Originally Posted by
JAY PATEL
I was hoping to do this either late Feb or March. Any ideas or advice as to which FTO?
If you're looking at late Feb or March - you're going to have to get the visa process underway right now, in fact, you might be too late.
You need to get sorted out for an M1 visa - you'll need to call the US Consulate at either London, or if it's closer, Belfast (smaller queues) for an application pack, and you need the following forms DS-156, DS-157 & DS-158. You need to do some online registering for the DS-156 which is sent out to you with a barcode & payment for SEVIS with the school details and they'll post out the appropriate documentation to you which is all part of the student visa process - takes around 2 weeks or so minimum. If you don't get the barcode on the 156, there'll be delays processing your visa - but at least you can print it from the website so it's not a problem. You'll also need to attend an interview and have 2 US passport sized photos (not UK standard size).
OBA were a godsend to me when I did it all - they gave me step by step instructions, tipped me off about Belfast being quicker than London (by several weeks!), and were very helpful.
Also, you'll need an FAA medical once you're over there before you can fly solo, and (at least in florida) you need to get finger-printed at the local police station - if you arrive on a weekend, there might be delay in getting that done depending on the PD staff availiability which will take at least a day - so take that into account if you're on a tight schedule.