M1 Visa Age Requirements

[Stephen Williams]

Hello everyone,

I'm 17 years of age, and I am hoping to train for my helicopter PPL in Florida later this year. I have had my fingerprints taken, and have gained approval from the TSA.

I have just emailed the helicopter school I plan on training with about an I-20 form (Florida Suncoast Helicopters), however, I have been reading online conflicting information about the M1 Visa age requirements. Do you have to be over the age of 18 to gain the M1 Visa?

I am 17, and will be travelling alone. Will this make a difference?

Many thanks in advance,
Stephen

[DXman]

Hi!

Being 17 is NOT a problem to get a M1 student visa.

Check this:

Student Visas

Nonimmigrant Visas | Embassy of the United States London, UK

Excerpt from the US Dept of State website:

Applying for a Student Visa
As part of the visa application process, an interview at the embassy consular section is required for visa applicants from age 14 through 79, with few exceptions. Persons age 13 and younger, and age 80 and older, generally do not require an interview, unless requested by embassy or consulate. The waiting time for an interview appointment for applicants can vary, so early visa application is strongly encouraged. Visa wait times for interview appointments and visa processing time information for each U.S. Embassy or Consulate worldwide is available on our website at Visa Wait Times, and on most embassy websites. Learn how to schedule an appointment for an interview, pay the application processing fee, review embassy specific instructions, and much more by visiting the Embassy or Consulate website where you will apply.

During the visa application process, usually at the interview, an ink-free, digital fingerprint scan will be quickly taken. Some visa applications require further administrative processing, which takes additional time after the visa applicant's interview by a Consular Officer. Also, because each student’s personal and academic situation is different, two students applying for same visa may be asked different questions and be required to submit different additional documents.

Good Luck

[Stephen Williams]

Thank you for your help DXman! You've put my mind at ease.
Stephen

[Stephen Williams]

Hi SoCal App,
Thanks for your message.

I have not got my I-20 form, although I have emailed the school about it. They know that I will be travelling from the UK to study, and they said that they were able to teach me. However, looking into what you have said, it seem's as if I have wasted my TSA money. (My TSA was approved on the 12th May).

I have looked online, and it look's like a school such as LA Helicopters (Helicopter Flight Training, Helicopter Tours and Helicopter Sales - Los Angeles Helicopters) would be a better choice?

Please excuse my naivety, but what is the difference between an FAA certificate and a JAA? Is one better for a UK pilot?

Thanks again for your help, I really appreciate it.
Stephen

[Stephen Williams]

Hi SoCal App,
Thanks for your message.

I have not got my I-20 form, although I have emailed the school about it. They know that I will be travelling from the UK to study, and they said that they were able to teach me. However, looking into what you have said, it seem's as if I have wasted my TSA money. (My TSA was approved on the 12th May).

I have looked online, and it look's like a school such as LA Helicopters would be a better choice?

Please excuse my naivety, but what is the difference between an FAA certificate and a JAA? Is one better for a UK pilot?

Thanks again for your help, I really appreciate it.
Stephen

[Stephen Williams]

Hi SoCal App,

I have not received your PM, so there may be a delay in the system?

I was originally going to train in the UK, however, a friend (who lives in Sarasota) said it might be worth my looking into how much it would cost to learn in the US. As you said, I didn't really do much homework - I just contacted the aforementioned helicopter school, they said they could train me, and all I would need to apply for, is permission from the TSA, which I did.

Earlier on today, I read about the requirement for an M1 Visa (something which the school did not inform me of), so I posted my question here.

I really appreciate your help, and look forward to receiving your PM.

Stephen

[Stephen Williams]

Sorry I did not receive your last PM. I have not changed any control panel setting's, so am unsure why it say's I have chosen not to receive them?

I have sent you a PM, with my direct email address.

Thanks again for your help.

[BigGrecian]

I was originally going to train in the UK, however, a friend (who lives in Sarasota) said it might be worth my looking into how much it would cost to learn in the US. As you said, I didn't really do much homework - I just contacted the aforementioned helicopter school, they said they could train me, and all I would need to apply for, is permission from the TSA, which I did.

STOP!!!!!

You need to stop what you are doing - and do a lot more research otherwise you could waste tens of thousands of dollars!

I find it incredible you just booked without knowing about schools or licensing.

Slow down and do your research!

[B2N2]

Stephen Williams (not your real name I hope)
We're here to help but not to do things for you.
You did right in asking the original questions but now you need to listen to the advise.
You're obviously not spending your own money so your parents would need to be involved also.