Work at US Fire Depts

[AustrianFF]

Hi,

yesterday a guy from my fire department asked if it's possible for non US citizens to work at US Fire Departments? And what qualifications will be needed?

Thanks for your answers,
Bernhard
Firefighter/EMT
VFD Wr. Neustadt, Austria

[sconfire]

Only in certain instances. I have more information on this if you wish to speak. I have emailed you privatley but in case you did not get it... here is my email: [email protected]

[fergus]

I only know of a small handful of departments that require citizenship. The vast majority only require pernament residency (which is nearly as hard to get).

Many departments list citizenship as a requirement in the job posting, but upon closer inspection, you will usually find that a green card is good enough.

[E40FDNYL35]

In order to be appointed to FDNY, you must:

Pass both the written and physical exams and have your name placed on the Firefighter list;

Pass a medical exam and background investigation;

Be a minimum of 21 years of age and a U.S. citizen;

Have 30 college credits or 2 years of satisfactory military service (see FAQ);

Hold a motor vehicle driver's license valid in the State of New York;

Be a resident of the NYC or Nassau, Westchester, Suffolk, Orange, Rockland or Putnam Counties.

CFR-D certification

[sconfire]

There are only 3 ways to get a job in the United States if you have citizenship in another country.

1.) One of your parents, son or daughter must be American. We have 2 brothers in my department from Scotland and their father is a former US Navy Sailor.

2.) You must be married to an American. We have 1 fellow from South Wales Fire Brigade that was hired because he was married to an American girl from Alabama.

3.) The person and department in which they wish to apply must prove that there are no other qualified applicants for the position in which they are applying. This must first go to the Labor Department for a waiver and then to INS for approval. This has not happened because we are swamped with applicants everyday.

A green card, or permanent residency card, is giving to you only after meeting one of the three above requirements. You have to be able to prove that you will not be a drain on our society (money) and that the employer will provide you with proper employment. Also if you are released from duty within the first 2 years (I think this is the time) they will provide you with means of support. Sounds kind of redundant to me.

This is different than a work visa which only works for a small period of time before you have to re-apply.

Green Card = social security number
Work Visa= no social security number

Like Fergus said, some FD's do require you to be a citizen before they will hire you.

I hope this helps with a little more information for you.