Foreign Licence to FAA ATP, Requirements to train in the US
I'm looking for some clarification on training in the US. All the paper work is a little confusing. My plan is to get a PPL with instrument rating based on a foreign licence. Then rent a helicopter to build some night and IFR time to meet the requirements for the FAA ATP. Then do the FAA ATP licence.
So this is how I understand it so far. Anyone please correct me if I 'm wrong.
So first I believe I DO NOT need to apply for SEVIS,TSA approval or a student visa to get the PPL based on a foreign licence. I would only need to write the foreign instrument exam (IFP) and do a VFR flight review to be legal to rent and fly under FAA?
Now for the ATP:
I do hold a foreign commercial and instrument issued by a ICAO State which I believe can be the licence requirement to apply for the FAA ATP licence.
I will need to apply only once ($130) Category 1 with the TSA for the FAA ATP license?
Get my I-20 and Register with SEVIS ($200)?
Then get a M-3 visa on arrival at the boarder being a Canadian citizen?
Also does anyone know how long the TSA and SEVIS process takes on average start to finish?