International Students
You can become a pilot in the US. We will help you.
Obtain a visa. Complete training. Become a pilot.
We are able to help our international students get their wings regardless of their flight status outside of the United States.
There are multiple different options available to you to obtain your training in the United States; the most common are both F-1 and M-1 visas.
- M1 Visa will allow you to be trained for getting Pilot License or additional ratings at any of the approved Courses in our School. When you achieve your goal and complete your training you shall be ready to get back to your home country.
- Students wishing to bring family over during their program, the family must be on the appropriate M-2 or F-2 Visa. In that case please contact the school to get a specific instruction.
- F1 Visa program is for aspiring International Students who wish to enroll in our Full Professional Pilot Programs. Which includes Private and Commercial Pilot Course followed with Certified Flight Instructor course and ratings. The total Program takes 15 months for completion. General Education requirements and previous flight training can be assessed for transfer credits by applying to the admission for determination. Upon the successful completion of CFI Course and getting rated you may apply to get a practice as Flight Instructors. After getting your Diploma, School can recommend you to post-graduation OPT (Optional Practical Training), to help build your time to 1500 hours to Airline Transportation Pilot Rating. Our graduates, who decide and are selected to stay with us as Flight Instructors typically built 70 to 100 instructing hours a month.
- Degree seeking students may also enroll in the College Programs with the participating Aviation Colleges or Universities. In such case after the graduation from our Professional Pilot program up to 40 credits will be transferred towards their relevant Associated or Bachelor Degree.
- Why International Students Choose Pelican
- USA Student Visas: F-1 vs. M-1
- How to Get Your Form I-20
- Admission Requirements & Pre-Arrival Checklist
- For Pilots With a Foreign License
- Flight Training Programs
- Cost of Training: USA vs. Other Countries
- Training Cost Calculator
- Student Life: Housing & Transportation
- Flight School Programs by Country
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why International Students Choose Pelican Flight Training in Florida
Looking for flight schools in the USA for international students? Every year, hundreds of aspiring pilots from over 50 countries choose Pelican Flight Training — and for good reason. South Florida offers some of the best flying conditions on the planet, and our school combines that advantage with four decades of proven results.
Our Key Advantages
- 40+ years of continuous operation (est. 1985) — one of the longest-running flight schools in the USA
- FAA Part 141 approved & ACCSC accredited — one of only ~4 nationally accredited flight schools in the country
- 365 days of flyable weather — no seasonal delays that add months and thousands of dollars to your training
- F-1 visa without university enrollment — we issue your I-20 directly, saving you time and money
- OPT pathway — F-1 students can work as paid flight instructors after graduation, building hours toward 1,500 for ATP
- Instructors trained in-house — all our CFIs are Pelican graduates, ensuring consistent teaching quality
- Airplane & helicopter programs — complete your entire aviation education at one school
Students from South Korea, Japan, China, Brazil, India, and dozens of other countries have trained here and gone on to fly for airlines worldwide. See what our graduates have achieved.
USA Student Visas for Flight Training: F-1 vs. M-1
International students training at flying schools in the USA typically enter on one of two visa types. Both are student visas, but they serve different goals. Here is a clear comparison:
| Factor | M-1 Visa (Vocational) | F-1 Visa (Academic) |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Quick certificate completion, return home after training | Full career program with work authorization in the USA |
| Programs | Any single course: PPL, IR, CPL, Multi-Engine, or combination | Full Professional Pilot Program (PPL through CFI) |
| Duration | Typically 3–12 months | Approximately 15 months for the full program |
| Work in USA after? | No — return home after completion | Yes — OPT allows you to work as a CFI and build flight hours |
| Hour building | Not available | Build toward 1,500 hours for ATP / airline hiring |
| University required? | No | No — Pelican issues I-20 directly |
| Family visa | M-2 for dependents | F-2 for dependents |
M-1 Vocational Visa: Fast-Track Training
The M-1 visa is ideal if you want to complete specific flight training courses and return home with FAA certificates. It allows flexible course combinations — from a single Private Pilot License to a full Commercial Pilot certification with Multi-Engine Rating.
- No university enrollment required
- Choose any course combination that matches your goals
- Family members can accompany you on an M-2 visa (contact us for instructions)
- Training duration depends on chosen courses (typically 3–12 months)
F-1 Academic Visa & OPT: Work as a Flight Instructor in the USA
The F-1 visa is our most popular option for international students who want to build a full airline career. Pelican's Professional Pilot Program (~15 months) takes you from zero flight experience to Certified Flight Instructor with all required ratings.
The key advantage: after completing the CFI program, you may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — work as a paid instructor at our school, earning up to $54,000 per year while building the 1,500 hours required for the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.
F-1 career pathwayF-1 Pathway: Zero to Airlines
- Enroll — Apply to Pelican, receive your I-20, obtain your F-1 visa
- Train — Complete PPL → IR → CPL → ME → CFI/CFII/MEI (~15 months)
- Work (OPT) — Instruct at Pelican, build 70–100 hours per month, earn while you learn
- Airline — At 1,500 hours, apply to regional airlines (many sponsor your type rating)
General education requirements and previous flight training can be assessed for transfer credits upon application.
Degree-seeking students may also enroll in college programs with participating aviation universities. After graduating from our Professional Pilot Program, up to 40 credits may transfer toward an Associate or Bachelor degree.
2–3 mo
1–2 mo
3–4 mo
2–3 mo
$54K/yr
Career ready
How to Get Your Form I-20 from Pelican Flight Training
The Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) is the document you need from an SEVP-certified school before applying for your F-1 or M-1 visa at the US Embassy. Pelican is authorized to issue I-20 forms directly — no university enrollment required.
- Submit your application — Fill out our online inquiry form or contact us by phone/WhatsApp.
- Pay the enrollment fee — Non-refundable $515 via wire transfer, credit card, or money order payable to Pelican Flight Training LLC.
- Send required documents:
- Copy of your passport photo page
- Bank statement confirming funds for training and living expenses (bring originals to the Embassy)
- English-language copy of your education records and CV (for English proficiency assessment)
- Proof of high school diploma or equivalent (if unavailable at arrival, school-assisted validation costs $250)
- If you have a pilot license: copy + latest logbook page
- If you have a sponsor: letter of financial support
- Sign the Enrollment Agreement — We send it after document review.
- Receive your I-20 — Pelican mails you the original signed I-20. The SEVIS ID number on this form is required to schedule your visa interview.
Admission Requirements & Pre-Arrival Checklist
Before you arrive at Pelican Flight Training, complete the following steps. This checklist applies to all international students on F-1 or M-1 visas.
High School Diploma Equivalence
Provide proof of graduating from a US high school or its equivalent. If you cannot present a certified equivalence at arrival, Pelican can arrange validation for $250.
English Language Requirements
All pilot training in the USA for international students is conducted in English. The FAA requires pilots to demonstrate English proficiency at ICAO Level 4 (Operational) or above — for aviation communications, written exams, and radio procedures.
We assess your English level from your education records and CV. If the DPE finds your English insufficient during certification, they may decline to issue your certificate. Contact us before applying if you have concerns about your English level.
TSA Registration (AFSP) & Background Check
The TSA Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP) requires all non-US citizens to complete a security background check before flight training. This applies to Private, Commercial, Instrument Rating, and Multi-Engine Rating.
Step-by-stepTSA Registration Process
- Register at flightschoolcandidates.gov — receive a user ID and password (keep for all future US training).
- Enter personal information — name, citizenship, passport, addresses (5 years), employment history, training request.
- Upload documents — passport info page and US visa as separate PDFs.
- Submit the application — do not forget to click "Submit."
- School validation — Pelican validates your training request in the TSA system.
- Pay $130 TSA fee for the background check.
- Fingerprints — schedule at a TSA-approved NATACS location. Bring passport and NATACS payment confirmation. Done once, valid for all future US training.
- Photo submission — on arrival, Pelican admissions takes your photo and submits to TSA.
- Approval — TSA notifies you and Pelican when you are cleared to begin training.
Important: TSA registration cannot begin more than 6 months before your training start date. Check email frequently — if TSA requests corrections, the process pauses until you respond.
| Course | TSA Course ID | Aircraft Type |
|---|---|---|
| Airplane Courses | ||
| Private Pilot / Initial FAA Certificate | 001 Initial License | C152, C172, PA28 |
| Instrument Rating | 002 Instrument Rating | C172, PA28 |
| Multi-Engine Rating | 003 Multi-Engine Rating | PA44 |
| Helicopter Courses | ||
| Private Pilot / Initial FAA Certificate | 001 Initial License | Schweizer 300C |
| Instrument Rating | 002 Instrument Rating | Schweizer 300C |
FAA Medical Certificate & Health Insurance
FAA Medical: You need a valid FAA Medical Certificate to fly solo. If yours is expired or you don't have one, our admissions team schedules a doctor's appointment after arrival.
Health Insurance: All international students must maintain medical insurance throughout training. If you don't have coverage, our team can help you apply. Learn more about insurance options for international students.
Your Visa Appointment at the US Embassy
Once you receive your I-20 from Pelican:
- Pay the SEVIS fee at studyinthestates.dhs.gov
- Pay the visa application fee at ustraveldocs.com
- Complete Form DS-160online (save your application ID)
- Length of stay: as per your Enrollment Agreement
- US address: Pelican Flight Training, 1601 SW 75th Ave, Pembroke Pines, FL 33023
- Schedule your embassy interview
- Bring to the interview:
- Passport valid for 6+ months after intended US departure
- Signed Form I-20 (Page 1, Student/Sponsor line)
- Admission letter / Enrollment Agreement
- DS-160 barcode page
- 2" x 2" photo
- Visa fee receipt + SEVIS fee receipt
- Financial evidence (bank statements)
- Proof of ties to home country (property, family, employment)
- After receiving your visa — verify all information is correct. Contact the embassy immediately if anything is misspelled.
Before Arriving at Pelican Flight Training
- Inform your school contact of your arrival date. Let us know if you need help with accommodation or airport transportation.
- Have originals ready for your first day:
- Passport with visa
- Certified high school diploma equivalence (or $250 for validation)
- FAA Medical Certificate (or we schedule it for you)
- All flight licenses and logbook
- Latest TSA/AFSP email
- Be ready to make your first payment per the Enrollment Agreement.
For Pilots With a Foreign License (ICAO/EASA to FAA Conversion)
Already hold a pilot license from another country? Pelican offers a complete ICAO/EASA license conversion program. The process:
- Register at IACRA and create an account.
- Start Foreign License Verification — upload your ICAO license and medical documentation.
- Wait for FAA approval (45–90 days).
- Examiner meeting — we schedule this upon arrival. Examiner reviews documents and confirms English proficiency.
- Flight Review per §61.56 CFR 14.
Note: If the examiner finds your English proficiency insufficient, they may decline to issue validation. Contact us if you need help with the process.
Learn About License Conversion
Flight Training Programs for International Students
Pelican offers both airplane and helicopter programs. The most popular options for international students at our flight school in Florida:
| Program | Duration | Visa | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zero to Airline Pilot (Program A) | ~15 months | F-1 | PPL → IR → CPL → ME → CFI/CFII/MEI |
| For PPL Holders | 10–15 months | F-1 / M-1 | Continue from PPL to CPL + instructor ratings |
| Foreign License Conversion | Varies | F-1 / M-1 | Convert ICAO/EASA to FAA + CFI courses |
| Private Pilot License | 2–3 months | M-1 | First FAA certificate, min. 40 flight hours |
| Commercial Pilot License | 2–3 months | M-1 | Fly for compensation, required for airlines |
| Standardization Program | 15 months | F-1 | CFI/CFII/MEI |
| Helicopter Professional Program | 18 months | F-1 / M-1 | Full helicopter career track PPL to CFI |
Limited-time offer40th Anniversary Special — Program A
To celebrate 40 years of training pilots, we are offering a limited-time discount on our flagship Full Professional Pilot Program A:
This price includes all training from zero experience to CFI certification. Download the full presentation (PDF)
Explore all programs and courses or speak with admissions to find the right fit.
Cost of Pilot Training: USA (Florida) vs. Other Countries
Why choose flight schools in Florida for international students over Europe or Asia? Here is a direct comparison:
| Factor | Florida (USA) | Europe (EASA) |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel cost | Lower (US aviation fuel significantly cheaper) | Higher fuel, higher landing fees |
| Flying weather | 365 days/year, almost no cancellations | 4–6 months poor conditions (Northern Europe) |
| Training time | CPL in ~15 months (zero to airline-ready) | Often 18–24+ months due to weather/scheduling |
| Landing fees | None at most training airports | Per-landing charges at most airports |
| License recognition | FAA recognized worldwide | EASA limited to EU without conversion |
| Work after training | Yes (F-1 OPT: build hours, earn income) | Generally unavailable for non-EU students |
Florida's combination of low costs, zero landing fees, year-round weather, and the F-1 OPT pathway makes it one of the most cost-effective locations worldwide for pilot training for international students in the USA. Read our full cost breakdown.
Training cost calculator
Answer six questions and get an all-in estimate: tuition from our published price list, FAA and examiner fees, living costs and gear. No email required to see the result.
Included in tuition
- Ground school
- Dual and solo flight time
- Fuel and maintenance
- Simulator time
- Aircraft for the checkride
- PPL, Instrument, Commercial and Multi-Engine
Not included
- FAA written exam fees
- DPE checkride fees
- FAA medical certificate
- Headset and supplies
- Housing and living costs
- Transport and personal spending
Your estimate
Tuition and the enrollment fee come from the price list. Everything else is an estimate.
Estimated total, all in
Professional Pilot Program (Airplane)
14 to 18 months at full time
| Cost line | USD |
|---|---|
| TuitionProgram price from the price list | $68,310 |
| FAA and examiner fees3 written exams at $175, 4 checkrides at $800 to $1,800, medical certificate | $3,825 to $8,075 |
| Living costs$750 a month, over 14 to 18 months | $10,500 to $13,500 |
| Gear and suppliesHeadset, tablet, subscriptions | $900 to $2,400 |
| Enrollment feeOne-time, non-refundable | $515 |
| Bundled price with a stage-based payment plan. | |
Get a written quote
Your estimate is attached to the message. We reply within one business day.
Student Life: Housing and Transportation in South Florida
Pelican Flight Training is at North Perry Airport (KHWO) in Pembroke Pines, part of the Miami metro area.
Practical Info for International Students
- Housing: We help with accommodation options. Shared apartments near the airport cost $700–$1,200/month per person.
- Transportation: Most students use a car or rideshare. The airport connects to I-75, I-95, and Florida Turnpike.
- Living costs: Budget $1,200–$1,800/month for housing, food, transport, personal expenses.
- Community: South Florida has diverse international communities with restaurants, stores, and events from many countries.
- Climate: Subtropical, warm year-round (25–30°C / 77–86°F). Light clothing is fine most of the year.
More details on our student life and student services pages.
Flight School Programs by Country
Dedicated pages with country-specific information:
- South Korea
- India
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Egypt
- Turkey
- Pakistan
- Israel
- Chile
- Peru
- Ecuador
- Mongolia
- Trinidad & Tobago
Don't see your country? We welcome students from everywhere. Apply now or contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions: International Student Pilot Training
No. The M-1 visa is for vocational training only and does not permit employment. After completing training, you must return home. To work as a flight instructor and build hours in the USA, choose the F-1 visa with OPT.
Typically 2–4 months: document review (1–2 weeks), I-20 issuance and shipping (1–2 weeks), embassy appointment (2–6 weeks by country), and TSA registration (2–4 weeks). Starting early gives you the most flexibility.
You need a certified equivalence of your high school diploma. If unavailable before arrival, Pelican arranges the validation process for $250. We recommend starting this before you travel.
We don't operate a dormitory, but our team helps students find housing near the school. Shared apartments in Pembroke Pines cost $700–$1,200/month. We also arrange airport pickup.
Yes. FAA requires ICAO English Proficiency Level 4 (Operational) minimum. All training, exams, and radio communications are in English. We assess your level during the application process.
In the USA, 1,500 total flight hours for the ATP certificate. Pelican's program gets you to ~250 hours. Through OPT as a flight instructor, you build 70–100 hours/month. More about airline pilot careers and salaries.
One of the best in the world. 365 days of flyable weather, diverse airspace near Miami, no landing fees, lower fuel costs. Students complete training faster and more affordably than in most other countries.
Full Professional Pilot Program A: $68,310 (40th anniversary special, normally $83,950). Individual courses like PPL start at $12,000–$15,000. See our complete cost breakdown or request a personalized quote.
Yes. Non-US citizens can earn full FAA certificates, from Private through Commercial and instructor ratings, at an SEVP-certified school. You need a student visa, TSA security clearance through the Alien Flight Student Program, and an FAA medical certificate. Pelican has been training international students since 1985 and currently has students from more than 50 countries.
Yes. Pelican is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program and issues Form I-20 for both F-1 and M-1 visas. F-1 is the academic route, tied to our ACCSC-accredited Professional Pilot Programs, and it opens OPT so you can work as a flight instructor in the US after graduation. Part 141 training is required for either visa, which is why Part 61 schools cannot sponsor you.
Choose F-1 if your goal is a full career program and the ability to work as a flight instructor in the US afterwards under OPT. Choose M-1 if you want a single certificate quickly and plan to return home, since it is a vocational visa without US work authorisation. The Professional Pilot Program is the usual F-1 choice at $68,310.
Budget for the I-901 SEVIS fee, the US embassy application fee, TSA Alien Flight Student Program processing, an FAA medical exam at $100 to $350, and your flights. These are government and third-party charges, not school fees, and the exact amounts are published by the issuing agencies. Admissions gives every applicant a current itemised list before enrolment.
Most students complete application, enrolment and document submission within a week, then allow 8 to 12 weeks for visa processing. TSA clearance and your FAA medical can run in parallel during that window. Classes start every month, so once your visa is approved you are not waiting for a semester to begin.
Most ICAO member states have a conversion route for FAA certificates, usually involving national exams and a checkride rather than retraining. Many of our graduates go home and convert, and many others stay in the US to instruct first and build hours. Check the current rules with your national authority before you enrol, since requirements change.
Ready to Start Your Pilot Career in the USA?
Join 40 years of international graduates who trained at Pelican Flight Training in Florida. Our admissions team guides you through every step — from your first inquiry to your first solo flight.
Fly From Your CountryStudents by Country & Language
Information in Your Language
FAA Flight training programs
FROM ZERO TO AIRLINE PILOT Commercial Pilot License in 10-15 months / Price $68,310 – Pay after visa approval
- FAA 141 approved & ACCSC accredited
- 35+ years of experience
Get Commercial Pilot License based on 2 types of training visas M1/F1:
- M1 Visa programs – Flexible course combinations
- F1 Visa program – Train, work, and build hours in the USA
Foreign Pilot Conversion build 1500 hours of flight experience
Convert your ICAO / EASA license to FAA and take CFIs courses.
- Get paid to fly and earn back up $54,000 as a certified flight instructor, , and continue building the required hours for airline pilot training at our FAA approved pilot training school.
- Join US regional airline for 1 year and be sponsored for the Type Rating
Become a CFI and build your flight expirience
Build 1500 hours airline hiring minimums.
- Get paid to fly and earn back up $54,000
- Join US regional airline for 1 year and be sponsored for the Type Rating
- FAA 141 approved & ACCSC accredited
Visa option: F1 – train, work, and gain experience in the USA
Learn more Start Flying
FROM PPL HOLDERS Commercial Pilot License in 10-15 months / Price $58,207 – pay after visa approval
Get Commercial Pilot License based on F1 Visa
- FAA 141 approved & ACCSC accredited
- F1 Visa – Train, work, and build 1,500 hours in the USA
- M1 Visa – Flexible training, return home after completion
- Multi-Engine Add-on and Instructor Ratings available
All Programs airlane and helicopter programs
- FAA part 141 & ACCSC accredited
- Since 1985 – 35+ years of excellence
- From zero experience to airline career
- airplane & helicopter courses for all Levels
- International student visa options (M1/F1)
Need help?
Get free consultation with our school officer about your aviation career and find the best path to your goals.
Explore Our Flight School – Watch the Video
Welcome to Pelican Flight Training, Florida's premier flight school offering one of the best training programs for pilots from around the world. We offer a structured program that will take you all the way from private pilot rank to ATP and airline readiness.
In this video, you'll learn what makes our flight school so special — the passion, the professionalism, and the world-class fleet of aircraft used for training. From your first flight to becoming a professional pilot, we will be with you every step of the way.
Take a look right now and see why training at Pelican isn't just about learning — it's about transformation.
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2000+Airplane Private Pilot Certifications
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1500+Airplane Commercial Pilot Certifications
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1500+Airplane Multi-Engine Pilot Certifications
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1000+Airplane Flight Instructor Certifications
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