flyhigh - you still (as in my response to your other your other post elsewhere) aren't clear if your FAA ppl is standalone or 61.75 based on your indian cpl. I guess you mean it is a 61.75 ppl based on your indian cpl so will respond accordingly:
To try and answer all your potential questions in one go :
do read CFR 61.39 - it will answer your questions about recency and requirements for FAA cpl. You will need to meet all requirements for FAA cpl so read up on that yourself and it will answer your questions, just compare your logbook to the entry requirements as that is what the examiner will do.
Yes you will need TSA as you don't have a full FAA PPL
Yes you will need an M1 visa and thus a SEVIS school, no that doesn't have to be a part 141 course.
You don't need a signoff to enter the checkride but you might as well get one as it is free and doesn't involve arguing with your instructor or DPE about it.
No you don't need to do the FAA private checkride first but you do need your 61.75 to meet the entry requirements (CFR 61.123h).
Yes you will need to do the written and meet all the requirements of CFR 61.123h.and you will need a valid faa medical of third class or greater to take the checkride.
Hope that covers it for you....
Last edited by custardpsc; 13th May 2013 at 11:56.