Training in the USA - Visa and TSA Requirements
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M1 VISA Question
will it be possible for someone on the M1 visa to travel out of the USA without completing his course for a short break? Or do i have to reapply for another visa when returning after the break?
thx
thx
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LostAndFound
If you have the visa issued in your passport , it will say multiple or single entries, if multiple then yes , if it says single than no.
Best would be to contact the US embassy in your country, and ask them , each aplication is done on merit.
If you have the visa issued in your passport , it will say multiple or single entries, if multiple then yes , if it says single than no.
Best would be to contact the US embassy in your country, and ask them , each aplication is done on merit.
You may have a visa with " multiple entries", however you need a valid I-20 to go with that.
Meaning that if you leave before you are finished, the school administrator either needs to sign your I-20 or issue you a new one.
Some schools may charge you a small fee for the paper work.
Meaning that if you leave before you are finished, the school administrator either needs to sign your I-20 or issue you a new one.
Some schools may charge you a small fee for the paper work.
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the TSA and the DHS dont know their own rules...
call 3 times, and you will get 3 times different answers.
Some people working at the DHS have no clue about visa.
One asked me what was a tourist visa!!!and I started to explain him HIS job.
anyway, I have given up my training in the USA, because noone of these US offices want fix THEIR mess with SSTR.
for the same course they can ask you to get a B2 visa, an M1 visa, a J1 visa, no visa and come illegaly,...
for my part, they asked me to come with a M1 visa, but the SSTR couldnt issue M1 as they are not approved for M1.
USA is not a reliable country for aviation training since 9/11.
call 3 times, and you will get 3 times different answers.
Some people working at the DHS have no clue about visa.
One asked me what was a tourist visa!!!and I started to explain him HIS job.
anyway, I have given up my training in the USA, because noone of these US offices want fix THEIR mess with SSTR.
for the same course they can ask you to get a B2 visa, an M1 visa, a J1 visa, no visa and come illegaly,...
for my part, they asked me to come with a M1 visa, but the SSTR couldnt issue M1 as they are not approved for M1.
USA is not a reliable country for aviation training since 9/11.
Last edited by dartagnan; 4th Oct 2006 at 22:38.
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On my last visit out to the states (for flying purposes), I went to my flight school (which I had been to before on an M-1 Visa) to build hours and keep my licenses current. I went without a visa and travelled on the Visa Waiver programme. Upon arriving (I went via IAD so went through immigration there) I went through immigration where I was asked what I was doing in the USA. I simply said I was there to build flight hours and keep my licenses valid. I already have my licenses so I am not there to be taught / instructed on flight. The officer understood what I was saying and I was allowed entry into the USA.
I think there is a very thin line on whether a visa is needed or not. The best thing to do is check with as many people as you can, and knowing the visa system I’m sure everyone will give you different answers.
Check with the flight school, the US Embassy, TSA, the FAA maybe even, but do check and be 100% sure.
I think there is a very thin line on whether a visa is needed or not. The best thing to do is check with as many people as you can, and knowing the visa system I’m sure everyone will give you different answers.
Check with the flight school, the US Embassy, TSA, the FAA maybe even, but do check and be 100% sure.
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This stuff is not difficult.
any training lading to the issue of a licence or rating ,US or non US requires a M1 visa.
To get this you need to enroll in a flight school approved by the Immigration people who will issue you with an I-20.
This I-20 the allows you to register with SEVIS who monitor the student status.
Next you apply to the relevant US embassy for an appointment to get the visa. They will ask whether the I-20 has been issued before the will fix an appointment. More forms to fill I am afraid.
Once the visa is issues then there is the need to register with the TSA who will cross check with the flight school that you are a student of theirs and record your visa number.
Upon arrival at the school they will arrange for a photo to be taken along with your fingerprints and as long as your photo matches the photo in your passport, the photo taken on entry to the US and the visa phto you are good to go.
It seems a bit of a hassle but as far as I am concerned its their country and if you want to go there then you play their game.
I am sure there is plenty of scope for people trying to get round the rules but if you get caught then you could be thrown out of the country and not be allowed back ever.
If there is no training involved as any instructor time is currency related then no visa is needed. The visa waiver programme is fine.
any training lading to the issue of a licence or rating ,US or non US requires a M1 visa.
To get this you need to enroll in a flight school approved by the Immigration people who will issue you with an I-20.
This I-20 the allows you to register with SEVIS who monitor the student status.
Next you apply to the relevant US embassy for an appointment to get the visa. They will ask whether the I-20 has been issued before the will fix an appointment. More forms to fill I am afraid.
Once the visa is issues then there is the need to register with the TSA who will cross check with the flight school that you are a student of theirs and record your visa number.
Upon arrival at the school they will arrange for a photo to be taken along with your fingerprints and as long as your photo matches the photo in your passport, the photo taken on entry to the US and the visa phto you are good to go.
It seems a bit of a hassle but as far as I am concerned its their country and if you want to go there then you play their game.
I am sure there is plenty of scope for people trying to get round the rules but if you get caught then you could be thrown out of the country and not be allowed back ever.
If there is no training involved as any instructor time is currency related then no visa is needed. The visa waiver programme is fine.
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you don't need a visa for CPL either, just ME and IR
"Officials" like things in writing...If you are going to a flight school for time building, I suggest that you obtain a letter from the Chief Pilot explaining the purpose of your trip, with a friendly reminder for the TSA agent (who sometimes forget their own rules
) that this is not a training therefor no visa is needed.Happy Flying,
Chti17
Last edited by Keygrip; 6th Oct 2006 at 15:04. Reason: Included a link to commercial website.
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Thought I'd try and clear a few things up with the relevant links; (Additionally, I would like to mention that the process in reality is NOT complicated or hard, it's just a matter of the school you choosing guiding you through the process, which they will have done many many times before.)
To complete flight TRAINING in the US you will probably require a VISA - cost of Visa dependant on Embassy circa £64 in the UK?
This is normally completed on a M1 Visa. You will need to apply to your school get an I20 and then book an appointment at your relevant embassy. Wait times and other relevant information for your Embassy can be found on Department of State website
Student Visas - look under M1 for vocational study - as this covers flight training and Dept of State M1 Info
J1 - Exhange Visa - used for Instructors and Dept of State J1 Info
If you are going to leave the US during your training;
M1 - you will need you I20 signed by the representive at your school for every trip you depart the country on; this allows re-entry subject to the standard entry to the US rules.
J1 - you will need your DS2019 signed by the representive at your school stating you are in good standing.
A SEVIS fee is required when have an initial M1 issued or change status or have an initial J1.
See http://www.fmjfee.com for more info. Normally $100
Regarding TSA for GA training;
TSA is required if you are completing licences or ratings as below:
Also the Alien Flight School Program pages. Read the FAQ there and then contact your school if your in doubt
If you are doing any FAA Ratings or taking the FAA Commercial (and your licence is based on a foreign PPL) you must have a letter of verification see: (UK CAA Links included as it's governing authority for the majority of the readership)
FAA Form
CAA Guide to Licence Verification Process
CAA Form SRG1160
No CAA form is ever complete without the Payment Method Form
You may complete hour building without foreign licence verification on a US student pilot certificate, however you will be heavily restricted require multiple endorsements, and you woul dneed to check your individual school's policy.
If you get stuck on the process read the FAQs on the websites and then contact your school first they will know and should understand the process. You may see these as additional costs, but remember you will probably get continutity of training due to better weather etc. I suggest you include these costs in any plans you make. Why not make an excel spreadsheet and compare your options? (It will still probably be cheaper than flying in the UK LOL!)
If anyone spots any changes I'll happily amend the thread as necessary rather than letting this thread expand with speculation - this should help alleviate some people's queries.
To complete flight TRAINING in the US you will probably require a VISA - cost of Visa dependant on Embassy circa £64 in the UK?
This is normally completed on a M1 Visa. You will need to apply to your school get an I20 and then book an appointment at your relevant embassy. Wait times and other relevant information for your Embassy can be found on Department of State website
Student Visas - look under M1 for vocational study - as this covers flight training and Dept of State M1 Info
J1 - Exhange Visa - used for Instructors and Dept of State J1 Info
If you are going to leave the US during your training;
M1 - you will need you I20 signed by the representive at your school for every trip you depart the country on; this allows re-entry subject to the standard entry to the US rules.
J1 - you will need your DS2019 signed by the representive at your school stating you are in good standing.
A SEVIS fee is required when have an initial M1 issued or change status or have an initial J1.
See http://www.fmjfee.com for more info. Normally $100
Regarding TSA for GA training;
TSA is required if you are completing licences or ratings as below:
- An INITIAL Licence to fly in the US Ie Private SE(P) (ASEL as known in the US) including Foreign Licence Verification process.
- Initial Multi Engine (IE for Private not needed for Commercial)
- Instrument Rating
Also the Alien Flight School Program pages. Read the FAQ there and then contact your school if your in doubt
If you are doing any FAA Ratings or taking the FAA Commercial (and your licence is based on a foreign PPL) you must have a letter of verification see: (UK CAA Links included as it's governing authority for the majority of the readership)
FAA Form
CAA Guide to Licence Verification Process
CAA Form SRG1160
No CAA form is ever complete without the Payment Method Form
You may complete hour building without foreign licence verification on a US student pilot certificate, however you will be heavily restricted require multiple endorsements, and you woul dneed to check your individual school's policy.
If you get stuck on the process read the FAQs on the websites and then contact your school first they will know and should understand the process. You may see these as additional costs, but remember you will probably get continutity of training due to better weather etc. I suggest you include these costs in any plans you make. Why not make an excel spreadsheet and compare your options? (It will still probably be cheaper than flying in the UK LOL!)
If anyone spots any changes I'll happily amend the thread as necessary rather than letting this thread expand with speculation - this should help alleviate some people's queries.
Last edited by BigGrecian; 9th Oct 2006 at 02:48. Reason: Update Links & add standard prices.
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good luck to understand the application process...
since I start to apply, they didn't stop to ask for my credit card number.
the TSA:130$
finger print:160$
travel to fingerprint center: 500$
(then by chance my application has been denied at this application stage , the I-20 was not possible for my school as they are a SSTR),
if green light from the TSA you can continue to pay :
Sevis for M1 visa:100$
Visa application with Us embassy 90$
visit to US embassy: 200$
application fee 90$
CAA form: 40 pounds????
trip to the USA: 1000$
(not sure of the costs)
in one year, they will ad some extra fees to pay for their new US-Berlin wall, because WE are going to pay for that too; it 's not going to cost 2 billion but 10-15 billion $ (they love to lie in Washington, time by 5 at least everything they say).
Do yourself a favor:do your training in Canada(first choice), Australia(second best choice), or Europe (last choice).
since I start to apply, they didn't stop to ask for my credit card number.
the TSA:130$
finger print:160$
travel to fingerprint center: 500$
(then by chance my application has been denied at this application stage , the I-20 was not possible for my school as they are a SSTR),
if green light from the TSA you can continue to pay :
Sevis for M1 visa:100$
Visa application with Us embassy 90$
visit to US embassy: 200$
application fee 90$
CAA form: 40 pounds????
trip to the USA: 1000$
(not sure of the costs)
in one year, they will ad some extra fees to pay for their new US-Berlin wall, because WE are going to pay for that too; it 's not going to cost 2 billion but 10-15 billion $ (they love to lie in Washington, time by 5 at least everything they say).
Do yourself a favor:do your training in Canada(first choice), Australia(second best choice), or Europe (last choice).
Last edited by dartagnan; 8th Oct 2006 at 21:02.
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Depends what training you want to do, and for how long! I have just gone through the process and with a British passport, did not need a visa to do a type rating, I was there for 21 days.
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I have just done a > 12500 TR in the US. I am on a British Passport and did not require ANY visa. I got all my TSA stuff squared away, all the correspondence in a file and off I went. At immigration I told the official what I was doing, showed him the TSA approval and that was that. VIVA VISA WAIVER 
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Scroggs
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Type rating >12500lbs
Whether or not a visa is required for a type rating seems to be an area where there is difficulty in getting a standard answer.
I'm hoping to be in the US later this year doing a type rating for an a/c greater than 12,500lbs. I'm going through the TSA process at the moment and hold a UK passport. It seems that most (if not all) the people that have undertaken TR training have done so on the visa waiver.
Is there UK passport holder out there who has been granted TSA authority to undertake TR training on an a/c greater than 12,500lbs and then been refused entry because they did not have a visa.
Secondly, and perhaps a bit optimistically, has anyone got the name of a responsible person at the US embassy who can provide a definitive answer to this recurring theme.
Provo
I'm hoping to be in the US later this year doing a type rating for an a/c greater than 12,500lbs. I'm going through the TSA process at the moment and hold a UK passport. It seems that most (if not all) the people that have undertaken TR training have done so on the visa waiver.
Is there UK passport holder out there who has been granted TSA authority to undertake TR training on an a/c greater than 12,500lbs and then been refused entry because they did not have a visa.
Secondly, and perhaps a bit optimistically, has anyone got the name of a responsible person at the US embassy who can provide a definitive answer to this recurring theme.
Provo
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Dose the EU nationals needs a (TSA) approval?
Hi every one
Lately the US issued a new system for the foreigners intending to study flying in its territory and to obtain the (TSA) approval before starting the training
I would like to go for a type rating to add on my (FAA) license and the question is
- Dose this role include the EU nationals (France)?
ThanX
Lately the US issued a new system for the foreigners intending to study flying in its territory and to obtain the (TSA) approval before starting the training
I would like to go for a type rating to add on my (FAA) license and the question is
- Dose this role include the EU nationals (France)?
ThanX
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[QUOTEImmigration's own website will read that a student visa is NOT needed if
you would be in a course of study that is less than 22 hours per week of
classroom OR less than 18 hours per week of "practical" study.][/QUOTE]
I have a JAA ME/IR, I want to do a JAA CPL in FL. As I already have the IR my CPL is 15hours. Do I still need a visa? Iguess the answer is yes.
you would be in a course of study that is less than 22 hours per week of
classroom OR less than 18 hours per week of "practical" study.][/QUOTE]
I have a JAA ME/IR, I want to do a JAA CPL in FL. As I already have the IR my CPL is 15hours. Do I still need a visa? Iguess the answer is yes.
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Provo,
I have just done a greater than 12500, actually a 28450 type rating, on a FAA license I got pre 9 11, and did not have a visa on a British passport, I was told I did not need one by the TSA (visa sect) and by the training facility.
I am back at home with type rating and ATP in hand, with no problems at all, I was honest and up front with IMM. Official and showed him the TSA paperwork. Just have everything (paperwork) in order and available.
PM if I can assist.
I have just done a greater than 12500, actually a 28450 type rating, on a FAA license I got pre 9 11, and did not have a visa on a British passport, I was told I did not need one by the TSA (visa sect) and by the training facility.
I am back at home with type rating and ATP in hand, with no problems at all, I was honest and up front with IMM. Official and showed him the TSA paperwork. Just have everything (paperwork) in order and available.
PM if I can assist.