HOW TO APPLY TO ANTHELION HELICOPTER’S M1 VISA FLIGHT TRAINING PROGRAM
Anthelion Helicopters is a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) – certified flight school that offers the M1 Visa for international students interested in flight training in the United States. The M1 visa allows international students to study full-time for up to 12 months at a technical or vocational program in the U.S., such as at a flight school like Anthelion Helicopters.
Please meet the prerequisite requirements before applying to our M1 Visa Flight Training Program. You must:
- Be at least 18 years old or older
- Be proficient in English (written/verbal)
- Have proof of financial ability to cover your flight training and housing costs
FINANCIAL VERIFICATION
Financial verification of funds available to cover the training costs and related living and transportation expenses is required with your application.
All documents submitted for financial verification must be accompanied by a notarized English translation denoting all funds in US Dollars. Acceptable forms of financial verification are:
- A notarized copy of a bank statement
- An approved loan application
- A notarized affidavit of support
ANTHELION HELICOPTERS INTERNATIONAL STUDENT PILOT ENROLLMENT GUIDE
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- Schedule a Zoom Meeting or phone call with the DSO to discuss your goals.
- Complete the Anthelion Helicopters M1 Visa International Student Admission Application form by visiting this link: Click Here to Access the Application Form
a. In the Application Form, be prepared to submit:
i. Financial Verification that shows you can fund your flight training and housing while in the U.S.
ii. a $350 Anthelion Helicopter admission application processing fee.
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- When the application, financial verification, and processing fee have been submitted, Anthelion Helicopters will process your application and issue your I-20.
a. Once you have received your I-20 from us, pay your I-901 fee of $350 for SEVIS at FMJFee.com.*
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- Apply for a student visa with your local US Embassy and gain permission to enter the United States. Use this link to search for a US Embassy in your home country: https://www.usembassy.gov/
- All non-U.S. citizens must register with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Flight Training Security Program (FTSP) to submit a flight training request with our school. This can be done at the following website: FTSP Home (dhs.gov)
a. TSA charges an application fee of $130.
b. TSA FTSP will require a background check and fingerprinting. Fingerprinting fees may vary depending on the facility you visit.
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- Once you have permission to enter the country and approval from TSA to begin your training, your registration into Anthelion Helicopters’ M1 Visa Flight Training Program is complete.
c. Your Designated School Official (DSO) will send you your enrollment documents and schedule your first week of lessons.
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- Arrive at Anthelion Helicopters on your pre-scheduled program start date.
d. Upon your arrival, a block payment of at least $5,000 will be collected and deposited into your student account.
i. Your lessons will be billed to your account using these funds and you will be informed when your funds are low to the point that renewal of funds is necessary.
Click Here to Access the M1 Visa International Student Admission Application
Important Tips & Information for M-1 Visa Students Entering the U.S.
🛂 Visa & Immigration Status
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Maintain Full-Time Enrollment: You must remain enrolled full-time in your vocational or technical program—dropping below full-time can violate your status.
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No Extensions for M-1 Beyond Program End Date: M-1 visas are more rigid than F-1. Extensions are only allowed in limited circumstances before your program end date—plan ahead with your DSO.
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No Transfer After Completion: M-1 students cannot transfer to an F-1 visa or university after finishing their program—you must leave the U.S. or apply for a new visa from abroad.
💼 Employment Rules
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No Off-Campus Employment Allowed: Unlike F-1 students, M-1 students cannot work off campus during school.
📄 Documentation & Legal Awareness
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Keep Your I-20 & I-94 Current: Ensure your Form I-20 reflects your correct program dates and that your I-94 matches your authorized stay.
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Do Not Overstay: M-1 visas are strict—you must leave the U.S. within 30 days of your program end or practical training period, whichever comes first.
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Always Update the DSO: Report changes to address, program, or status within 10 days.
🏛️ Political & Administrative Landscape
- Be Discreet on Social Media: Be mindful of political posts or anything that could be interpreted as controversial—immigration officers sometimes review digital footprints.
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Expect Processing Delays: U.S. immigration processing times can be slow under any administration. Apply early for training authorization or extensions.
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No Path to Green Card: M-1 is a nonimmigrant visa with no direct path to permanent residency. Do not pursue work or adjustment of status unless advised by a qualified attorney.
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Changes in Administration Could Affect Policy: Even though M-1 policy tends to be stable, stay informed of changes in immigration enforcement or training authorization procedures.
🧭 Staying Safe & Informed
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Use Campus & Flight School Resources: Your DSO (Designated School Official) is your best guide for maintaining status—always check with them before making immigration-related decisions.
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Avoid Immigration Scams: Never pay third parties to “extend” or “adjust” your visa unless they are licensed immigration attorneys.
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Stay Informed via Official Channels: Monitor updates from USCIS.gov, ICE.gov/SEVP, and your school’s student services office.