Learn to Fly in America: International Student Pilot's Insider Guide
TLDR
This is the international student pilot guide to flying in America for non-US citizens. In order to get an FAA pilot certificate as a non-US citizen a student must meet the eligibility requirements require of all students pilots. Then, they need to find and choose a flight school they wish to conduct training at in the United States that accepts international student pilots.
The rest of the process includes applying for and receiving an appropriate Visa to train in the US. Then, a student must apply for and be approved as part of the US Transport Security Administration (TSA) Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP). While waiting for a decision from the AFSP, a student can complete an Online Ground School like Part Time Pilot to prepare themselves to immediately take and pass the FAA Written exam and be one step ahead when they arrive in the US.
For any international students out there I decided to do a bit of research and write this insider guide on how you can learn to fly in America. Now, I am no expert and was not an international student so if you are one and have had different experiences please let me know! Below we discuss how international students can get a private pilot license in the US:
In order to start your training you first need to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements that are required of all student pilots (age, read/write/speak English, medical, etc.).
Then, you will want to choose a Student and Exchange Visitor School (SEVP) approved flight school that you wish to receive training here in the states that can accept international students. You will want to do this early in the process because they will need to be involved throughout. Not only that but they can help you along the way.
Once you have chosen one you will need to notify them of your plans. Tell them your situation and tell them that you intend to train with them. They will need to be registered to train international pilots with the government and will need your Visa information. Therefore you need a valid Visa.
The next big step is to get US Transport Security Administration (TSA) Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP) Approval. Do this before traveling to the united states because the process can take over a month. You cannot start your flight training until you receive this approval (however you can start ground lessons and you can use an online ground school like Part Time Pilot you just need to be in the states to take the FAA Written so make sure you don’t go through ground school too soon and end up losing all the knowledge before taking the written test).
If you stay in the US with a B1/B2 Visa or a student M1 Visa you can NOT work at the same time in the US but you can ask your flight school to work in exchange for a discount… worth a shot. You must have a valid Visa to be accepted (a handful of schools also accept F1 Visas).
Create an account at the AFSP website with a valid email address and apply online providing your passport and Visa information. Then, wait for the flight school to acknowledge your request to train with them. Pay all your fees and get your preliminary approval. But be cognizant that this “preliminary approval” does not mean you are fully approved and can start training. All that it means is that the AFSP has received your application and fees. Finally, you will be required to submit your fingerprints.
Once all that is accomplished, you simply wait for the decision from the AFSP and once you obtain it you may start training!
The number 1 way to ensure your success in becoming a pilot is by properly managing your time & money
And the easiest way to properly manage your time & money is by doing ground school before it’s too late and ACTUALLY understanding the material
5 years ago I saw NO ONE mentoring unsuspecting students on the traps in flight training that was costing them $1000s
This is why I created the Part Time Pilot Online Ground Schools
The ground schools were created with these ideas at the heart of our mission statement:
- Mentoring students from start to finish
- Providing content that saves time & money & provides a deep understanding
How does Part Time Pilot compare to other Online Ground Schools?
I went to the website of each of the Top10 Online Ground Schools and gathered ALL the relevant info a student pilot like you needs to make an informed decision.
Things like cost, student ratings, lifetime access or not, types of lessons, bonuses included, scholarships included, support available and more.
Then, I lined them all up and compared them all in a single table so that student pilots could make the best, most informed decision on their training.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the topic of the costs of flight training.
Can an International Student become a Pilot in the US?
Yes, an international student or non-US citizen can become a pilot in the US as long as they go through the appropriate process of receiving a valid Visa and being approved by the TSA’s Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP).
How much does it Cost to become a Pilot in the US for International Students?
Although there are several fees for international student pilots associated to their Visa and TSA approvals, the total costs to become a Private Pilot or Airline Pilot are similar to those in the US. The average cost to become a Private Pilot ranges from $14,000 to $17,000 while the cost to become an airline pilot ranges from $65,000 to $135,000. Some of the additional fees for international student pilots include:
- SEVIS I-901 Visa Fee: ~$350
- Visa Application Fee: ~$185
- I-20 Processing Fee: ~$450
- TSA Application Fee: ~$130
- Fingerprinting Fee: ~$125
Can a foreigner be a Pilot in the US?
Yes, an international student or non-US citizen can become a pilot in the US as long as they go through the appropriate process of receiving a valid Visa and being approved by the TSA’s Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP).
What Visas are accepted for Flight Training?
Here are some of the Visas and other immigration status information for flight training in the US:
- M1 Visa (Vocational Student Visa): This is the most common visa for international students pursuing flight training, specifically designed for vocational or non-academic programs. It allows enrollment in SEVP-approved flight schools, but generally prohibits working in the U.S. during or after training.
- F1 Visa (Academic Student Visa): Used when flight training is part of a broader academic degree program at a SEVP-approved college or university, this visa offers the significant advantage of potential Optional Practical Training (OPT) for post-graduation work experience, such as flight instructing.
- B1/B2 Visas (Business/Tourist) or Visa Waiver Program: These short-stay visas are generally not for initial flight training leading to a certificate, but may be suitable for recurrent training, refresher courses, or familiarization flights where no new certificate is being sought.
- Other Nonimmigrant Visas (e.g., H1B, L1): Individuals already in the U.S. on a work visa may pursue flight training as a vocational pursuit, provided it doesn’t violate their visa’s terms and is secondary to their primary employment.
- Green Card Holders (Lawful Permanent Residents): These individuals do not require a student visa for flight training, as they are permanent residents, but they still must undergo the mandatory TSA Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP) clearance process.
What is the F1 Visa for Flight School?
In the context of flight training, an F1 visa is a non-immigrant student visa issued by the US government specifically for international students who wish to pursue academic or vocational studies that lead to a degree or a recognized certificate. For aspiring airline pilots, an F1 visa is often the preferred choice if they are enrolling in a comprehensive, long-term professional pilot program that is often integrated with a college degree. The flight school offering such a program must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to issue the I-20 form, which is essential for the F1 visa application.
A key advantage of the F1 visa for pilot training is the potential for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after completing the program. OPT allows F1 students to work in the US for a limited period (typically 12 months, with a possible 24 month STEM extension for certain fields) in a job directly related to their field of study. For aviation students, this means they can potentially work as a flight instructor or in another aviation-related role to build the significant flight hours required for their Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and gain valuable experience.
What is the M1 Visa for Flight School?
The M1 visa is a non-immigrant visa specifically designed for international students who wish to pursue vocational or non-academic training in the United States. In the context of flight training, it is the most common visa type for individuals enrolling in standalone flight training programs that lead to pilot certificates but are not part of a broader academic degree (e.g., just going to a flight school to get your Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, and Commercial certificates without enrolling in a college program). To be eligible for an M-1 visa, the flight school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and issue the student a Form I-20, which is the official certificate of eligibility.
A key characteristic of the M1 visa is its focus purely on vocational training. This means that, unlike F1 visa holders, M1 students are generally not permitted to work for compensation in the United States during or after their training, severely limiting their ability to build flight hours as a paid flight instructor. The duration of an M1 visa is tied directly to the length of the flight program, typically granted for up to one year, with limited possibilities for extension if the student needs more time to complete the course due to unforeseen circumstances. This makes the M1 visa suitable for those focused solely on obtaining their pilot certificates and returning to their home country for career progression.
Can I take the FAA Written outside the US?
No, the FAA written exam or FAA Knowledge exam must be taken at an approved FAA testing center. Currently, the FAA utilizing PSI for their testing centers and locations and appointments can be made at the FAA-PSI website here.
There are ways for military personal to take the exam at testing centers on military bases outside the US but there is no way for international students to do so.
Can I do Ground School outside the US?
Yes, ground schools such as online ground schools can be taken outside of the US. This flexibility makes online ground schools like Part Time Pilot incredibly popular. Students can study the ground knowledge and even receive a Written exam endorsement prior to coming to the US to help prepare themselves for a smoother journey in flight training. However, the FAA Written exam and flight training lessons must be conducted in the US.
How Long does it take to be approved by AFSP?
An international student pilot must apply and be accepted by the TSA Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP) before they can conduct flight training in the US. Once an application is submitted, it usually takes 2-4 weeks to receive a response.
