Canadian hoping to move to the USA

youngster Newcomer Canada

Hello Stuck Mic Community!

I've read all the posts, on all the threads on this contract tower employment forum and have yet to see the particular question I have addressed. I'm asking for everyone's input and/or advice on this Canadian air traffic controller's desire to move to the United States and work at one of the many contract towers down that way.

For a little background information; I've been working for the Canadian air traffic services provider for the past 7 years, i spent 6 of those years working in the flight service specialist field including time in a supervisory position before re-training as a tower controller about a year ago. My desire to take a job in the USA has nothing to do with salary, (actually it would require taking a pay cut,) it has everything to do with location, location, location. All of my 7 years in the air traffic services industry has been spent in sub-arctic locations where temperatures in the winter months routinely fall below -10F! I would embrace the opportunity to trade the cold and snow for someplace with warm weather most of the year.

I'm well aware there are several obstacles i must overcome in achieving my goal of living in the sun (i.e. obtaining a green card or work visa.) I'm coming up on 6 months since qualifying at my tower, (CTO isn't a term we use in Canada,) and I have a class II medical, albeit issued by Transport Canada.

If you have heard of anyone else making a similar move or have any advice/insight on the topic it would be kindly appreciated. I've yet to send out resumes to the 3 companies involved in this program but plan on doing so in the near future.

Thank you,
youngster

ColtsATC Trusted Contributor Indy

I'm almost positive you have to be a US citizen to get a job with the FAA, eh. Sorry...couldn't resist.

Welcome to stuck mic though

Pete Trusted Member

He's asking about contract towers not FAA

MikeATC Retired FAA, NATCA Member Nashville TN

The best thing to do is to contact one of the companies that provide contract air traffic services and ask them.

youngster Newcomer Canada

So my plans to move down to the USA have been put on hold. I've just recently been offered a position in the tower at the Toronto Pearson International Airport. It is the biggest and busiest airport in Canada. It's a challenge that I am very much looking forward to tackling.

otterstrom Trusted Member of NATCA

haha, so much for the sun. congrats. hope all goes well in toronto.