International Students
Visa Application Information
Voyager Aviation Int’l. welcomes foreign nationals to join us for your flight training needs. We have established the following steps to make your introduction to Voyager as smooth as possible.
Application
Fill out the application form here. You can get in touch with us via the contact form. Additionally, you can call us on + 1 321 454 3090 (office) or +1-321-406-0406 (WhatsApp) to discuss and document ALL of the levels of flight training you would like to complete during your stay. This step is necessary for us to know that you want to join Voyager Aviation, and also needed to obtain TSA clearance. Continue reading through this entire page to ensure you have finished every necessary step.
Customers Holding Foreign Licenses
In order to serve as PIC of a US registered aircraft, a person must hold at least an FAA Private Pilot certificate. If you already hold a current foreign license issued by a contracting state to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, you may apply for and be issued a Private Pilot certificate with the appropriate ratings based on that certificate, as long as that license remains valid.
If the foreign license authorizes instrument privileges, those may be added to the FAA certificate if the applicant passes the appropriate knowledge test within the 24 calendar months preceding the application, and the person is able to read, speak, write and understand the English language.
Customers wishing to add an instrument rating, or apply for a Commercial or ATP certificate, must first obtain a FAA Private Pilot certificate to meet the eligibility requirements. They must then meet the knowledge and experience requirements for that rating, and pass the applicable practical test.
Converting Your Foreign License
The Airmen Certification Branch, AFS-760 must have your country’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) verify the validity and currency of the foreign license and medical certificate or endorsement before you apply for an FAA certificate or authorization. The processing of the Verification of Authenticity of Foreign License, Rating, and Medical Certification form takes approximately 45 to 90 days to complete. Do not schedule any travel and/or checkrides, etc. until a valid Verification Letter has been obtained from AFS-760.
Foreign applicants who require a visit to a FAA Flight Standards District Office (the office which will issue your Private Pilot certificate must contact their selected Flight Standards District Office upon receipt of this verification letter to schedule an appointment with a FAA Inspector or authorized certifying official.
Customers without a US or foreign license
If you are in the US now on a Green card, work permit, F-1 visa or similar authorization, we will simply need an enrollment application, and an indication that you can complete your training within the period of your current authorization. You will also need TSA authorization to start your training (see instructions below under “TSA application.”)
If you are outside the US and need a visa to enter the country, see the appropriate section below. If your sole purpose is flight training, we can generate an INS form I-20, application for an M-1 visa, valid for one year and renewable (refer to M-1 visa below).
If you already have an F-1 visa for academic studies, and will continue your studies in the US, you can return under that visa. You can then begin flight training in conjunction with your ongoing academic program.
Customers requiring an M-1 visa to travel to the US
All international clients requiring an M-1 visa must complete an I-20 information form and pay an administrative fee. There is no fee for applicants if you are already in the US under a work visa (Green Card), an F-1 or other visa.
Voyager Aviation is authorized to assist with M-1 student visa applications as we are registered with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service. You will apply for an M-1 visa, which is specifically for students. We will ask you for detailed information regarding your contact information, citizenship status, financial status and other details.
Things to remember:
- You must be able to provide verification that you have the ability to pay for your tuition and living expenses (as you have listed in your I-20 information form) while in the United States. You will be asked for this at the US Consulate or Embassy when you apply for your visa.
- You must be proficient in English.
Once we have this information, we will complete and submit an I-20 form on your behalf, which you will need to have with you when you apply for your visa in your home country. A M-1 Visa administrative fee applies:
- $500 for any applicant requiring an M-1 visa, this includes postage of documents to your home country.
To pay this fee, we will accept a wire transfer or a credit card (Visa or Master Card only) payment by telephone. Please call or visit us to arrange payment.
Please Note: This fee does not include any additional fees that you may need to pay for your TSA or other immigration requirements.
TSA Application:
Our training programs require that non U.S. citizens comply with TSA requirements. The TSA clearance requires background checks of non-U.S. citizens prior to obtaining:
- Initial FAA pilot certificate training
- Initial FAA instrument training
- Initial FAA multi-engine training
- Any training in an aircraft over 12,500 lbs.
If these TSA requirements apply to you and your training program, our admissions office will guide you through the appropriate process. Call +1 321 454 3090 to speak with someone who will examine your situation and give you very specific guidance on how to proceed.
You may start this process now or when you arrive in the United States. The TSA application will ask you to supply the course name, number, description, aircraft type, and a start date.
Next, register on the Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP) website. The application fee is currently US$130.00, payable on the TSA’s website.
Fingerprints:
To complete the TSA process, you will also need to provide copies of your fingerprints.
If you are currently in the United States, you may get your fingerprinting done at the local police station in your hometown. If you are currently outside the United States, fingerprinting services can be found through this link.
We can also arrange to have the fingerprints taken electronically when you arrive in the United States (this is the preferred option as processing time is much quicker).
Accommodation Options
You have a range of options available to you during your stay in Merritt Island and nearby. Visit the accommodation page to see some suggestions.
Ready to begin?