Skip to content

SEVP-Approved · FAA Part 142

U.S. flight training for international pilots.

Train for your A320 type rating, ATP-CTP, or recurrent on Level D full-motion simulators — and let us issue your M-1 I-20 directly.

SEVP-Approved School FAA Part 142 Training Center Issues Form I-20 for M-1 students TSA / FTSP process handled
Start your application Talk to our DSO

Which visa?

Vocational flight training with PlaneSym.

Type ratings, ATP-CTP, and recurrent are vocational flight training. As an SEVP-approved Part 142 center, PlaneSym is authorized to issue your Form I-20 directly — on the M-1 student visa.

Your visa · M-1

M-1 — Vocational student

  • The correct visa for FAA flight training toward a certificate, rating, or type rating
  • PlaneSym issues your Form I-20 directly after admission & proof of funds
  • Can be issued up to 365 days before your course start date
  • Ideal for a focused course — come, train to proficiency, return to fly

Your path, step by step

From application to the cockpit.

Five steps. Our Designated School Official guides you through every one.

  1. Apply & get accepted

    Submit your application, license/logbook, and proof of funds. We confirm your program and eligibility.

  2. Receive your Form I-20

    Our DSO issues your I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility) with your SEVIS ID — sent to you directly.

  3. Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee$350 · M-1

    Pay online at FMJfee.com and keep your receipt for the interview.

  4. File DS-160 & attend your interview$185 visa fee

    Complete the DS-160, book your embassy/consulate interview, and bring your I-20 + SEVIS receipt.

  5. Arrive & start training

    Enter the U.S. up to 30 days before your start date and begin flying on our Level D simulators.

What you'll need

Have these ready and the I-20 moves fast.

  • Valid passport (copy of the photo page)
  • Proof of financial resources for tuition + living costs
  • Pilot certificate / license & logbook
  • TSA / FTSP application details (we help you file)

Not just the visa — the TSA vetting too

We handle the TSA / FTSP side.

A student visa gets you into the country. The TSA Flight Training Security Program (FTSP) is what actually clears you to begin flight training. We walk every international pilot through it — timed so your training starts on schedule.

1 · Register with TSA 2 · Fingerprints & fee 3 · TSA approval to train 4 · Select PlaneSym as your training provider

Talk to a human

Your Designated School Official.

Questions about your I-20, SEVIS, or the interview? Reach our Designated School Official directly — tell us your citizenship and where you are in your training and we'll map out your next steps.

International student FAQ

The questions we actually get asked.

Who needs an I-20 (and an M-1 visa)?
Not every international pilot does. You need an M-1 visa and a Form I-20 if you're a foreign national travelling to the U.S. specifically to train and you're not already here or able to enter the U.S. in a status that allows it. You do not need them if you're a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green-card holder). Tell our DSO your citizenship and current status and we'll confirm exactly what you need. Separately, nearly all non-U.S. citizens must still clear TSA's FTSP before flight training.
Can an international pilot do an A320 type rating in the U.S.?
Yes. Type-rating training is vocational, so you enter on an M-1 visa. PlaneSym is SEVP-approved and issues your Form I-20 directly, then you complete the SEVIS and consular steps.
What visa do I need for ATP-CTP as a foreign pilot?
The M-1 vocational student visa. Because ATP-CTP is FAA flight training rather than an academic degree, the M-1 is the correct category — and we can issue the I-20 for it.
Do I need TSA approval to train?
Yes — separate from your visa, foreign nationals must be cleared through the TSA Flight Training Security Program (FTSP) before flight training begins. We guide you through it.
How long does the whole process take?
It varies by consulate, but an M-1 I-20 can be issued up to 365 days before your start date, so most students plan several weeks ahead. Contact our DSO for a realistic timeline for your country.

Programs open to M-1 students

Same training. We just handle your paperwork.

M-1 I-20 eligible

ATP-CTP →

Six-day ATP Certification Training Program on Level D simulators.

 M-1 I-20 eligible

A320 Type Ratings →

Initial, added, upgrade, and SIC A320 type-rating courses.

 M-1 I-20 eligible

Recurrent →

Recurrent, requalification, and recency for qualified A320 pilots.

Ready to train in the U.S.?

Message our DSO and we'll get your I-20 moving.

Message our DSO 747-737-A320 (2320)