Precautionary M-1 Visa?
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Precautionary M-1 Visa?
What's the score with the visa situation? I'm off to USA next month for 21 day PPL course. Do I need a M1 visa?
I've read other ppruners remarks on the issue - but still bemuzed. The US Embassy website confused me even more!
My flight school say enter US under Visa Waiver - I'm not convinced.
Anyone know better?
I've read other ppruners remarks on the issue - but still bemuzed. The US Embassy website confused me even more!
My flight school say enter US under Visa Waiver - I'm not convinced.
Anyone know better?
Last edited by Terra_Firma; 16th May 2002 at 15:35.
The Oracle
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Terra_Firma,
Enter the country under a M-1 Visa. Flight training which includes 18 hours of study or more per week requires a Visa. (Note I did not say Flight Training, its all the study involved in obtaining your licence).
In October of 2001 I posted a thread called M-1 Visa Explained because there was a lot of confusion over what an M-1 Visa was.
As you can see the form is straight forward. Right now the US Embassy in London is taking about 6 days to approve the student Visa Applications.
Happy Flying,
Capt. Richard J. Gentil, Pres.
Naples Air Center, Inc.
Enter the country under a M-1 Visa. Flight training which includes 18 hours of study or more per week requires a Visa. (Note I did not say Flight Training, its all the study involved in obtaining your licence).
In October of 2001 I posted a thread called M-1 Visa Explained because there was a lot of confusion over what an M-1 Visa was.
As you can see the form is straight forward. Right now the US Embassy in London is taking about 6 days to approve the student Visa Applications.
Happy Flying,
Capt. Richard J. Gentil, Pres.
Naples Air Center, Inc.
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Schools without visas
Terra firma
I feel that I must post a warning to all wannabes, my friend ------ was also told exactly the same as you have posted by a certain (not to be mentioned) Florida FTO, where he was going to do his CPL. He booked his flight got on, but at Orlando was told by no uncertain terms that he was not allowed to come to the USA to do flight training without the M1 visa. The school in question did not have approval to give out M1 visas.
Be careful and go to a school that has the visa, better safe than sorry. My friend wasted GBP 550 on a airfare! From the research we have since conducted there is only one school in Florida without the visa.... go figure.
I feel that I must post a warning to all wannabes, my friend ------ was also told exactly the same as you have posted by a certain (not to be mentioned) Florida FTO, where he was going to do his CPL. He booked his flight got on, but at Orlando was told by no uncertain terms that he was not allowed to come to the USA to do flight training without the M1 visa. The school in question did not have approval to give out M1 visas.
Be careful and go to a school that has the visa, better safe than sorry. My friend wasted GBP 550 on a airfare! From the research we have since conducted there is only one school in Florida without the visa.... go figure.
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Go for it
Terra Firma,
I think Richard has this pretty well summarised, however, don't be worried about the US Embassy, it is all quite straight forward.
I was bemused myself until kind personnel at NAC put me straight. Obtain your I-20 from the school, get D156 and D157 forms (I think that is right) from the Embassy, these can be obtained at the following address:
United States Embassy
PO Box 499
Leeds, LS3 1XU
Fill those babies out and send them off, and hopefully hey bingo your Visa turns up and week later
(or it did for me).
Be aware of the following. You must pay the visa application fee (£32.00) at the bank before you send the forms to the embassy. You can do this at Barclays. There are also other things you need to send to the Embassy aswell as the forms, such as your passport, photos, intentions to return to the UK, evidence of funds to support yourself etc. This is all explained in the forms you get.
With all that has happened I thought it to be wise to get the visa, it is only £32.00, and could save you a whole load of hassel at US immigration! Just a thought.
Hope the above makes sense!!
Cheers
I think Richard has this pretty well summarised, however, don't be worried about the US Embassy, it is all quite straight forward.
I was bemused myself until kind personnel at NAC put me straight. Obtain your I-20 from the school, get D156 and D157 forms (I think that is right) from the Embassy, these can be obtained at the following address:
United States Embassy
PO Box 499
Leeds, LS3 1XU
Fill those babies out and send them off, and hopefully hey bingo your Visa turns up and week later
(or it did for me).Be aware of the following. You must pay the visa application fee (£32.00) at the bank before you send the forms to the embassy. You can do this at Barclays. There are also other things you need to send to the Embassy aswell as the forms, such as your passport, photos, intentions to return to the UK, evidence of funds to support yourself etc. This is all explained in the forms you get.
With all that has happened I thought it to be wise to get the visa, it is only £32.00, and could save you a whole load of hassel at US immigration! Just a thought.
Hope the above makes sense!!
Cheers
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Many thanks -
I think I can cope with a bit of paperwork to put me at ease when I get off the plane on the otherside of the pond!
Better go and buy a pack of 6...(stamps).
I think I can cope with a bit of paperwork to put me at ease when I get off the plane on the otherside of the pond!
Better go and buy a pack of 6...(stamps).
