International Flight Students
Obtaining a Visa
 What you need to know ….
There are two processes that need to be done before
you can do any flight training in the United States, the first
is obtaining and M‐1 visa and the second is registering
with the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA). Each process
can take 2‐4 weeks although there are ways to help speed
up the process.
What is an M‐1 visa?
The M‐1 visa is a type of student visa reserved
for vocational and technical schools. To obtain an M‐1 visa
for traveling to the United States, a student must present a signed
Form I‐20 at a United States embassy or consulate in his
home country. The I‐20 is issued by a designated school official,
after the student has fulfilled a school's admissions requirements
and presented proof of financial resources.
M‐1 students are admitted into the United States for a fixed time period.
When they cross the border, their I‐94 departure cards are stamped with
a date, unlike students with an F‐1 visa. They may stay for the length
of their training program, however their stay may not exceed one year unless
they are granted an extension. If a student violates his status by, for example,
not maintaining a full course of study, he is not eligible for the grace period.
Students in M‐1 status may not work on or off campus while studying, and
they may not change their status to F‐1. The F visa is reserved for non‐immigrants
wishing to pursue academic studies and/or language training programs. F‐1
visas are given only through academic institutions. Vocational education is not
included in F‐1 visa; for vocational education, an M visa should be obtained.
How do I know if I need an M‐1 visa?
- An individual legally living in another country who wishes
to do formal flight training in the United States, or if your
stay is over 90 days.
- If you are visiting the U.S. and wish to do a few hours of
refresher flying, hour building or a Biannual flight review,
you do not need an M‐1 visa, as long as your stay is
less than 90 days and you are not doing a formal flight training
program.
What is the process for obtaining an M‐1 visa?
- Complete and return LAH enrollment form. (Click here for
enrollment form)
- Submit proof of funds to cover your training
and living expenses while attending LAH.
- Pay a $500.00 nonrefundable
LAH enrollment fee. Once payment has been received, we will
send you the Form I‐20 you will need to take to the U.S.
Embassy.
- Fill out the I901 for on the SEVIS website and pay
the fee.
- Schedule an appointment with the U.S. Embassy. You
will need your SEVIS student number
(which is found on the Form I‐20) and the receipt for
the I901.
What do I take to my appointment with the U.S. Embassy?
- The
Form I‐20 issued by Los Angeles Helicopters.
- Letter
of acceptance from Los Angeles Helicopters.
- A valid passport
accompanied by one 2x2 photograph.
- Complete application Form
DS‐156, DS‐158 and DS‐157
(if required).
- I 901 receipt which shows payment of the visa application
fee.
TSA
 What is the TSA and why do I have to register?
The Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) has set forth
new regulations for non‐U.S. Citizens to
conduct flight training.
The mission of the Alien Flight Student Program is to ensure
that Non‐U.S. Citizen candidates seeking
training at flight schools regulated by the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) do not pose a threat to
aviation or national security.
How do I know if I need to register with the TSA?
- Any person who is not a U.S. Citizen and does not
hold an FAA license wishing to do initial
training for their Private license or their Instrument rating.
- If
you hold an FAA Private license and have already registered
with the TSA, you do not need to
reregister to complete your Commercial license. You will only
need to reregister if you choose
to do Instrument training.
How do I start my request for training?
If you are a flight training candidate,
you will need to create a new account through the following
website:
https://www.flightschoolcandidates.gov
Prior to becoming enrolled at Los Angeles Helicopters,
you will need to obtain a student identification number. This
student ID number is your TSA authorization to begin your flight
training.
To obtain that number, you must create a new account through
the above web address. Scroll to the
bottom of the above webpage and click on "new account".
If you should have questions throughout the application process
please view the Frequently Asked
Questions (FAQ) link or you can contact the Alien Flight Student
Program Help Desk at:
AFSP.help@dhs.gov
(703) 542‐1222
It is important to understand that a U.S. flight school is
prevented from providing flight training to a
Non‐U.S. Citizen unless the alien has submitted required
information to the TSA, and the TSA has
determined that the Non‐U.S. Citizen does not pose a
threat to aviation or national security.
What information will I need to complete the TSA process?
You will need to complete the TSA back
ground check procedure before starting your flight training.
Once registered you will receive an email from the TSA with
your user name and password. Now you can
log in and begin to fill in TSA information.
Training Details
 Please upload or fax passport copy to the TSA and get the finger
printing instructions before coming to
the USA as this will save time and allow you to commence your
training sooner.
Once you have registered you will receive email from TSA with
your user name and password. Now you
can log in and begin to fill in TSA information. Again if you
would like we would be glad to guide you
through this process.
1. State: California
2. Provider Name: Los Angeles Helicopters
3. Course ID number: 001
4. Course Name: Private Pilot
5. Course description: Private Pilot Helicopter
6. Aircraft Type: R22
7. Start date‐ End date:
8. Request Category: Under 12500 lbs CAT III
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