Visa/TSA Requirement

The admission process for international students requires a few steps. Students who are legally living in the US on a valid Visa do not need to apply for an M-1 Visa. However, all international students are required to apply for TSA (Transportation Security Administration) for background clearance in order to commence flight training in the US. If you require an M-1 Visa, you must follow the steps below.

Admissions Process

Jacobs Flight Services, LLC is proud to be authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant foreign students via the M-1 student Visa. If you are interested in this opportunity, please review all the instructions below to begin M-1 VISA approval.

Once you fill out the registration form, either fax, email or mail the form to Jacobs Flight Services. Once your application is reviewed and processed, you will be notified on how to process your required deposit. You will receive your I-20 form and student acceptance letter within 48 hours of our acceptance. 

Registration Applications and Forms

The registration application can be filled out online or downloaded in Adobe PDF format along with other reference documentation.

 

Application for International Students (PDF)           

Declaration of Finances & Affidavit of Financial Support (PDF)

Transportation Security Administration Procedures (PDF)

I-20 Information

Admissions Requirements and Procedures Download PDF

The following requirements must be met before Jacobs Flight Services can issue the I-20 for your student M1 visa:
  1. Completed and signed Jacobs Flight Services Application for International Students. There must be no blank sections on the Application.
  2. A non-refundable international student fee of $350.00 must be received by Richmor Flight School. This fee includes the $200.00 processing fee and the $250.00 administrative fee of which $100.00 will be required for the Form I-901. All funds must be in the form of a bank draft or cashier’s check.
  3. A copy of a high school diploma, an official high school transcript, or a high school equivalency certificate. These documents must be accompanied by an English translation.
  4. Evidence that you can read, write, speak and understand English. If you attended school in a country in which the dominant language of instruction is English, no other proof is required. Otherwise, you must submit a score of at least 500 on the TOEFL examination.
  5. A letter composed by your bank indicating that you have sufficient funds to meet your educational and living expenses.
  6. A Declaration of Finances form completed and signed.
  7. Two (2) passport size pictures (2"x2" showing your full face. A copy of your current passport.
  8. Proof of health and accident insurance.
  9. Preliminary approval from the Transportation Security Administration.

In addition to the items above that are specific to international students, you must meet all other Jacobs Flight Services admissions requirements.

Upon receipt of all of the above items, plus a refundable program deposit of $1,000.00, Jacobs Flight Services will send your acceptance letter along with the I-20; a receipt for all funds/statement of deposit; confirmation of your enrollment; and a list of all documents you need to take to the embassy for you to apply for your visa. It will then be your responsibility to visit the American Consulate and apply for your visa.

 

License Conversions

FAR part 61.75 makes provision for licensed foreign pilots of any ICAO member state to apply for an FAA (US) Private Pilot License, issued on the basis of your foreign license. Here are the steps to follow to apply for and activate your FAA PPL.

1.  Go to this website and download the PDF form:

 Conversion Form Link

2.  Fill out the form and send it to the FAA along with copies of your foreign license, an English transcript of your license (if necessary) and a copy of your medical certificate or endorsement (make sure all documents are current according to your Civil Aviation Authority rules). Send to: Airmen Certification Branch, AFS-760, PO BOX 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0082 or fax the form and documents to (405) 954-9922.

3.  Please put the Miramar Flight Standards District Office as the location where you intend to make application for your FAA PPL.

4.  Allow 60 days for processing the above form, once the FAA has received it either via postal mail or fax. NOTE TO UK PILOTS: The Data Protection Act now requires your permission for the CAA to release any information to the FAA. Please check with the appropriate authorities (CAA) before submitting your 61-75 form to the FAA.

5.  After the FAA has processed your request, they will send you a Letter of Authenticity. You must bring this letter with you when you arrive to Florida. Please make sure you also bring all other pilot documentation with you as well (ie: foreign PPL, English transcript, medical certificate or endorsement, logbook) and a photo ID.

6.  You will need to register for an IACRA account before seeing the FAA inspector here in Florida to get your new FAA Private Pilot License. IACRA (Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application) is the system the FAA uses for an airman certificate or rating. Here are the steps to follow:

A - Navigate to http://iacra.faa.gov/iacra

B - Read through any notices or other important information on the home page.

C - Click the button labeled: "Register" located on the right-hand side of the home page.

D - Click on "Applicant" and then click "Next".

E - The very first question which asks you if you currently hold an airman certificate, click the radio button labeled "No".

F - Fill in all of the personal information, security questions and answers, user name and password, etc. and then click "Register".

You will then be assigned an "FTN": The FTN (FAA Tracking Number) is assigned to you by the FAA after you complete your registration in IACRA. Please record your FTN as it will be required later by your instructor and/or certifying officer. I suggest you write your FTN in your logbook where it will be accessible any-time you need it.

7.  Upon your arrival, we will set up a meeting for you with a local Designated Pilot Examiner. The examiner will then look over all of your documentation and issue your temporary FAA PPL.

8.  You must then complete a flight review with one of our instructors, who will then endorse your logbook. This will activate your FAA PPL as well as giving you a rental checkout for our aircraft.

Please note that this will only convert your license to a US Private Pilot License issued on the basis of your foreign Pilot License, therefore any restrictions you have on your foreign license (example: "no night flights authorized") will carry over to your converted US/FAA License. For a more formal and unrestricted conversion, contact our office.

 


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