Thought I'd try and clear a few things up with the relevant links; (Additionally, I would like to mention that the process in reality is NOT complicated or hard, it's just a matter of the school you choosing guiding you through the process, which they will have done many many times before.)
To complete flight TRAINING in the US you will probably require a VISA - cost of Visa dependant on Embassy circa £64 in the UK?
This is normally completed on a M1 Visa. You will need to apply to your school get an I20 and then book an appointment at your relevant embassy. Wait times and other relevant information for your Embassy can be found on
Department of State website
Student Visas - look under M1 for vocational study - as this covers flight training and
Dept of State M1 Info
J1 - Exhange Visa - used for Instructors and
Dept of State J1 Info If you are going to leave the US during your training;
M1 - you will need you I20 signed by the representive at your school for every trip you depart the country on; this allows re-entry subject to the standard entry to the US rules.
J1 - you will need your DS2019 signed by the representive at your school stating you are in good standing.
A SEVIS fee is required when have an initial M1 issued or change status or have an initial J1.
See
http://www.fmjfee.com for more info. Normally $100
Regarding TSA for GA training;
TSA is required if you are completing licences or ratings as below:
- An INITIAL Licence to fly in the US Ie Private SE(P) (ASEL as known in the US) including Foreign Licence Verification process.
- Initial Multi Engine (IE for Private not needed for Commercial)
- Instrument Rating
The TSA online application is at :
https://www.flightschoolcandidates.gov/ with the main TSA website at
http://www.tsa.gov/. $100 plus $10 for fingerprinting (Can be completed at any US Police station rather than elsewhere which will be more expensive)
Also the
Alien Flight School Program pages. Read the FAQ there and then contact your school if your in doubt
If you are doing any FAA Ratings or taking the FAA Commercial (and your licence is based on a foreign PPL) you must have a letter of verification see: (UK CAA Links included as it's governing authority for the majority of the readership)
FAA Form
CAA Guide to Licence Verification Process
CAA Form SRG1160 No CAA form is ever complete without the
Payment Method Form You may complete hour building without foreign licence verification on a US student pilot certificate, however you will be heavily restricted require multiple endorsements, and you woul dneed to check your individual school's policy.
If you get stuck on the process read the FAQs on the websites and then contact your school first they will know and should understand the process. You may see these as additional costs, but remember you will probably get continutity of training due to better weather etc. I suggest you include these costs in any plans you make. Why not make an excel spreadsheet and compare your options? (It will still probably be cheaper than flying in the UK LOL!)
If anyone spots any changes I'll happily amend the thread as necessary rather than letting this thread expand with speculation - this should help alleviate some people's queries.