Training in the USA - Visa and TSA Requirements

[NZLeardriver]

Hmmm, the type rating provider doesn't issue visas. Can you get a crew visa if your airline doesn't fly to the US?
They don't make this easy for people wanting to do the right thing.

[Farrell]

Originally Posted by itsbrokenagain

Just get a visa, end of story!

Agree wholeheartedly.
It takes a little time and effort to organise a visa but the peace of mind is well worth the expense of both.

Imagine spending all that money plus the amount of your initial training only to lose your 'unrestricted' passport which is pretty much a general requirement for any airline work.

[NZLeardriver]

So how does one get a visa?
The course is 2.5 weeks and the type rating training organization doesn't issue visas. I had also heard that a consulate would not issue a visa for such a short time.

[dartagnan]

got this problem too:

the TSA asked me for a M1-F1 visa, but the school can not issue me such visa for 4 weeks.
the TSA did not give me the auhorisation for a type rating in the USA.
I lost my money!

I have talked to the TSA , they said I need a M1 visa or no type rating for me.

[dartagnan]

TYPE RATING IN THE USA AND VISA REQUIRED

I inform you, if you are looking to make a JAA(or FAA) type rating in the USA, you need a M1 visa , and not a tourist visa like most people say here.

I have found only one school in florida, www.simcenter.cc. the problem they are not JAR. JAR TRTO in the USA do not issue M1 visa.

Since the terror attacks of September 11th, the United States INS has stated that ANYONE who arrives in America whose MAIN intent for the trip is for flight training MUST have a valid M-1 Training Visa or run the risk of detention and deportation. This is strictly enforced regardless of what you may be told. If your MAIN reason for the trip is to have a holiday with your family then you are not required to have a visa if you decide you MAY want to fly a few hours whilst your family are doing other things.

[planecrazy.eu]

This visa thing is confusing me, so maybe someone can help.

My intention for visiting the USA is as an exchange/working exchange student, i have an J1 visa (Well hope so, interview soon), so whats the difference between and M1 and J1 visa as its all sooo confusing.

[BigGrecian]

I think that if you were going to undertake a type rating over here the company which is organising the TR would be able to keep you informed regarding immigration status.
I wouldn't recommend anyone to take anything read on PPrune as truth especailly regarding Immigration issues. The US Embassy is just a phone call away and if you email the INS they are normally pretty good at replying.
If in doubt, check!

M1 - Normally non academic study in the US, which has a limit on the maximum length of the visa - could be 6 months - check.

J1 - Exchange visa which also allows you to work generally in the field assocaited with the visa. Normally 18 months, for flight training this can be extended to 24 months.

Your school should be able to help you with any questions you have. Ask to talk to the approved official if your answers aren't detailed enough - if not contact the INS - or whatever it's called nowadays.

More information can be found on the Immigration website regarding students.
http://www.ice.gov/sevis/students/index.htm

[dartagnan]

Contact the Immigration and the TSA.

it is the TSA which let you go in the sim.The TRTO need the "green light" from the TSA.

You can have the authorization from the Immigration and then be denied by the TSA.
this happened to me and I have finally learned they TSA want a M1 or a F1 visa if you want fly a simulator(even for 2 weeks).I do not talk about the money I have lost in this process.(application fee, finger prints, booking,....)
I have been instructed by the TRTO to go with my tourist visa. I have simply been denied by the TSA.

Some JAA schools will tell you you can enter with a US tourist visa or no visa. It is wrong...Some schools do not mention anything about TSA requirements.

Once you have paid and sign the contract, you discover it can take longer than expected. Personaly I do not suggest you to go to the USA for a type rating. You may save some money , but they can stop you anytime before your training or even during your training(and at your own cost).

the TSA has an info address, contact them and ask them what visa you need.

[type1]

M-1 visa and more than one flight school

hey guys

have had a little search around and can't find anything which relates to this specifically.

I'm planning on going out to the States in August to get my FAA IR and then my JAA CPL. I'll be doing the IR in California and the CPL in Florida - well this is what I'm hoping! Does anyone know if you're allowed to go to 2 different schools on the M1 visa? or do you need 2 visas? I will be speaking to the schools about this but was just looking for a quick reply to get some vague idea!

cheers

type1

[d2k73]

As far as I'm aware you can only train with the flight school named on your Visa and I-20. I may be wrong though!

[pipergirl]

I asked the same thing last year..here's the thread..hope this helps

http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=164841

[type1]

great info pipergirl - thanks a lot!!

did you end up doing it in the end?

[pipergirl]

no probs...

no haven't headed over just yet..will be in the next few months that's if everything goes to plan

[type1]

Another exciting visa question!

am currently in a mad rush trying to organise an M1 visa to go to America in the middle of august! I've got my interview lined up on the 26th of July. Has anyone been through the process recently? Was just wondering how long it takes to get the visa back after the interview.

Also for the TSA approval - when filling out the online application it says it requires the visa number, as I won't have this until about 5 days before I intend to leave - does anyone know if the TSA approval is fairly instant or if I can arrive in the states before I have it and just wait to start the training?

Thanks guys!!

type1

[BIG MISTER]

All things being well the visa should be delivered back to you by the courier firm in about a week. I think mine arrived in 5 days !

Originally Posted by type1

am currently in a mad rush trying to organise an M1 visa to go to America in the middle of august! I've got my interview lined up on the 26th of July. Has anyone been through the process recently? Was just wondering how long it takes to get the visa back after the interview.
Also for the TSA approval - when filling out the online application it says it requires the visa number, as I won't have this until about 5 days before I intend to leave - does anyone know if the TSA approval is fairly instant or if I can arrive in the states before I have it and just wait to start the training?
Thanks guys!!
type1

[Frank Furillo]

I got mine last year the very next day!!!!

[kNOWpilot]

M-1 Pease any one can hellp

I have M-1 Visa & I still in my country & I would like to change my
flight school to another one.

Do I need to go to my school where I registered first, then change the school from there.!

could you please tell me. my opitn.

thanks

[kNOWpilot]

M-1 Visa please if any one can hellp

I have M-1 Visa & I still in my country & I would like to change my
flight school to another flight school ,

Do I need to go to my school where I registered first, then change the
school from there.!

could you please tell me. my opitn.

thanks and Have good day to all.

[chrisbl]

You have to go to the school on your visa and work with them to put through the transfer to the new school. However the new school as to be INS approved also.

[BigGrecian]

Schools can't refuse to transfer you to another school if it's within the same field. Therefore, they have to transfer your visa if you ring them telling them you want to change school - all they have to do is "post you out" on the system to the other school (which will appear on the list because they have to be INS approved). The new school then just accepts your incoming application. All you need is a letter from your new school explaining this which you present to the immigration officer and all should be fine and dandy. I would however, expect to visit the immigration waiting room if flying into MCO - this is however, standard!

Therefore, if they start to throw their toys out the pram, say that you've visited the INS website and they can't refuse to do transfer you.

Good luck.