instructing with a j-1 visa

[Russki]

Hi,
I'm a Canadian and wish to do all my training including CFI in the states.
I also want to instruct under the J-1 visa exchange program.
However, the school I'm interested in only offers M-1 visas.


Does anyone how I should proceed? It seems that US flight schools that do have a J1 program are highly expensive.

Does the issuance of the J-1 depend on the specific flight school, or on my personal credentials?

Thanks

[moxiepilot]

is there a reason why you are going with the J-1 visa versus the M-1 visa?

while there are more conditions which make you eligible for a J-1 visa, there are similarities to the M-1. For example, both visas correspond to various educational reasons for obtaining the visa.

To answer your last question, J-1 visas depend on the reason for visiting the country of an extended period of time, namely:

# Foreign medical graduates or physicians to pursue graduate medical education or training at accredited schools of medicine or scientific institutions

# Foreign students participating in exchange programs to promote the sharing of knowledge and skills in education, arts and sciences

# Research scholars to teach, conduct research, observe, or consult on research projects

# Au Pairs to live with an American host family

# Foreign nationals to pursue business and industrial training programs in the U.S.

# Professors to teach, lecture, conduct research, or consult at educational institutions, museums, libraries, or similar institutions in the U.S.

# Employees of International Communication agencies

# Research assistants sponsored by the national institute of health

# Foreign nationals to serve as counselors in U.S. summer camps

# Foreign nationals to obtain further academic qualifications or gain practical experience/training in a specific area of knowledge or expertise

# Foreign nationals who are recognized as potential leaders or experts to engage in observation tours, discussions, consultation, professional meetings, and training

# U.S. organizations authorized by the Department of State (DOS) to sponsor foreign nationals for training

See also though that M-1 visas are issued for:

* Foreign nationals to attend a full course of non-academic study at colleges, universities, or conservatories in the U.S.

* Foreign nationals coming to the U.S. to attend a full vocational course

So in my opinion you are probably eligible for an M-1 visa.

This might make your decision easier

[Russki]

Thanks moxiepilot,
I think I will be able to get the J-1 under the practical experience section, however, I'm not 100% sure.

The reason I'm interested in the J-1 is that it would allow me to stay on for at least a year as a working flight instructor. Whereas, the M-1 visa is only for training, once the training is finished I would have to leave.

What has been suggested is that I pursue my training with M-1 and then when I'm ready to work as a CFI, I should apply for J-1. But, I'm not sure if I would get the J-1 in that case.


Russki