International Student Entry Process

To ensure that you will be able to start training upon your arrival, please follow these instructions.

1. Choose a Program
2. Pay the I-20 Fee & Submit Form
3. Request M-1 Student Visa
4. Request TSA Clearance
5. Send Initial Payment
6. Student Pilot Training Agreement
7. Email Itinerary for Airport Pickup

1. Selecting a Program

Click on the link, Training Programs, to review the various flight instruction programs. The hours to complete a program will vary depending on each student's ability. Our training programs allow you to complete your training and flight requirements efficiently.

2.Submitting I-20 Information

All foreign students are required to have an I-20 Form to gain entry into the United States. A non-refundable fee of $150 is required to compile and submit your I-20 information. Upon receipt of your I-20 fee and your completed I-20 Information form, US Flight Academy will send you an acceptance letter, your completed I-20 form and International Student Information Packet including the Student Pilot Training Agreement. Please thoroughly read the information given herein and carefully follow the instructions to begin the enrollment process. If you will also need an M-2 for dependents, additional information will be requested and submission of a DS-156 Nonimmigrant Visa Application is required. There is a $50 fee per dependent to process documentation for M-2s.

To begin the I-20 information submission, you must first submit your I-20 fee.

To Pay by PayPal:

• Click on the Pay Pal button to submit your payment by credit card or ACH debit.
• Print the Pay Pal confirmation number page. This number is required to complete the I-20 Information form.

To Pay by Credit Card:

• Download credit card authorization form
• Make copies of each side of credit card
• Submit form along with copies by fax or email.

To Pay by Wire Transfer:

• Request International Wire Transfer Information by email or phone
• After money is transferred, submit wire infromation by email

Now you are ready to complete the I-20 Information form.

• Click on the link, Complete the I-20 Information form, and complete the I-20 information form.
• Click Submit when you have completed all the information requested. If you have any questions about the information requested, please call our 'Admission Staff' at 1-866-383-2400, Monday-Friday, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm Central Standard Time.

3. M-1 Student Visa

To obtain an M-1 Student Visa, call the nearest U.S. Embassy to set an appointment to receive your visa approval. Then you will go to the U.S. Embassy with the appropriate documents for a routine interview. The appropriate documents include: I-20 Form, Passport, Financial Statements, Receipt for payment of Form I-901. You will be notified as to whether you have been approved or disapproved. If all is in order, the U.S. Embassy will provide you, the student, with an M-1 Student Visa permitting you to enter the United States. The length of time for this process varies from country to country. We suggest you practice your interview with a friend or family member and research the aviation field in your home country. Two of the most important questions asked by the U.S. Embassy are as follows:

• Why would you like to become a pilot?
• What assurance can you give us that you will return to your home country after completion of your flight training?

You may be asked to present to the U.S. Embassy a copy of our Air Agency Certificate. To print a copy, click on the link: 2009 141 Cert.

4. TSA (Transportation Security Administration) Clearance

It is very important that you begin the process of getting your TSA clearance as soon as you decide that you are going to train with us. Doing this BEFORE you arrive will ensure a quicker start to your training. The application processing fee for each course is $130.  The name on the credit card used must match the name on the application.  If there is no fingerprinting* agency located in your home country, you will need to have the fingerprint portion of this process completed after entering the United States.  You can verify if there is an agency in your home country by going to the TSA link: www.flightschoolcandidates.gov , and completing the form.  An email will be sent to you requesting fingerprints and you will be given access to a website that will list all fingerprinting agencies.  The TSA fee can be paid after you have received approval for your M-1 Student Visa.

The TSA Clearance process:

• Go to www.flightschoolcandidates.gov
• Click LOGIN → New Student Account
• Complete all the requested information; if you have any questions, we can help you. Here are a few items that students usually need assistance in completing.
  • You MUST give your Last Name and Your First Name
  • Training Request Course Name: Initial
  • Aircraft Type is the particular aircraft model you will be flying to earn your rating, for example, Cessna 172
  • Category is 3; this signifies aircraft under 12,500 lbs
• Pay directly to the TSA the $130 processing fee. 
• You will also need to upload a clear color copy of your passport and your visa.

A very important part of your TSA clearance is fingerprinting.  If you can secure your fingerprints prior to your arrival, this will enable you to begin your training with little to no delay.  If your fingerprinting is not processed prior to your arrival to the United States, you may delay commencement of your student pilot training up to 45 days.

5. Payment for Student Pilot Training

Prior to arriving at US Flight Academy, a $3,000 payment is REQUIRED and due prior to your arrival at US Flight Academy.  Access to our school, housing, or transportation will not be available to you until your initial payment is received.  This WILL delay the commencement of your training program.

6. Student Pilot Training Agreement

Each student is required to sign a Student Pilot Training Agreement.  Click on this link Student Pilot Training Agreement to access the agreement.  Upon your arrival, please have a signed copy of this document ready for delivery to US Flight Academy.

7. You are almost ready to arrive...

Prior to your arrival in the United States, and AFTER receiving the M-1 Student Visa and submission of all required fees and payments to US Flight Academy, you MUST provide us with the details of your travel arrangements.  By email, please send us the following flight information: name of the airline, flight number, arrival date and flight arrival time at DFW International Airport.  As soon as you know your arrival gate, please call us with that information. This will enable us to have someone pick you up at the airport when you arrive. Please review the Arrival Packet enclosed.
 
If you have any questions, please contact us by telephone or by email. It will be our pleasure to have you participate in our flight training program so that you may begin your career in aviation.

Click Here for Information Regarding Your Arrival

 

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