Most international students researching flight training in the United States focus on the visa, and stop there. In reality, becoming an international flight student involves three separate government processes: a student visa, a school certification system that issues your I-20, and a federal security clearance that applies specifically to flight training and doesn’t exist for most other fields of study.
In this guide we walk through exactly how these three pieces fit together — the M-1 visa, the I-20 and SEVIS system, and the TSA security clearance every flight student must complete — so you can plan your timeline realistically before applying.
The 3 Systems You Need to Understand: Visa, School Certification, and Security Clearance
It’s easy to assume that getting a visa is the only requirement, but international flight students actually navigate three connected but distinct government systems: the U.S. Department of State, which issues the M-1 visa itself; the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) under the Department of Homeland Security, which certifies flight schools and manages the I-20 and SEVIS record; and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which runs a separate security vetting process required specifically for flight training. Each system has its own timeline, and missing a step in one can delay the entire process.
✈️ What Is the I-20 Form?
The I-20, officially the “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” is a document issued by a SEVP-certified school once you’re accepted into a program. It confirms your enrollment and program details, and you need it to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and to apply for your M-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Without an I-20 from a certified school, you cannot apply for an M-1 visa.
The 5 Steps to Study Flight Training in the U.S. as an International Student
1️⃣ Apply to and Get Accepted by a SEVP-Certified Flight School
The first step is confirming that the flight school you’re interested in is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), since only certified schools can issue the I-20 you’ll need later. Once accepted, the school’s designated school official (DSO) will guide you through the enrollment steps required to generate your SEVIS record.
Not every flight school is SEVP-certified, so this is the very first thing to verify before applying, regardless of how appealing a program looks otherwise.
2️⃣ Receive Your I-20 and Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee
Once your enrollment is confirmed, the school issues your I-20 through the SEVIS system. Before scheduling your visa interview, you’ll need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, which funds the system that tracks international students throughout their stay in the U.S.
Keep a copy of your I-20 and your I-901 payment confirmation — you’ll need both at your visa interview and again when you enter the United States.
3️⃣ Apply for the M-1 Visa
With your I-20 in hand, you can schedule an appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate to apply for your M-1 visa. This typically involves an online application, a visa fee, and an in-person interview where you’ll need to demonstrate your intent to pursue vocational training and your ability to cover the cost of the program.
Visa appointment availability varies significantly by country and time of year, so this step is often the one that benefits most from being started as early as possible.
4️⃣ Complete TSA Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP) Approval
Before you can begin any hands-on flight training, U.S. regulations require foreign nationals to complete the TSA’s Alien Flight Student Program, which includes fingerprinting and a security background check. This step is separate from your visa and is specific to flight training — it doesn’t apply to most other fields of study.
TSA approval must be completed and confirmed before flight training begins, not just before your visa is issued, so this step should be planned into your timeline as early as your school allows.
5️⃣ Arrive and Maintain Your Status While Training
Once you arrive in the U.S., maintaining your M-1 status means staying enrolled full-time in your certified program, not engaging in unauthorized employment, and keeping your SEVIS record updated through your school’s designated school official if your program or address changes.
M-1 status has stricter limitations than other visa categories in areas like employment and program transfers, so staying in close contact with your school’s international student office throughout training is one of the most important habits to build early.
✅ Summary: 5 Steps in 3 Systems
SEVP-certified school acceptance → the foundation everything else depends on.
I-20 and SEVIS I-901 fee → required before your visa application.
M-1 visa application → processed by the Department of State.
TSA Alien Flight Student Program → a security step specific to flight training.
Maintaining status → full-time enrollment and an updated SEVIS record throughout your training.
Why Flight Training Has an Extra Security Step Most Other Programs Don't
The TSA’s Alien Flight Student Program exists because of security regulations put in place after 2001 specifically for flight training, recognizing that piloting an aircraft involves a different risk profile than most other fields of vocational or academic study. This requirement applies to foreign nationals seeking flight training in the U.S. regardless of the specific certificate or rating being pursued, and it’s managed separately from both the visa process and the school’s SEVP certification.
How ADF Flight School Supports International Students Through This Process
At ADF FLIGHT SCHOOL, with more than 42 years of history and over 8,000 pilots trained for the world, supporting international students through the I-20, SEVIS, and TSA process is a routine part of what we do, not an afterthought. Our team walks you through each step in order — school acceptance, I-20 issuance, visa timing, and TSA approval — so nothing catches you by surprise once you’ve committed to training in the U.S.
If you’re an international student planning your training, check out our available programs or talk directly with our team to start your enrollment and I-20 process.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Flight Training on an M-1 Visa
❓ Can I work while on an M-1 visa?
M-1 visa holders generally cannot work off-campus and have very limited work authorization compared to other visa categories. Any question about employment while on an M-1 visa should be directed to your school’s designated school official (DSO) before taking any action.
❓ How long does TSA approval take?
Processing times vary and depend on the specific application and background check process, so it’s important to start this step as early as your flight school allows rather than assuming it will be completed quickly. Your school’s international student office can give you the most current guidance.
❓ What’s the difference between an M-1 and F-1 visa for flight training?
The F-1 visa is designed for academic study, while the M-1 visa is designed for vocational and non-academic training, which is the category flight schools generally fall under. Some university-affiliated aviation degree programs may involve F-1 status instead, so it’s important to confirm which category applies to your specific program.
❓ Can I transfer flight schools on an M-1 visa?
Transfers are possible but are more restricted under M-1 status than under other visa categories, and they must be coordinated properly through SEVIS with your current and new designated school officials. Always confirm the specific process with your DSO before making any change.
❓ Do I need TSA approval if I’m already a U.S. citizen or permanent resident?
The Alien Flight Student Program requirements specifically target foreign nationals; U.S. citizens and permanent residents are generally subject to a different, standard TSA security process for flight training. Your flight school can confirm exactly which process applies to your citizenship status.
