Training in the USA - Visa and TSA Requirements
Join Date: Feb 2006
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Hi,
I'm currently living in USA and working as a flight instructor under J-1 Visa.
I'm planing to get my type rating in USA also...
My J-1 was issued by my Flight School... If i understood well I need an M-1 Visa or I can go with my J-1 ?
I'm currently living in USA and working as a flight instructor under J-1 Visa.
I'm planing to get my type rating in USA also...
My J-1 was issued by my Flight School... If i understood well I need an M-1 Visa or I can go with my J-1 ?
Join Date: May 2007
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J1 or M1
Hi aeroweb
As far as i am aware from speaking to a flight school in the US that i am considering attending if you hold a valid J1 visa you don't neet to apply for a M1. The J1 is a student visa that allows you to earn money and also study as well.
So as long as your J1 is valid and with in date, you don't need to apply for another visa. I'm sure you flight school will be able to advise you on the matter.
As far as i am aware from speaking to a flight school in the US that i am considering attending if you hold a valid J1 visa you don't neet to apply for a M1. The J1 is a student visa that allows you to earn money and also study as well.
So as long as your J1 is valid and with in date, you don't need to apply for another visa. I'm sure you flight school will be able to advise you on the matter.
Join Date: Aug 2007
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At wit's end.
I am an Indian National. I intend to join FSI on a J1 visa for acquiring CFI, CFII and MEI. I realise I will be allowed to work till 24 months and then I have to leave. I would like to work in US as a CFI for 2-3 years.
My question is simple, the answer to which I am assuming is not so simple. Can non-US Nationals work as CFIs in US? What are the possibilities of working as a CFI in US after the J1 expires? Can I apply for a visa change midway? If not, what kind of visa would I require to work as a CFI in US? How easy or difficult is it to comeby? What is the process? Any advice on this topic will be welcome.
Regards
Satdeep
My question is simple, the answer to which I am assuming is not so simple. Can non-US Nationals work as CFIs in US? What are the possibilities of working as a CFI in US after the J1 expires? Can I apply for a visa change midway? If not, what kind of visa would I require to work as a CFI in US? How easy or difficult is it to comeby? What is the process? Any advice on this topic will be welcome.
Regards
Satdeep
Join Date: May 2007
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If you use you're 2 years in the United States on a J-1 you then become 'ineligible' for 2 years unless you can get them to give you a waiver.
There is no legal status for a CFI other than J-1 as the job does not meet the criteria for H-1B and the Green Card, if you can find a sponsor, has a long waiting time as a CFI would be regarded as a Third Preference occupation. I believe the wait is currently about 6 or 7 years. Your potential employer would also have to file with the Department of Labor to show they can't find an American to do the job. Basically, this is never realistically going to happen.
There is no legal status for a CFI other than J-1 as the job does not meet the criteria for H-1B and the Green Card, if you can find a sponsor, has a long waiting time as a CFI would be regarded as a Third Preference occupation. I believe the wait is currently about 6 or 7 years. Your potential employer would also have to file with the Department of Labor to show they can't find an American to do the job. Basically, this is never realistically going to happen.
Join Date: Aug 2007
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Thanks
Thanks for the heads up, Pilotincommand.
Then maybe I am better off opting for the J1, get as many hours as I can, go to India (I stay in Mozambique Africa. I have the green card equivalent in Mozambique) , have my license converted (DGCA-sigh..) and then look for employment as a Flight Instructor. Since, I want to instruct for two to three years before trying the airline industry.
How does the plan sound? Any further inputs will be helpful.
Then maybe I am better off opting for the J1, get as many hours as I can, go to India (I stay in Mozambique Africa. I have the green card equivalent in Mozambique) , have my license converted (DGCA-sigh..) and then look for employment as a Flight Instructor. Since, I want to instruct for two to three years before trying the airline industry.
How does the plan sound? Any further inputs will be helpful.
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: UK, US, now more ɐıןɐɹʇsn∀
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WE'RE NOT EQUAL, that's life. No equal treatment
arms2serve,
Man, sorry to hear about your bad luck.
As davey mentioned, you're more likely to be viewed as 'denied applicant' besides other, more relevant factors. Having baptism cert won't change anything.
We're not equal in the eyes of US. You can clearly see it in so-called VISA WAIVER PROG. aka VWP. It's countries that are considered 'safe' in regards of 'overstayers' for whatever reason. Besides the fact that US economy would lose out in tourism should there be even fraction of hassle we have to go through for heli/plank training in the US - that meant for regular visitors.
There's many factors and internal policies US embassy/consulate employees consider. One too many. Not official, not clear this and that yes no, also, all based on decision of certain employee following their set rules and his own pinch of judgement. Call it however you want.
what davey says is right. But not absolute truth. They do make differences between citizenships and countries of residence.
If it's short M1, few months, you might get letter from employer stating they'll take you back or keep you in unpaid employment during that time.
But don't push it with some promises of getting back the job after year or two. That's just silly.
I'm from Slovakia. I'm going to US with my Czech passport (family, history, descent) as it's safer bet than Slovak passport. Although I have to admit I have/had that one as well.
ALWAYS, always, visitor visa is harder to get than student visa or sponsored temporary employment, J1s etc. US is driven by business. If you showed loads of bucks and saying you wanna spend it there and fast, I bet the outcome could have been better. Now you have been stained by denied visa interview which would stay with you for few years after.
In any case, do not attempt to go to the US on the same visa you were denied. Two years are bit safer.
Though, there's the factor of your nationality and residence.
What can I say? It's obvious. IF you were Pakistani national living in some Western Europe country legally and had some history and 'ties' there, it'll be another story. Yes, your age is 'critical', but.. That's just 'polite fook off' they told you I believe. They can't tell you "sorry, you're not rich/whatever enough for a Pakistani". It's called 'political correctness' :-/
I first went to US on summer work visa - J1. Not internship J1, just 4 months work visa. Only because I studied FT Uni at that mo.
That time it was much harder to get tourist visa unless loaded with lucrative job and some properties in Slovakia. I wouldn't get B1/2 for sure.
Czech nationals were better off. Some scored 10yr tourist visa (6mth max stay in one go) and went to US to work there illegally.
Lots of people consider embassy interview for B visa as taking part in lottery..
I wouldn't dare to apply for B1/2 visa in the past and even now.
Why? 'Cos I got second class passports. You? You got third or fourth class one. Sorry to say so, but it's truth. Having property in Pakistan doesn't guarantee that much either.
I got my M1 for summer in the US without any hassle (not counting lots of $$ in fees, headache filling out DS forms, premium no for interview in the UK etc). I can't say I wouldn't get it in Czech or Slovakia, but having lived in the UK, there'd be no point going 'home' for many reasons. I have 'ties' to this place. They see me as someone living here for a reason and somewhere comparable to US in terms of earnings (or better) so it's not the same as going from poor/er country to the US.
You know what? they asked me how long I've lived in the UK. I said 3.5 years. They did not even ask/look at all the docs I prepared such as career break about keeping my (waiting) job during time away, all the certificates I gained in the UK etc.
I live in 'safe' country with 'reasonably safe' passport. All they wanted was proof of funding and proper I-20 with DS forms. THEY DID NOT EVEN LOOK AT SEVIS payment confirmation. Something one HAS TO get before interview.
I know I wail/rant bit too much about myself.
I wanted to give you an example. I was confident, but not 100% sure.
I even mentioned that I want to check out the school for possible J1 visa in few years' time. Kinda no-no, talking about possible WORK in the US.
I won't apply for risky visa to US so as not to screw up my future VWP eligibility whether with UK passport or other (maybe).
RE your family:
I've heard some stories of people not getting tourist visa for having family in the US. It's good in a way for 'invitation letter' but they might also consider family as a reason to overstay. As you know, having US cousin doesn't really help in getting green card. Theoretically under specific circumstances, very unlikely de iure maybe..
As it's two years, get your paperwork together, get I-20 or DS-2019 from desired school and you'll see. If it doesn't work, you have to contend with Canada, Australia and NZ. All fine if you can still afford your plans in these countries. Although, you have to consider whether spending 400-500 USD just for a 'try' is worth it. Explain reason etc in one of the DS forms.
You're not off to easy start with first visa appl denied. Once you manage to get visa, be wise, adhere to all rules and it'll make life easier should you need it once again in future.
Good luck.
Man, sorry to hear about your bad luck.
As davey mentioned, you're more likely to be viewed as 'denied applicant' besides other, more relevant factors. Having baptism cert won't change anything.
We're not equal in the eyes of US. You can clearly see it in so-called VISA WAIVER PROG. aka VWP. It's countries that are considered 'safe' in regards of 'overstayers' for whatever reason. Besides the fact that US economy would lose out in tourism should there be even fraction of hassle we have to go through for heli/plank training in the US - that meant for regular visitors.
There's many factors and internal policies US embassy/consulate employees consider. One too many. Not official, not clear this and that yes no, also, all based on decision of certain employee following their set rules and his own pinch of judgement. Call it however you want.
what davey says is right. But not absolute truth. They do make differences between citizenships and countries of residence.
If it's short M1, few months, you might get letter from employer stating they'll take you back or keep you in unpaid employment during that time.
But don't push it with some promises of getting back the job after year or two. That's just silly.
I'm from Slovakia. I'm going to US with my Czech passport (family, history, descent) as it's safer bet than Slovak passport. Although I have to admit I have/had that one as well.
ALWAYS, always, visitor visa is harder to get than student visa or sponsored temporary employment, J1s etc. US is driven by business. If you showed loads of bucks and saying you wanna spend it there and fast, I bet the outcome could have been better. Now you have been stained by denied visa interview which would stay with you for few years after.
In any case, do not attempt to go to the US on the same visa you were denied. Two years are bit safer.
Though, there's the factor of your nationality and residence.
What can I say? It's obvious. IF you were Pakistani national living in some Western Europe country legally and had some history and 'ties' there, it'll be another story. Yes, your age is 'critical', but.. That's just 'polite fook off' they told you I believe. They can't tell you "sorry, you're not rich/whatever enough for a Pakistani". It's called 'political correctness' :-/
I first went to US on summer work visa - J1. Not internship J1, just 4 months work visa. Only because I studied FT Uni at that mo.
That time it was much harder to get tourist visa unless loaded with lucrative job and some properties in Slovakia. I wouldn't get B1/2 for sure.
Czech nationals were better off. Some scored 10yr tourist visa (6mth max stay in one go) and went to US to work there illegally.
Lots of people consider embassy interview for B visa as taking part in lottery..
I wouldn't dare to apply for B1/2 visa in the past and even now.
Why? 'Cos I got second class passports. You? You got third or fourth class one. Sorry to say so, but it's truth. Having property in Pakistan doesn't guarantee that much either.
I got my M1 for summer in the US without any hassle (not counting lots of $$ in fees, headache filling out DS forms, premium no for interview in the UK etc). I can't say I wouldn't get it in Czech or Slovakia, but having lived in the UK, there'd be no point going 'home' for many reasons. I have 'ties' to this place. They see me as someone living here for a reason and somewhere comparable to US in terms of earnings (or better) so it's not the same as going from poor/er country to the US.
You know what? they asked me how long I've lived in the UK. I said 3.5 years. They did not even ask/look at all the docs I prepared such as career break about keeping my (waiting) job during time away, all the certificates I gained in the UK etc.
I live in 'safe' country with 'reasonably safe' passport. All they wanted was proof of funding and proper I-20 with DS forms. THEY DID NOT EVEN LOOK AT SEVIS payment confirmation. Something one HAS TO get before interview.
I know I wail/rant bit too much about myself.
I wanted to give you an example. I was confident, but not 100% sure.
I even mentioned that I want to check out the school for possible J1 visa in few years' time. Kinda no-no, talking about possible WORK in the US.
I won't apply for risky visa to US so as not to screw up my future VWP eligibility whether with UK passport or other (maybe).
RE your family:
I've heard some stories of people not getting tourist visa for having family in the US. It's good in a way for 'invitation letter' but they might also consider family as a reason to overstay. As you know, having US cousin doesn't really help in getting green card. Theoretically under specific circumstances, very unlikely de iure maybe..
As it's two years, get your paperwork together, get I-20 or DS-2019 from desired school and you'll see. If it doesn't work, you have to contend with Canada, Australia and NZ. All fine if you can still afford your plans in these countries. Although, you have to consider whether spending 400-500 USD just for a 'try' is worth it. Explain reason etc in one of the DS forms.
You're not off to easy start with first visa appl denied. Once you manage to get visa, be wise, adhere to all rules and it'll make life easier should you need it once again in future.
Good luck.
Join Date: Mar 2008
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Typerating - Visa Experience
Hi everybody,
after doing internet research on this subject and getting concerned about all the different posts, IŽd like to share my experience for those who are in the same situation as I was:
What I did:
- 3 weeks typeraing in DFW (CAE Simuflite/Bombardier)
- additional 2 days in USA due to flights
My data:
- JAA ATPL(A) /w several typerating
- US license based on JAA license
- EU citizen
What I did:
- all the TSA fingerprint stuff (www.flightschoolcandidates.gov)
==> received final approval from TSA + confirmation from training provider
Immigration:
- everything was simple and quick
- immigrated with TSA papers ready based on the Visa Waiver Program ONLY
- checked "business" on the "Visa Waiver Form"
- Immigration officer asked for business reason - showed him the TSA approval
- HOW SIMPLE WAS THAT ...
Attention:
Be arware that USA is inroducing the "Electronic System for Travel Authorization" (ESTA). Beginning August 1, 2008, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will be accessible via Internet for citizens and eligible nationals of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries to apply for advance authorization to travel to the United States under the VWP.
ESTA will initially be available in English only. Other languages will follow. Effective January 12, 2009, all VWP travelers will be required to obtain an electronic travel authorization prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the U.S. under the VWP.
More information ncan be found here:
http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/...ta_english.pdf
Take care.
homebase_szg
after doing internet research on this subject and getting concerned about all the different posts, IŽd like to share my experience for those who are in the same situation as I was:
What I did:
- 3 weeks typeraing in DFW (CAE Simuflite/Bombardier)
- additional 2 days in USA due to flights
My data:
- JAA ATPL(A) /w several typerating
- US license based on JAA license
- EU citizen
What I did:
- all the TSA fingerprint stuff (www.flightschoolcandidates.gov)
==> received final approval from TSA + confirmation from training provider
Immigration:
- everything was simple and quick
- immigrated with TSA papers ready based on the Visa Waiver Program ONLY
- checked "business" on the "Visa Waiver Form"
- Immigration officer asked for business reason - showed him the TSA approval
- HOW SIMPLE WAS THAT ...
Attention:
Be arware that USA is inroducing the "Electronic System for Travel Authorization" (ESTA). Beginning August 1, 2008, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will be accessible via Internet for citizens and eligible nationals of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries to apply for advance authorization to travel to the United States under the VWP.
ESTA will initially be available in English only. Other languages will follow. Effective January 12, 2009, all VWP travelers will be required to obtain an electronic travel authorization prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the U.S. under the VWP.
More information ncan be found here:
http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/...ta_english.pdf
Take care.
homebase_szg
Join Date: Apr 2004
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I have an M1 visa for the US and would like to change my school. As far as I understand since I'm already on a visa in the US I wouldn't have to do anything else but go to another school. Am I right?
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Contact your new school and I'll ask whether they are M1 approved.
If they are your old school has to effectively "release" you on the computer system. This must be done within the first 6 months after the date you were admitted to the USA. The old school cannot refuse to transfer you (Unless you break contract blah blah then they could cancel your visa)
The new school then accepts you and they become your sponsoring school.
Another way to do this is through a http://www.uscis.gov/propub/DocView/afmid/dat/I_539.PDF but your much better off going through your school's immigration officials, as it will save time, and money!
If they are your old school has to effectively "release" you on the computer system. This must be done within the first 6 months after the date you were admitted to the USA. The old school cannot refuse to transfer you (Unless you break contract blah blah then they could cancel your visa)
The new school then accepts you and they become your sponsoring school.
Another way to do this is through a http://www.uscis.gov/propub/DocView/afmid/dat/I_539.PDF but your much better off going through your school's immigration officials, as it will save time, and money!
