g'day farrari
i did the FAA IR and CPL about 6 months ago. i had to get approval from the AFSP (alien flight student program) to conduct my training) this took about a month and about $350 AUD aswell as (previously mentioned) fingerprinting aswell as filling in a few details online by yourself and the training organisation in the USA. Whatever you do don't go over there under the Visa Waiver Program, they do not allow you to change your status within the USA (i know from experience on this one, seeing as my wife is american and i tried it the first time around) so go the B1/B2 visa it will cost you $130 oz and you'll be sweet. Other alternative is to get the M1 technical/vocational student visa which still costs $250 from memory.
the US is a brilliant place to fly, i went over with a little over a thousand hours and found it a walk in the park, you'll love it
perhaps our ATC could learn a thing or two from them, you'll see what i mean when you get there
enjoy
V