M1 Visa Flight Training

Leading Edge Aviation is proud to provide helicopter flight training for students utilizing the M1 Visa. As an approved M1 Visa school, Leading Edge Aviation provides international students the opportunity to train in a world class environment while gaining valuable experience in mountain operations and taking advantage of 300 days of sunshine per year.

Requirements & Details

Leading Edge Aviation is pleased that you are considering training with us in Bend, Oregon. We welcome applications from qualified students from other countries. The general admission requirements are identical for all applicants, regardless of citizenship. However, immigration regulations, varying educational backgrounds and financial considerations require additional procedures necessary for international students.

Leading Edge Aviation is authorized to enroll and train non-immigrant foreign students. We do this through the M-1 visa program. Being accepted to our Flight School does not guarantee entrance to the United States.

It is important to understand the requirements of the US government regarding the M1 Visa. The U.S. has updated its visa policies to increase security for our citizens and visitors. For details that may apply specifically to your country, see information posted by your nearest consulate or embassy at http://usembassy.state.gov. It is possible that it will take you longer to get a visa than it used to, and you will find that a few new security measures have been put into place. Here are the basic steps you should follow and what you can expect throughout the process. Please understand that there will be individual differences, depending on your personal situation.

Applying for an M1 Visa

1. Fill out a school application to Leading Edge Aviation to get admission granted
2. Send a copy of your financial statement to show proof that you can pay for flight training, fees and living expense.
3. When you have been admitted to attend Leading Edge Aviation and financial requirements are met you will fill out the I-20 application given to you by Leading Edge Aviation
4. Leading Edge will mail you a copy of the Form I-20, signed by the DSO (Galit Miller)
5. Complete Visa Application- DS 156 form ( nonimmigrant visa application) together with the DS-158 form(Contact information and work history for non-immigrant visa application), and DS157 form( If Applicable)
6. You will then pay the SEVIS I-901 fee- $200

You can obtain proof of the SEVIS I-901 fee payment several ways:

• The receipt that can be printed after paying online at http://fmjfee.com with a credit card
• The receipt issued by Western Union when using the Western Union quickpay option to remit payment
• The form I-797
• Through fmjfee.com

Once you are accepted to Leading Edge Aviation it is your responsibility to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and then applying for a visa. You must pay the I-901 fee before applying for a visa

Then you apply to one of the following:

• The local U.S. consulate or embassy for a visa
• The U.S. Point of Entry Directly, if you are a citizen of a visa exempt country
• USCIS for change of status to the M-1 visa, if you are in the United States in another nonimmigrant status

Transportation Security Administration Approval

Prior to being issued an I-20, you must register with the transportation security administration (TSA) at www.flightschoolcandidates.gov.Ê This website will give you the steps on how to register with TSA.Ê ÊThe TSA will conduct a background check to make sure that students are not a risk to U.S. national security. ÊThe cost is $130 for TSA to process your application.

Visa Interview

You will bring the following items to the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate to receive an M1 Visa:

Each United States embassy and consulate has a web link http://usembassy.state.gov/. This website will have information on how to apply for a student visa and hot to make a visa interview appointment.

You must bring several items to the interview:

1. Signed I-20 Form from PDSO(Galit Miller) and student
2. Completed DS 156 form ( nonimmigrant visa application) together with the DS-158 form(Contact information and work history for non-immigrant visa application), and DS157 form( If Applicable)
3. Passport that is valid for the entire duration of your stay in the United States
4. One 2 X 2 photograph
5. Receipt to show payment for your visa application
6. SEVIS I-901 fee receipt (I-797 Form)

All applicants should be prepared to provide:

• Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions if needed
• Scored from standardized test required by the educational institution such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.
• Financial evidence showing that the prospective student or sponsor has sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses during the period of intended stay

For Example:

• If the student or sponsor is a salaried employee, the applicant should bring income tax documents and original bank records and/or statements
• If the student or sponsor owns a business, the applicant should bring business registration, licenses, etc., and tax documents, as well as original bank records and/or statements
• You must maintain all the above documents for entry into the United States
• You will receive your I-94 form once you are granted entrance into the United States

These forms can be filled out online at www.ice.gov/sevis.

Note

Provide Leading Edge Aviation with the details of travel and arrival in the United States. International students must check in at Leading Edge Aviation upon arrival. No assurances regarding the issuance of visas can be given in advance. Therefore final travel plans or the purchase of nonrefundable tickets should not be made until a visa has been issued.

Point of Entry (POE)

Preparation Prior to Entry

1. Before leaving your country, confirm that your passport and nonimmigrant visa are still valid for entry into the United States. Your passport should be valid for the whole time you will be in the United States for training
2. Check to see that your visa accurately reflects your correct visa classification-Class: M visa
3. Check to make sure the school your attending is accurate on your visa and the exchange program you are participating in is accurate

• You can enter the United States up to 30 days before your program start date
• Flight attendants will distribute Customs Declaration Forms (CF-6059) and Arrival Departure Records Forms (I-94). This must be completed prior to landing

Documentation required for Entry into the United States:

Upon arrival at the U.S. POE, You must present the following (You should always hand carry these items):

1. A form I-20, signed by the P/DSO (Galit Miller), from the school the student will attend
2. A valid visa containing the SEVIS ID and the name of the school the student will attend(Leading Edge Aviation)
3. Financial documentation as evidence of ability to pay tuition and living expenses
4. A valid passport
5. Proof of payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee

• You should be carrying all these items with you at all times: You may also want to carry:

• The name, address of the school and phone number of the DSO at the school.

• Galit Miller- Office 541-383-8825 or Cell 541-788-9145
• Leading Edge Aviation- 63048 Powell Butte Hwy, Bend OR 97701

• Transcripts, certificates or copies of any diplomas that you hold

After review of the documentation, the CBP Officer will stamp your I-94 form after determining that you are eligible to enter.

Once your inspection is complete, the inspecting officer will:

• Stamp your SEVIS form with the program end date or 30 days beyond the program end date,
• Stamp the Arrival-Departure Record Form (I-94) and staple it in the passport

The I-94 Form is used as proof that you have entered the United States legally and determines the length of stay in the Unites States. You should keep this I-94 form, as well as other required documentation, throughout your stay in the United States.

The I-94 form is issued for one year or the duration of the program plus 30 days, whichever date is earlier. By the date indicated, you must leave the country or apply to USCIS for an extension of status. USCIS may grant extensions for the time needed to complete the program up to a maximum of one year at a time.

Secondary Inspections Requirements

If the CBP officer at the port of entry cannot initially verify your information or you do not have all of the required documentation, you may be directed to an interview known as “secondary inspection”. Secondary inspection allows inspectors to conduct additional research in order to verify information without causing delays for other arriving passengers. The inspector will first attempt to verify your status by using the Student and Exchange and Visit Information System (SEVIS). Under certain circumstances, the CBP Officer may issue a “Notice to Student r Exchange Visitor” form (I-515A), which authorizes temporary admission into the United States.

Advantages/Privileges of the M-1 Visa

• You may be issued an M-1 Visa for up to one year. Extensions beyond one year may be granted under certain conditions.
• Visas are available for accompanying dependents.

Limitations of the M-1 Visa

• You are not permitted to change your course of study.
• You and your dependents may not work in the U.S.- No employment until you have completed training. Employment can only be Optional Practical Training
• You may not be granted more than one Leave of Absence during your training and it may not exceed 30 days.
• Enroll in a full course of study at the beginning of every session-18-22 clock hours per week
• Consult with PDSO (Galit Miller) before dropping below a full course of study for any reason: only reason can be due to medical reason
• Notify your P/DSO (Galit Miller) prior to traveling outside the United States
• Proof of English Language Proficiency is required.

Please visit UnitedStatesVisas.gov, an official source of information about U.S. visa policy and procedures. Use this site to learn about the visa application process, understand current requirements, and get updates on recent developments http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html

Download and print the Visa General Info Document (PDF file)