A Guide for International Students

Take Flight with TFA Flight Academy:

Welcome to TFA Flight Academy!

Are you an international student with dreams of soaring through the skies? TFA Flight Academy is here to help you reach your aviation goals. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the enrollment process, visa requirements, and what to expect as an international student at our prestigious flight school.

Getting Started: Your Path to Flight

1.    Choose Your Path: Explore our various pilot training programs and determine the one that aligns with your career aspirations. Visit our classes page [link to Classes Page] for details and estimated costs.

2.    Gather Proof of Funding: Demonstrate your financial ability to cover the flight training program.

3.    Initiate Your Application: Complete our online application form. Upon receipt, we'll send you an invoice and detailed enrollment instructions.

The Visa Process: Your Gateway to the U.S.

To train at TFA Flight Academy, you'll likely require a student visa (F-1 visa). Here's a breakdown of the visa process:

1.    Application Fees: Submit a $100 application fee and a $650 deposit to receive your placement package.

2.    Placement Package: This package includes your I-20 form, official acceptance letter, student enrollment checklist, and visa application guidance.

3.    F-1 Visa Interview: Schedule your interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The visa decision will typically be made during the interview.

4.    Visa Issuance: If approved, the embassy will collect your passport for visa stamping. Within 1-2 weeks, you'll receive your passport with the visa by mail or for pick up.

5.    Pre-Arrival Preparations: During this waiting period, deposit $4,000 to $10,000 into your training account (depending on your chosen program).

6.    Arrival in the U.S.: Arrange your travel to a nearby international airport in Florida and secure your accommodation. Obtain international student health insurance.

Welcome to TFA Flight Academy!

We look forward to welcoming you to our flight school. Here's what to expect upon arrival:

·         Orientation: Attend a comprehensive orientation program to get acquainted with TFA, its facilities, and student life.

·         Medical Insurance: Ensure you have valid international student health insurance throughout your training program.

Application and Visa Requirements:

·         Age Requirement: Be at least 17 years old (or 15 with parental waiver) to apply.

·         Visa Status: Hold a valid visa or be a U.S. resident.

·         TSA Approval: Pass the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) medical exam for flight training.

·         Visa Processing Time: Allow approximately eight weeks for the F-1 student visa application process.

·         Reporting to TFA: Report to the Academy one week before classes begin.

Visa Options for International Students

·         F-1 Student Visa: The most common visa for full-time flight training in the U.S.

·         Visa Waiver Program: Citizens of certain countries can enter the U.S. for short-term flight training (under 18 hours per week) without a visa, but only for tourism purposes. See the list of participating countries below.

Visa Waiver Program Countries

Andorra | Estonia | Italy | Netherlands | South Korea Australia | Finland | Japan | New Zealand | Spain Austria | France | Latvia | Norway | Sweden Belgium | Germany | Liechtenstein | Portugal | Switzerland Brunei | Greece | Lithuania | San Marino | Taiwan Chile | Hungary | Luxembourg | Singapore | United Kingdom Czech Republic | Iceland | Malta | Slovakia |** Denmark | Ireland | Monaco | Slovenia

Important Notes:

·         If you are not a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program country, you will need to apply for an F-1 student visa.

·         The Visa Waiver Program is not intended for full-time flight training. For full-time studies, apply for the F-1 student visa.

·         Refer to the U.S. Department of State website or your nearest U.S. Consulate/Embassy for detailed information on the Visa Waiver Program.

 

 

 

How to Apply

Ready to join the TFA Flight Academy family? Here's a simplified breakdown of the application process:

1.    Complete the Online Application: Visit our website and submit the online application form.

2.    Receive Application Invoice: Upon receiving your application, we'll send you an invoice for the $100 application fee and $650 deposit.

3.    Enrollment Information: Once your payment is processed, we'll provide detailed enrollment instructions, a list of required documents, and additional information to help you complete the process.

Additional Tips for International Students

·         English Language Proficiency: Demonstrate English language proficiency through tests like TOEFL or IELTS (if required).

·         Flight Medical Examination: Schedule and pass a medical examination certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

·         Currency Exchange: Plan for currency exchange to cover your living expenses and program costs in the U.S.

·         Housing Options: Research and secure suitable accommodation near the flight school. We can provide guidance on available options.

·         Cultural Adjustment: Embrace the opportunity to experience a new culture and immerse yourself in American life while pursuing your flight training goals.

Living and Studying at TFA Flight Academy

TFA Flight Academy offers a supportive and multicultural learning environment. Our international student advisors are here to assist you with:

·         Immigration and visa guidance

·         Airport pick-up coordination (upon request)

·         Finding suitable accommodation

·         Adjusting to life in the U.S.

·         Academic support

Ready to Take Flight?

Contact Us Today!

We understand that navigating the international student application process can seem daunting. Our admissions team is here to answer your questions, guide you through each step, and ensure a smooth transition to your flight training journey at TFA Flight Academy.

Contact us today to discuss your aspirations and take the first step towards achieving your dream of becoming a pilot!

Together, let's soar to new heights!