US J-1 visa eligibility
 

I'm looking into a couple of years' flying in the US on a J-1 (exchange student) visa. Have heard conflicting rumours about eligibility. Some say you won't get one if you've more than 100 hours in the logbook, others that you must have less than 50 hours since getting your PPL.

I've searched the websites of various US embassies and the INS, but there are no details specific to flying. Can anyone shed any light? Anything else I should know? Thanks in advance!

Not 100% sure but 95%....

If more than 100hrs PIC or licence other than PPL then you don't qualify.

Can't find my source at the moment but it's on the web somewhere.

You must have no more than 50hrs total flight time and you must hold no more than a PPL license.

Some flight schools will help bend the rules, but speak to them directly.

Just like many things in Immigration the rules have changed. While the requirements have been vague to say the least the state department used to allow IAP-66 (J-1 Visas) for pilots that did not have a professional license which was interpreted as anything less then a CPL.
Recently that has changed to PPL with 50 hrs that means in essence that if you have more then this you would not be eligible for the Visa(US Consulates determines elegebility). Having said this, the state department has not exactly done a good job of telling schools / consulates about these changes and things are falling through the cracks. Many schools may not even be aware of this change so you would be best advised to speak to them directly. Make sure that if there is a fee for J-1 visa processing etc. you could get a refund if your application gets denied by the Consulate but other then that it should be worth a try. If the consulate accepts your application (after you answer all questions truthfully) you are in the clear.

It will take a few years for things to get back in aviation and legally working as a CFI would be a good base for your aviation career.

iflywithsims is 100% correct.

Be careful of the schools that do not know - can only effect you not the school for entrance to the US later!

The INS makes it very difficult for schools as they make it the schools responsibility to know that there are changes. THis is hard for the school as the web site does not always get updated with the new info until after the change. Looks like it has all levelled off for a while now.

Thanks for your replies.

I guess that's 50 hours TT, which leaves me shafted. Seem to just miss the bl**dy boat every time. :mad:

Enough self-pity, the winerack beckons...

Don't give up!

I have a friend who has just started an ATPL course in Florida. He had 120 hrs tt with IMC rating.
There are ways around it if the school accepts you.

Good luck.