Originally Posted by
dogpaddy
Thanks for the information HillerBee & i4iq.
I have begun to realise that the visa process is highly subjective and despite what it states on the visa in your passport, the final decision whether you actually get into the country or not is the official that you meet at the arrival airport.
It's highly unlikely that you'll get turned back. There are some groups on Yahoo that discuss the issues a lot, which you might find useful reading.
I believe you are restricted to 150 hours before the J1 is no longer issued. But as you can see from HillerBee's example, some things slip through.
The students I know that have taken the M1/J1 route have not had a problem.
HAI will probably tell you that a J1 is not guaranteed. Of course, they want your money, so it's in their best interest for you to go straight for the J1.
You may also wish to consider Hillsboro Aviation in Oregon, who also offer the J1 but seem to have a faster training program.