Orient Flight School is authorized under Federal law to conduct foreign student pilot training and can process requests for M-1 student Visa's for international students wishing to train in the US. If you are interested in this opportunity, please review the information below and contact us to obtain our registration application and begin the M-1 visa approval.
M-1 Visa Overview
The M-1 visa is used for both short-term vocational education experiences, e.g. Private or Commercial Pilot Certificates, as well as professional pilot programs.
The maximum period for which an M-1 visa may be issued is 12 months. If needed, the student may apply for an extension to the visa of up to 12 additional months for a nominal fee. The student must leave the country within 30 days after the expiration of the visa.
Prior to being issued an I-20, the application for an M-1 visa, the student must register with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at www.flightschoolcandidates.gov. The TSA will conduct a background check to verify that the student is not a risk to U.S. national security.
In order to be issued an I-20, the student must demonstrate English proficiency in speaking and reading skills. Additionally, the student must provide proof of financial responsibility to cover all estimated training and living expenses.
Upon receiving the I-20 from OFS, the student should apply for the M-1 visa at the closest U.S. visa issuing agency (Embassy or Consulate General) for non-immigrant visas.
The I-20 will list a designated start date. The student may enter the United States up to 30 days prior to the start date but must report to OFS by the designated date.
When on an M-1 visa, a student cannot change to an F-1 (academic) visa or an H status (employment) visa.
Visa Application Steps [Bryan to verify]
1. Application for Admission: The student must submit a completed and signed application for admission.
2. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Registration: The student must register at www.flightschoolcandidates.gov. Orient Flight School must also be made aware of the student’s flight training intentions.
3. International Student Registration Fee: A $200.00 USD registration fee is required from each international student. Orient Flight School accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. Please provide the card number, name as it appears on the card and expiration date of the card.
4. Financial Verification: Verification of finances available to cover the respective training and living expenses is required. This verification may be in the form of a notarized copy of a bank statement, an approved loan application or a notarized affidavit of support. All documents must be accompanied by a notarized English translation denoting currency in U.S. dollars.
Additionally, students need to demonstrate the ability to pay for living expenses appropriate for their training period.
5. Language Proficiency: Each student is required to speak, read and understand English. It may be necessary to conduct a phone interview with the student to assess such abilities.
Once all requirements as listed above are met, an I-20, the application for an M-1 visa, is issued and forwarded to the student via express mail. To apply for the visa, the student should go to the nearest U.S. visa issuing agency (Embassy or Consulate).
Check with your local Embassy or Consulate at www.usembassy.gov for interview wait times. Make your interview appointment immediately, if necessary.
Foreign Pilot License Conversion
Orient Flight School can also help you convert your international license to a U.S. license quickly and efficiently. We have experience with students from most Latin American countries and can help you make a smooth transition from flying
in your country to ours. Likewise, if you do your training with us, we can help you convert your Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certificates and ratings to a foreign license.
Application Process
Individuals applying for a U.S. pilot certificate/rating on the basis of a foreign license should pre-apply for that certificate/rating at least 60 days before arriving at the designated FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) where the applicant expects to receive their U.S. pilot certificate.
This initial application step is the responsibility of the applicant and not that of the FSDO. The FSDO will not accept the initial application documents or a completed FAA Form 8710-1 until after the authentication has taken place.
Once you have received a letter authenticating your foreign pilot certificate, you may make an appointment at the FSDO you designated in your application. The FAA will grant you an FAA Private Pilot Certificate based on your foreign license and is only valid when your foreign license and medical certificate are valid.
Orient Flight School can assist you with making this appointment, so call today at
(786) 309-2359 so we can have you flying as soon as possible.
