Admission Process for International Students
The United States Transportation and Security Administration (TSA) requires that non-U.S. citizens meet specific requirements in order to be admitted into U.S. flight training programs. In an effort to help you meet these requirements, we have organized the process into seven steps, explained in detail below. Our goal is to make this process as easy as possible for you.
STEP 1
Complete the International Student Application for Admission form, and the International Student Enrollment Agreement, and mail them back to Northwest Aviation College at the address on the bottom of this form.
(When we receive this information, we will issue you a Student Account Number, and either mail or email it to you so you can proceed with Step 2.)
STEP 2
A Northwest Aviation College International Student Advisor will review your application and contact you in order to arrange a time to discuss your goals by telephone or in person. Based on this conversation, you will be given the necessary information to move on to Step 3.
STEP 3
Register with the Transportation and Security Administration through their website at https://www.flightschoolcandidates.gov. You will be asked to create a new account so that you can enter the system. You need to know the following information in order to register with the TSA:
Candidate Category: Category 3
Name of School: Auburn Flight Service (College's parent company)
Name of Course: (Provided during Step 2)
Course ID Numbers: (Provided during Step 2)
Length of Program: (Provided during Step 2)
Type of Aircraft used: (Provided during Step 2)
Payment for background check: Approximately $130.00 (US)
STEP 4
Once the TSA preliminary background check comes back approved, The TSA will email you instructions on getting fingerprinted. The cost for fingerprinting will vary depending on the agency that provides this service. Follow the instructions provided in the packet. Many international students entring the U.S. from abroad, will need to complete this step once they enter the United States. For those individuals, Step 5 will follow Step 6.
STEP 5
Upon receiving your returned fingerprint packet, the TSA will conduct a background check and notify both you and the College that it is okay for you to begin your flight training.
STEP 6
Upon receiving approval from the TSA, Northwest Aviation College will send you a VISA I-20 form for an M-1/F-1 Student Visa. Proof of financial ability (Bank Statements or Letter of Credit) to cover the cost of your program of study is required at this point since it must be entered into the Form I-20. At this point, you must get your Visa issued through the American Consulate before entering the United States.
STEP 7
Upon entering the United States, you will need to contact Northwest Aviation College to complete your enrollment process and begin flight training!
Most of this process is handled via email and online, so it really isn't that difficult or time consuming. If you have any questions, just let us know. We are here to help you as needed.