> you should be able to do your standalone then without having to apply for an M1 visa.
Not related. Don't confuse TSA requirements, which you will need for your standalone private certificate training , with a visa which is a requirement to enter the country for a course of flight training.
Genghis - apologies for the nit picking
>EASA licence and medical are current
I believe should say EASA licence valid ( ie not revoked) and medical current - you don't need currency on the EASA licence, you need only FAA definition of currency on the 61.75, ie 90 days, BFR etc