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, one typically needs to devote years of study to acquire a bespoke skillset and possess hands-on maintenance experience. With these in mind, we believe it is sufficient to demonstrate AMEs satisfy the exceptional ability criteria laid out in the EB-2 NIW program
EB2-NIW AME program required careful preparation
Given that the EB-2 NIW program is highly sought after, we do reiterate the imperative need that each initial petition submitted is carefully drafted and prepared to fully demonstrate how the applicant meets the EB-2 criteria. We therefore encourage those interested in the EB-2 NIW to speak with one of our EB2 lawyers to evaluate and discuss the options available.
Find out more info about the AME program here
Choosing Harvey Law Group for the EB-2 NIW Application
Because of this focus on the EB-2 NIW, our team understands nuances beyond what USCIS policy guidance alone can tell you. EB-2 AME case cannot be built the exact same as a A B767 pilot’s case or helicopter pilot or even a narrowbody jet pilot’s case. The strategy and potential concerns can vary even within the same field, and that kind of knowledge only comes from handling hundreds of aviation cases before USCIS.
So to put simply, people choose us because we speak both the aviation and immigration languages well, and we know how to translate one into the other to build a clear, credible case for USCIS.
Frequently asked questions
What is the EB-2 NIW visa and how does it work for Aircraft Maintenance Engineers?
The EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) is a US employment-based immigration program for professionals with an advanced degree or exceptional ability. Aircraft Maintenance Engineers can apply based on their own credentials without needing a US employer sponsor or a job offer, provided they demonstrate that their work serves the US national interest.
Why are Aircraft Maintenance Engineers considered eligible for the EB-2 NIW program?
The US aviation industry faces a growing shortage of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, partly accelerated by COVID-19-related job cuts and retirements. Because AMEs undergo rigorous licensing and training to ensure aircraft airworthiness, they are considered likely to meet both the exceptional ability and national interest requirements of the EB-2 NIW program.
What documents or criteria are needed to qualify for the EB-2 NIW visa?
Applicants must demonstrate exceptional ability or hold an advanced degree in their field, and prove that their work has substantial intrinsic merit with a significant positive impact on US national interests. Because the program is highly competitive, each petition must be carefully drafted to fully address these criteria.
What benefits does a successful EB-2 NIW application provide?
A successful applicant and their qualifying dependents — spouses and dependent children under 21 — receive an unconditional green card valid for 10 years. If residency requirements are met, they become eligible to apply for US citizenship within 5 years of holding the green card.
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