Visa/TSA Requirement

The admission process for international students requires a few steps. Students who are legally living in the US on a valid Visa do not need to apply for an M-1 Visa. However, all international students are required to apply for TSA (Transportation Security Administration) for background clearance in order to commence flight training in the US. If you require an M-1 Visa, you must first file an online application SEVIS I-901 with the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). As soon as you have completed this application and paid the SEVIS I-901 fee, an I-20 will mail to you directly. Upon receipt of the I-20, you may make an appointment with the US Embassy or Consulate in your city to obtain your M-1 Visa. Once you have received the Visa, we will schedule and notify you for your training start date. Read below for step-by-step instructions.

Admissions Process

Jacobs Flight Services, LLC is proud to be authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant foreign students. We can now issue M-1 student Visa's for international students wishing to train with Jacobs Flight Services, LLC in Clewiston Florida, USA. If you are interested in this opportunity, please review all the instructions on the I-20, below and then download our registration application located below to begin M-1 VISA approval.

Once you fill out the form, either Fax or mail the form to Jacobs Flight Services, LLC. Address and Fax number are provided on the form. Once your application is reviewed and processed, you will be notified on how to process your required deposit. Once your deposit is received, you will receive your I-20 Form and student acceptance letter.

Registration Application Options

The registration application can be filled out online or downloaded in Microsoft Word Document and Adobe format.

Online Non-US Registration Form 

 I-20 INFO SHEET

I-20 Information

Please note that any foreigner to the U.S. who wishes to participate in any type of training in the U.S. must enter the U.S. with a Student Visa. There is only one method of acquiring a U.S. Student Visa:

1. A U.S. school, which has been granted approval by the U.S. Immigration & Naturalization Service to issue Student Visas, must fill out the appropriate forms and issue them to the prospective students. 
2. Upon completion of acceptance and enrollment requirements, the U.S. school sends the prospective student the required forms, duly completed, with full instructions. Jacobs Flight Services, LLC will do this within 48 hours of receipt of all the following required items:
   1. Completed Jacobs Flight Services, LLC Registration & I-20 Information Forms.
   2. A copy of passport page with picture, passport number and expiration date.
   3. An affidavit of financial resources which indicates the student has personal or family funds in sufficient amount to cover the cost of training and living while in the U.S.
   4. Enrollment and Registration fees. The enrollment and registration fee is $500 ($100 of this fee is non-refundable if you do not get the visa). An additional $1,500.00 deposit for classes/training materials is also required; total $2,000.00 before the I-20 Form can be sent (see payment instruction).
   5. Complete the form I-901 online and be sure to print your online receipt for confirmation. The cost for this will be $200. Later you will receive your official receipt of payment in the mail. You must complete this step prior to scheduling your interview appointment. Important - the information you enter on the Form I-901 must match exactly as you entered on the Form I-20.
   6. Fill out application for a background check online. The application processing fee for each course is $130. The name on the credit card used must match the name on the application.
3. The prospective student must go to the U.S. Embassy with the appropriate documents for a routine interview. Appropriate documents include: Form I-20; Passport; Financial Statements; Receipt for payment of Form I-901. The student will be notified as to whether they have been approved or disapproved. If all is in order, the U.S. Embassy will provide the student with a M-1 Student Visa, permitting the student to enter the U.S.
4. After receiving an M-1 visa, the student is responsible for providing Jacobs Flight Services, LLC with the details of his/her travel arrangements. This includes arrival time at Airport. Upon request, Jacobs Flight Services, LLC will provide a pick up service from the airport.
5. All International Students must purchase a "Medical/Accident" Insurance Policy prior to arriving in the U.S., for the length of time they are in flight training at Jacobs Flight Services, LLC.

Payment Information

You must send us an application form at least 45 days prior to your class starting date. Upon receiving a notice of your deposit to our account, we will send you an acceptance letter and the I-20 form for you to bring it to the U.S. Embassy in your country. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at (863) 983-2499.

Once you are here, you can use your credit card (VISA, Master Card, Diners Club, American Express, and JCB), Travelers checks, and/or Cash to pay for any additional costs. We hope to see you soon! 

License Conversions

FAR part 61.75 makes provision for licensed foreign pilots of any ICAO member state to apply for an FAA (US) Private Pilot License, issued on the basis of your foreign license. Here are the steps to follow to apply for and activate your FAA PPL.

1.  Go to this website and download the PDF form:

 Conversion Form Link

2.  Fill out the form and send it to the FAA along with copies of your foreign license, an English transcript of your license (if necessary) and a copy of your medical certificate or endorsement (make sure all documents are current according to your Civil Aviation Authority rules). Send to: Airmen Certification Branch, AFS-760, PO BOX 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0082 or fax the form and documents to (405) 954-9922.

3.  Please put the Miramar Flight Standards District Office as the location where you intend to make application for your FAA PPL.

4.  Allow 60 days for processing the above form, once the FAA has received it either via postal mail or fax. NOTE TO UK PILOTS: The Data Protection Act now requires your permission for the CAA to release any information to the FAA. Please check with the appropriate authorities (CAA) before submitting your 61-75 form to the FAA.

5.  After the FAA has processed your request, they will send you a Letter of Authenticity. You must bring this letter with you when you arrive to Florida. Please make sure you also bring all other pilot documentation with you as well (ie: foreign PPL, English transcript, medical certificate or endorsement, logbook) and a photo ID.

6.  You will need to register for an IACRA account before seeing the FAA inspector here in Florida to get your new FAA Private Pilot License. IACRA (Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application) is the system the FAA uses for an airman certificate or rating. Here are the steps to follow:

A - Navigate to http://iacra.faa.gov/iacra

B - Read through any notices or other important information on the home page.

C - Click the button labeled: "Register" located on the right-hand side of the home page.

D - Click on "Applicant" and then click "Next".

E - The very first question which asks you if you currently hold an airman certificate, click the radio button labeled "No".

F - Fill in all of the personal information, security questions and answers, user name and password, etc. and then click "Register".

You will then be assigned an "FTN": The FTN (FAA Tracking Number) is assigned to you by the FAA after you complete your registration in IACRA. Please record your FTN as it will be required later by your instructor and/or certifying officer. I suggest you write your FTN in your logbook where it will be accessible any-time you need it.

7.  Upon your arrival, we will set up a meeting for you with a local Designated Pilot Examiner. The examiner will then look over all of your documentation and issue your temporary FAA PPL.

8.  You must then complete a flight review with one of our instructors, who will then endorse your logbook. This will activate your FAA PPL as well as giving you a rental checkout for our aircraft.

Please note that this will only convert your license to a US Private Pilot License issued on the basis of your foreign Pilot License, therefore any restrictions you have on your foreign license (example: "no night flights authorized") will carry over to your converted US/FAA License. For a more formal and unrestricted conversion, contact our office.