The first step should always be a class one medical. Second step is a PPL which can be from anywhere as long as its ICAO compliant.
M1 and F1 are the main visa types. Just Google "US flight training visa" - typically up to 2 years.
Because certificates issued under part 61 are basically training as required, the flight training portion of a CFI course is basically learning to fly from the other seat and talk through maneuvers as you demonstrate them. Generally people do their commercial in the left seat, then spend a month or so doing the classroom and knowledge portion on the CFI course, then learn to fly from the right seat and finally learn how to demonstrate maneuvers. If you get the CFI theory training done first, then do all your commercial training from the right seat from day one and learn to talk through every maneuver you're killing two birds with one stone. Like most aspects of flight training, organisation is key: if you turn up to day one of flight training with all exams passed, all checklists and flight manuals memorised before you ever see an airplane you're going to learn a lot quicker and save a lot of money. 95% of people are capable of a 45 hour PPL. Not many get one.
Last edited by rudestuff; 7th Sep 2023 at 04:00.