USA Visa Procedures
Flight Training at Flying Academy Miami & Los Angeles
Your comprehensive guide to obtaining an M-1 student visa for professional flight training in the United States
Important Notice
Under M-1 Visa, international students are NOT permitted to work in any capacity (paid or unpaid) while in the U.S.
Getting Started
To participate in flight training at Flying Academy Miami and Los Angeles, all international applicants must complete a two-part process: obtaining the I-20 form and securing an M-1 visa.
How can I get a US Visa?
If you need a visa to enter the United States, please let us know. The requirements to obtain an I-20 form (used to apply for the M-1 Visa) are outlined in the Requirements section below.
Part 1: I-20 Form
Document issued by Flying Academy that certifies your eligibility for M-1 Student status. Each applicant is required to provide full and complete information on the application for admission and must submit all documentation with a non-refundable application fee prior to receiving the I-20 Form.
Part 2: M-1 Visa
Student visa issued by the US Consulate/Embassy allowing you to study in the United States. The decision to issue an M-1 Visa is a collaborative effort by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. BCIS, and the US Department of State.
Training Details
Training is conducted under Parts 61 and 141 of FAA Regulations at our Miami and Los Angeles locations.
Visa Transfers
In some cases, a student may be able to transfer an existing M-1, F-1, or tourist visa to Flying Academy (Silver Express). Requests to transfer visas or transfer schools require adherence to the policies and procedures of the US BCIS. For more information on visa and school transfers, please visit the USCIS website.
Eligibility Requirements
To obtain an I-20 form (used to apply for the M-1 Visa), you must meet the following requirements:
Basic Requirements
Age: Be at least 17 years old
Education: Document at least 12 years of academic education by providing an official copy of a high school diploma or equivalent, translated into English
Financial Proof: Document financial ability to fund tuition expenses and personal support for the duration of the program. This documentation MUST be in the form of an official letter from your bank showing the amount of funds available, in US Dollars, sufficient to finance all training, housing, personal expenses, etc., while in the United States
English Proficiency: Demonstrate the ability to read, write, and understand the English language
USCIS/SEVIS Requirements
✓ Full-time Participation: At least 22 training hours per week required
✓ Flight Instruction Minimum: Flying Academy (Silver Express), Miami & Los Angeles, requires that a minimum of 10 hours per week be Flight instruction
✓ Continuous Financial Demonstration: Demonstration of financial ability on a continuous basis throughout the program
⚠️ Important Application Information
Each applicant is required to provide full and complete information on the application for admission and must submit all documentation with a non-refundable application fee prior to receiving the I-20 Form. Once the school receives the required documentation, an I-20 form will be sent by express delivery.
7-Step Application Process
Follow these steps to enroll in the flight training program at Flying Academy (Silver Express), Miami & Los Angeles:
Complete Online Application
Complete the online application. We will send you a confirmation of your acceptance once we have processed your application.
Pay First Installment & Receive I-20
Once you receive confirmation that you were accepted, we will create your user account in our online system and you should pay the First Installment for the Flight Training by bank transfer. After covering the required payment, we will process your documents and send you the I-20 form electronically.
Pay SEVIS Fee
You are required to pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) prior to applying for the M-1 visa. The fee for M-1 students can be found on their official website.
How to pay: Information on SEVIS and the fee can be found at: https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.html
Schedule US Consulate Appointment
Make an appointment with the US Consulate in your country to complete the visa application process. When you call, provide the number from the SEVIS payment receipt. You don’t have to pay it again. The consulate will provide a list of the documents necessary to process your application. Have these documents ready when you arrive for your appointment. You may find a local travel agent helpful in preparing your documents. A full description of the VISA process is available on the US State Department website.
Complete TSA Application
Complete the online TSA application, choosing Silver Express as your flight training provider. This requires payment online by credit card for processing your security clearance.
Notify Flying Academy
Once you have the appointment with the US Consulate, notify us and we will schedule your flight course.
Accommodation in the United States
Short-Term Options
Perfect for initial arrival while you search for permanent housing. Fully furnished and ready to move in.
Long-Term Housing
Apartments and shared rooms near training facilities in Miami and Los Angeles. Cost-effective solutions for extended stays.
Student Community
Connect with fellow students from around the world. Share experiences and build lasting friendships.
Full Support
Our team handles all the details – from initial search to lease signing. We make relocation stress-free.
Ready to Find Your Home?
Contact our accommodation consultants for personalized assistance
Get Accommodation HelpTSA Security Clearance Procedures
In addition to our normal paperwork, all new non-U.S Citizen students must complete the following TSA procedures:
⚠️ The TSA Approval Application MUST be started 3-4 weeks in advance. ONLY if you have VISA approved
Before Arrival
Log on to the TSA website
Create a New Candidate Account – a passport and valid email are necessary
After the account has been created, the student must fill out the application – all eight steps
Please select Silver Express as the flight training organization – remember to save all steps and follow instructions
Scan passport into a computer database
Return to the homepage, scroll all the way down and click ‘submit application’
Once the application has been submitted, let the Flying Academy office know to be able to validate the student – via [email protected]
Once the student has been validated, he or she must log in again and scroll down to the bottom of the page. (A money symbol should appear)
The student must click on the money symbol to pay the $130 processing fee – Payment must be via credit card
Once the student has paid the fee, they should receive an email from TSA
TSA Login Portal: https://fts.tsa.dhs.gov/home
Processing Fee: $130 (credit card only)
After Arrival
Upon arrival, the student must be photographed by the front desk
To begin flight training each student must be fingerprinted. Fingerprint forms are available upon request.
Both forms must be filled out in black ink
You may look up agencies near to airport for FTSP fingerprints in this link or we can assist to book an appointment on arrival
The cost for fingerprints must be provided in exact change (the police department does not provide change)
The completed fingerprint forms must be mailed to TSA if the student has received an email from TSA stating that the documentation has been accepted – if this email has been received, proceed with mailing
In approximately a week, the student should receive final TSA approval. Please keep checking your email
If everything has been completed, the student may begin flight training
Frequently Asked Questions
You must live in a residence abroad with no intention of abandoning it, intend to depart the US after completing your course, and possess sufficient funds for the study program.
Embassies can issue M1 visas up to 120 days before your I-20 start date. Apply for your I-20 early to allow time for processing. You can enter the US no earlier than 30 days before your study start date.
The I-20 shows you’re eligible for M-1 Student status. It’s issued by Flying Academy (Silver Express), while the M1 visa is issued by the US Consulate/Embassy.
Qualifying spouses and dependents can join M1 students in the US as M2 visa holders. Contact our school official for information.
Yes. Students must obtain health insurance. Flying Academy offers health insurance options—contact us for details.
Yes, vacation time depends on your length of study.