Red7alpha,
Only few comments :
1. No, you cannot have your JAA CPL converted to an FAA CPL directly. You will only have a FAA PPL. You will need to take the FAA CPL written examination (piece-of-cake) and do a flight test for the CPL VFR only. For the IR is the same deal: written exam+flight test. MEP is only a flight test, no written exam.
2. Very few schools are really hiring right now, getting an M1 Visa is giving the flight school the opportunity to exploit you since they are not really going to pay you anything since your are on a M1 Visa.
3. You can do your IR flight training in the US but you have to do the flight test in the UK.
4. Yes, you can do your JAA FI(R) in the US. There are few schools in Florida that have FI Examiners on staff.
Go to my website :
www.passion2fly.com or send me a personal e-mail if you need more infos...
