The SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) process is crucial for international students seeking to study in the United States on an F-1 or M-1 visa. Flight schools, which are authorized by the U.S. government to accept international students, must follow the SEVIS process to ensure that the student’s enrollment, status, and immigration compliance are properly tracked.

Below is a step-by-step guide on how the SEVIS process works for international students applying to a flight school, like Advanced International Aviation Academy.

SEVIS Process for International Students at Flight Schools

1. Acceptance to the Flight School

  • Action: The first step is for the student to be accepted into an FAA-approved flight school that is authorized to enroll international students. Advanced International Aviation Academy must be SEVP-certified (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) to issue Form I-20 for visa purposes.
  • Purpose: Students must have an offer of admission to a flight training program before beginning the SEVIS process.

2. Form I-20 Issuance

  • Action: Once the student is accepted into the program, the flight school will issue a Form I-20, which is required for visa applications. The I-20 form is generated through the SEVIS system, and the flight school will register the student in SEVIS.
    • The I-20 will include important details such as the student’s name, program details, dates of study, and other necessary information.
    • The school will also report the student’s SEVIS ID number on the I-20 form. This is a unique identification number used to track the student’s status.
  • Purpose: The Form I-20 is proof that the student has been accepted into a U.S. flight school program and is eligible to apply for an F-1 or M-1 student visa.

3. Pay the SEVIS Fee

  • Action: Before applying for the U.S. visa, the student must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. This fee is required for all international students applying for an F-1 or M-1 visa.
    • The fee can be paid online at the SEVIS I-901 website.
    • After the payment is made, students will receive a receipt. This receipt must be kept for visa interview purposes.
  • Amount: As of the latest update, the SEVIS fee for F-1 students is $350 and for M-1 students (vocational/flight training) is $350.

4. Visa Application (M-1)

  • Action: With the Form I-20 and SEVIS fee receipt, the student can then apply for a visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
    • Complete the DS-160 form online (non-immigrant visa application form).
    • Schedule a visa interview with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
    • Bring required documents to the visa interview, including:
      • Valid passport
      • Form I-20 (signed by the designated school official, DSO)
      • SEVIS I-901 fee receipt
      • DS-160 confirmation page
      • Visa application fee payment receipt
      • Proof of financial ability to pay for tuition and living expenses
      • Passport-sized photographs (as per embassy requirements)
  • Purpose: The visa application process allows the student to enter the U.S. legally to attend flight school and begin their studies.

5. Visa Interview and Issuance

  • Action: Attend the visa interview. The consular officer will review the student’s documents and may ask questions about the student’s program, financial ability, and intentions for studying in the U.S.
    • If approved, the student will be issued an F-1 or M-1 visa. The visa is typically affixed to the student’s passport, allowing them to enter the U.S.
  • Purpose: The visa allows the student to enter the United States and study at the flight school for the duration of their program.

6. Entry into the U.S.

  • Action: After obtaining the visa, the student can travel to the United States. Students on an F-1 or M-1 visa are allowed to enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date listed on the Form I-20.
    • Upon entry, students will need to present their Form I-20 and visa at the U.S. port of entry.
    • The immigration officer will review these documents and may ask questions related to the student’s program of study.
    • The officer will stamp the passport, allowing entry into the U.S. for the duration of the study program.
  • Purpose: Entry into the U.S. allows the student to begin their flight training program at the academy.

7. Report to the Flight School (Check-in Process)

  • Action: After arrival, the student must report to the Designated School Official (DSO) at the flight school, typically during orientation.
    • The DSO is responsible for ensuring that all international students comply with immigration requirements. They will verify the student’s arrival in SEVIS and confirm the start of their studies.
    • The student’s information in SEVIS will be updated to show their status as enrolled.
  • Purpose: This step ensures that the student is properly enrolled in the SEVIS system and is legally maintaining their status.

8. Maintaining SEVIS Status During Training

  • Action: Throughout the student’s training, the flight school’s DSO will keep the student’s SEVIS record updated:
    • Report any changes in the student’s program (e.g., changes in enrollment status, address, etc.).
    • Ensure the student continues to meet the requirements for maintaining their student visa status, including full-time enrollment.
    • Report any interruptions or deferrals to the student’s flight training.
  • Purpose: Maintaining up-to-date SEVIS records is essential for compliance with U.S. immigration laws and for the student to continue legally studying in the U.S.

9. Extension of Program (if applicable)

  • Action: If the student needs more time to complete their flight training program, the flight school must submit a request for an extension of the student’s I-20.
    • The request must be made well before the student’s program end date.
    • The school will update the student’s SEVIS record to reflect the new program dates.
  • Purpose: An extension allows the student to stay in the U.S. legally for the additional training time needed to complete their flight program.

10. Departure and Compliance with Visa Requirements

  • Action: Upon completion of the flight training program, the student must either:
    • Depart the U.S. within 60 days of completing the program (for F-1 students).
    • Transition to another visa type if they are pursuing further education or seeking work authorization (e.g., Optional Practical Training (OPT)).
    • Maintain full-time enrollment and comply with the visa conditions throughout the program.
  • Purpose: Staying compliant with visa regulations is essential to avoid violations that could impact future travel to the U.S.

Additional Tips for International Students

  • Plan Ahead: Apply for your visa well in advance of your intended start date, as processing times can vary.
  • Stay in Touch: Maintain open communication with the flight school’s Designated School Official (DSO) throughout your program. They are your primary point of contact for SEVIS updates and visa compliance.
  • Financial Proof: Be prepared to provide financial documents showing that you can support yourself during your studies (tuition fees, living expenses, etc.).

Contact Us

For questions regarding the SEVIS process, visa requirements, or any other aspects of your flight training, please feel free to contact our Admissions Team:

We look forward to helping you start your journey in aviation and welcome you to the Advanced International Aviation Academy!