Requirements for Foreign Nationals
After the 911 attacks on the Trade Towers in New York City, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was created to prevent such acts to ever happen again. Foreign students need to enroll with TSA and get approval from this administration before any flight instruction can be received. Florida Helicopter staff members are Transportation Security Administration Providers.
You can start this process here : Flight School Candidates
However, we recommend that you schedule a meeting, call, or email us so we may guide you through the process.This will minimize the registration delay. In most cases, final approval is granted within a week or two.
If you plan on becoming a Professional Pilot, you will need to receive a Visa allowing you to stay in the US for an extended period of time.The M1, being a vocational Visa, is designed to cater to this need.
HDW FLORIDA HELICOPTERS,INC is approved to provide M1 Visas.
M-1 Visa Admission Requirements
The following requirements for international students must be met before HDW Florida Helicopters, Inc can issue your
- Completed and signed Pre-Application Form
Download and print the pre-application / credit card authorization. There must be no blank sections on the application. To expedite the process, you may scan and email the signed application, forms, and documents to: florida-helicopters@live.com - The following documents will need to be sent along with the application. These can be scanned and emailed.
- Scanned color copy of identification and expiration portion of passport
- Scanned or JPEG color copy of passport size photo showing your full face (2”x2”) or (5x5 cm)
- Application fee of $500.00 - Payable by credit card
- If you wish to pay by cashiers check; mail the application, check, forms, and documents via FedEx or DHL to:
- H. D. WRIGHT - 1994 EAST SUNRISE BLVD - No(#) 229 - FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, 33304 - USA
- Proof of financial responsibility. This needs to be an official bank document showing that you have funds available for the flight training desired and living expenses. Living expenses are based at approx: $900.00 per month. If the funds are deposited in a bank in another individual's name you will need to have that person sign the affidavit of financial support stating that they will be financially responsible for your living expenses and the flight training while in the USA.
- Florida Helicopters will then send you an acceptance letter along with an M-1 Visa application (also called an I-20 form).
- Complete the form I-901 online. You will receive a receipt immediately after registration. Later you will receive your official receipt of payment in the mail. You must complete this step prior to scheduling your interview appointment with the American Embassy. Important - the information you enter on the Form I-901 must match exactly the information you entered on the Form I-20. Include an additional $30.00 to expedite the process (recommended). You may pay this fee by credit card online or you can print out the application and send it with a money order issued by an american bank. You must have this receipt when visiting the US Embassy to apply for your Visa and you will need to forward a copy of this receipt to the school. Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee at www.fmjfee.com
- Next you must call the nearest U.S. Embassy for an appointment to receive approval of the M-1 Visa. The student will then go to the U.S. Embassy with the appropriate documents for a routine interview. Appropriate documents include: Form I-20; passport; financial statements; receipt for payment of Form I-901. The student will be notified as to whether they have been approved or disapproved. If all is in order, the U.S. Embassy will provide the student with a M1 vocational student Visa, permitting the student to enter the U.S. The length of time for this process varies from country to country. It may be a good idea to practice your interview with a friend or family member and to research the aviation field in your home country. Three of the most important questions asked by the embassy are as follows:
- Why you would 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?
- How do you know that you can obtain a position as a pilot after returning home?
- Fill out application for a background check with TSA online. The application processing fee for each course is $130. The name on the credit card used must match the name on the application. The TSA fee does not have to be paid until after you have received approval for your M-1 Visa. www.flightschoolcandidates.gov Once you received the fingerprinting request, you will need to schedule an appointment with this office : Print Offices
If you are unable to process fingerprints in your home country, Florida Helicopters can schedule an appointment for you locally. Please allow 5-7 business days for TSA fingerprint processing. Please note that you will not be able to begin your flight training program until your TSA fingerprints have been processed and Florida Helicopters receives final approval from the TSA. - After receiving an M-1 Visa, the student must provide Florida Helicopters with the details of his / her travel arrangements before entry to the United States. This includes flight information and arrival time. Upon request, Florida Helicopters can schedule a pick up.
Links :
- M1 Schools understanding the M1 process
- Nonimmigrant Visa Application, I-20 FORM
- Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application, to be submitted by all male nonimmigrant visa applicants between the ages of 16 and 45
- Contact Information And Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant, to be submitted by all applicants seeking an M1 Training Visa
