International Student Training in New Jersey: TSA and M-1 Visa Authorized

Century Air is a FAA Part 141 Approved flight school located at Essex County Airport (KCDW) in Fairfield, New Jersey, approximately 30 minutes from New York City. We are authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant students and hold both TSA security clearance authorization and M-1 Visa approval for international pilot training in the United States. International students may enroll in any of our FAA pilot training courses, including the Private Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot Certificate, Multi-Engine Rating and Flight Instructor Certificate (CFI, CFII, MEI), or combine the courses and attend the Professional Pilot Program, which is designed for career focused pilots. Students may train from zero flight experience to preparation for an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate entirely at our Fairfield, New Jersey facility.

Students Requiring an M-1 Visa

Century Air flight instructor meeting student at airplane

The application process for international students requires a few steps. Students who are legally living in the United States on a valid Visa may not need to apply for an M-1 Visa. Many Visa’s allow you to receive training as a secondary activity (not as your primary reason for living in the USA) while some do not permit you to receive flight training or may be limited on the type of training allowed.

All international students and non-US citizen students are required to apply for TSA (Transportation Security Administration) approval to train in the USA. For more information on the process of gaining TSA approval, you can access our TSA Instructions here.

Century Air is authorized under Federal Law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students. If you require an M-1 Visa to attend training, you must first apply by submitting an SEVP I-20 Application to Century Air. Once you have completed this application, we will set up a virtual student interview and review your documents and application for attendance. Please refer to the M-1 Visa Procedures Guide for step by step instructions on how to apply and complete the process.

You should begin the application process for the Visa at least 120 days prior to your program start date.

How to Apply

Century Air M-1 Visa international student pilot program, Caldwell NJ near New York CityInternational students must complete the following steps to attend Century Air:

  1. Fill out a Century Air Student Application and I-20 Application and return them to Century Air (info@centuryair.com) with a copy of your current passport.
  2. Schedule an appointment to attend a zoom consultation with a Century Air SEVP School Official. During this meeting, the documents will be reviewed and eligibility for enrollment will be determined.
  3. Send any additional documentation as requested at the meeting. Students must also provide official bank documentation to show proof of dedicated funds for tuition and living expenses during the expected period of training.
  4. Pay the I-20 processing fee of $175. Receive your I-20 and schedule your appointment at the US Embassy in your home country. Bring your I-20 and supporting documentation to the appointment with the Consulate to obtain the M-1 Visa.
  5. Complete an on-line application for TSA clearance (to train in the US) at https://www.fts.tsa.dhs.gov. For information on completing this form, click here.
  6. Complete the TSA application by attending a fingerprinting appointment in the US upon arrival.
  7. You may enter the USA up to 30 days prior to your program start date. Schedule your enrollment date at Century Air, Essex County Airport, Fairfield, NJ, upon your arrival in the United States and within the 30 days prior to your start date.

The application process typically takes a minimum of 120 days from the start of your M-1 Visa application to your enrollment date at Century Air. We encourage prospective international students to contact us as early as possible to discuss program options, training timelines, and funding requirements. Our staff are experienced in guiding international students through every step of the process, from your initial inquiry to your first day aircraft lesson at Essex County Airport in Fairfield, New Jersey.

Flight Training Programs at Century Air

> Learn to Fly
> Pilot Certificate Courses
> Pilot Rating Courses
> Professional Pilot Programs
> Cirrus Transition Training
> Proficiency Training
> International Students
> Tour the Facilities
> FAQ

Testimonial

“When moving here to pursue my American Dream, I had no idea that I would actually find it up in the sky. Thanks to the exceptional guidance and most professional training at Century Air, I am now a commercial pilot and certified flight instructor. I gratefully continue to rely on their exceptional experience and services to even further improve my flying skills.”

Beatrice Uerlings, US-Correspondent, German TV and Radio, international student from Germany, Century Air Private Pilot to Commercial Pilot and CFI graduate, trained at Essex County Airport, Fairfield, NJ

Beatrice Uerlings, German TV correspondent and Century Air international student, now a commercial pilot and CFI

Why choose Century Air for my flight training in the USA?

For more than 50 years, Century Air has provided quality flight training for pilots pursuing recreational flying to a professional airline career. Our graduates have gone on to fly professionally for airlines throughout the United States and around the world, creating a proven record of success that spans generations of pilots. When you travel to the USA for your flight training, choosing the right school is an important investment in your future. Century Air offers the professional training environment, experienced instructors, structured career-focused programs, and commitment to quality you need to build the skills and confidence to achieve your aviation goals—all from our convenient Northern New Jersey location, just 30 minutes from New York City.