Let me see what I can help clear up here:
- A visa is required for the CPL since it's training for the issuance of a license
- It's not the FAA's problem, they are not the visa experts nor do they care.
- Only Part 141 certified schools can issue the I-20
- However, you do NOT necessarily need to enroll in a Part 141 course of training
- Every 141 school should be able to enroll you in a Part 61 course of training for the CPL
- If they tell you otherwise...contact another school
Do NOT rely on visa advice form the FAA, they are a totally different government organization then Immigration and customs.
You wouldn't ask the CAA about UK visa rules would you?
PS..... Visa is required for the
initial issuance of a certificate or rating not the issuance of an initial certificate.
Semantics but an important difference