M-1 to J-1 Transition

[Col]

Hi All

(First post here)

I want to go the CFII route. I've read a lot about starting out with an M-1 visa, do the PPL and just prior to starting the commercial course switching to a J-1 and thereby extend the effective hour building time as a working CFII.

Sounds good but has anybody done it for real? Is it ethical, a loophole or does it not work in the real world?

I'm looking at HAi and have tried ringing them but they seem to be out of the office today - not surprisingly perhaps!

Also, I have read that some students are managing to fly 80 hours per month instructing and also doing ground school. As far as I understood, there is a limit of 20 hours paid work on the J1 (or do we not talk about that?).

Perhaps as a company owner, one could bill a US company for services rendered from the UK? As some have proposed but has anyone done it or know if it can be done... legally?

Thanks all

Col