International Students Welcome

North Andover Flight Academy is a complete helicopter training facility outside of Boston, Massachusetts. In addition to training local students here in the United States, we are also a Part 141 nationally recognized helicopter flight school.

Before reading this information, it is important to understand the distinction between the 2 types of international students enrolling at our Boston Helicopter Flight School. The first candidate falls under the nonimmigrant, vocational (or M) Visa, and the second is the prospective student is already in the US under either a work or visitor status. Our helicopter flight school has the ability to train ALL international students, but it is important to understand the category you are in before proceeding. If you have questions, you can email or call our office any time.

If you are here on a work or visitor visa, you may train at our school by enrolling with the TSA at http://www.flightschoolcandidates.gov. The steps are outlined in our TSA Instructions Form.

Students coming to the U.S to Train - M Visa Applicants

North Andover Flight Academy is approved by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) we are able to accept and enroll international students for Part 141 helicopter flight training. SEVIS was created to track and monitor schools and programs, students, exchange visitors and their dependents throughout the duration of approved participation within the U.S. education system.

We are delighted that you are interested in training in the United States, and we hope that you will be able to do so at North Andover Flight Academy. Here is some information about student and other types of visas that we hope you will find useful as you plan for your flight training program. North Andover Flight Academy welcomes applications from qualified students from most countries. The general admission requirements are identical for all applicants, regardless of citizenship. However, immigration regulations, varying educational backgrounds and financial considerations require additional procedures necessary for international students.

For details that may apply specifically to your country, see information posted by your nearest consulate or embassy at http://usembassy.state.gov While individual differences may differ slightly, here are the basic steps you should follow and what you can expect throughout the process.

North Andover Flight Academy, Inc is authorized to enroll and train non-immigrant foreign students. We are able to do this through the M visa program. Please download and print the international helicopter flight student application to begin the visa process. Once we receive your application (either by email or fax) we will notify you of acceptance to North Andover Flight Academy and you will be assigned a student liason. Being accepted to our Flight School does not guarantee entrance to the United States. The Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) will need to review your records and receive fingerprints from you before the I-20 form can be issued to you from North Andover Flight Academy.

If you plan on attending North Andover Flight Academy under the M Visa program, you must complete the following steps:

• Download our complete International Student Instructions Manual on how to apply as an international student.
• Complete Enrollment Questionnaire and email or fax.
• Evidence of funds to prove you have the money to pay for your training and living expenses. This can be in the form of a recent bank statement or a letter from your bank stating the amount of money you have able.
• A wire transfer for $150 student enrollment fee. Please send a copy of the receipt from the wire transfer with your enrollment papers.
• Copy of FAA medical. A list of FAA approved doctors can be found at http://ame.cami.jccbi.gov.
• Copy of photo identification

Upon review of your application you will be assigned a student liason. Your student liason is your personal representative available 7 days a week to answer your questions and assist you through the entire Visa process and transition you into the school. Once we receive the above items we will send you the I-20 application for the M-1 visa along with a Course Catalog, Orientation Package, and information on the Transportation Security Administration procedure that needs to be followed. It is the I-20 application form that you will take to the US Embassy for your interview. Contact your local US Embassy to make an appointment and obtain additional application requirements.

While attending our Boston helicopter flight school, housing and transportation to and from our flight facilities will be available for our international helicopter students.

North Andover Flight Academy has worked with international students. We understand the needs of our international clients and will work closely with you to ensure your training goals are achieved.