Johnny 7,
Would you be so good as to quote a reference for your statement.
Sorry , to clarify that restriction : A non-U.S. citizen cannot train for a type rating on an a/c with a mtow >12,499 LBS , unless already operating such a type prior to , I believe , May'02 .
My understanding of the regulation is that:
a: A person who is presently qualified and current in an aircraft above 12500 lbs may obtain expedited visa approval for training.
b: A person who does not fall into category "A" must go through the whole approval process which is expected to take 45 days.
I have NOT read anything which prohibits foreign nationals from training ONCE they have obtained the required clearance from the Department of Justice.
Run, the regulations changed in June (I think), so do a Pprune search on this topic around that date, you will find some extremely comprehensive discussions.
Mutt.