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

Century Air is an FAA Part 141 certified flight school located at Essex County Airport (KCDW) in Caldwell, 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 programs, including the Private Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot Certificate, Multi-Engine Rating, Flight Instructor Certificate, and our Professional Pilot Program, which includes a guaranteed first officer interview with Republic Airways for qualifying graduates. Students may train from zero flight experience through to an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate entirely at our Caldwell, New Jersey facility.

Students Requiring an M-1 Visa

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. however; it is important to note that you are not permitted to train on a Visitor Visa (and some other types of visas).

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

How to Apply

International students must complete the following steps to attend Century Air:

1. Fill out a Century Air Student Application.
2. Fill out an I-20 Application (students requiring an M-1 Visa), and pay the $150 processing fee.
3. Prior to the I-20 being processed, international students on M-1 Visas must schedule a phone consultation with Century Air and confirm that training funds are available for enrollment at our Caldwell, New Jersey facility.
4. 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.
5. Bring your I-20 to your US Embassy or consulate to obtain the M-1 Visa.
6. Complete the TSA application by attending a fingerprinting appointment in the US upon arrival.
7. Schedule your enrollment date at Century Air, Essex County Airport, Caldwell NJ, within the first 30 days of your arrival in the United States.

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 through your first day in the aircraft at Essex County Airport in Caldwell, New Jersey.

What makes Century Air different from other NJ flight schools? Century Air is the only Garmin G1000 simulator in the Northeast, offers a guaranteed Republic Airways interview pathway, and has insurance-approved recurrent training. Century Air serves student pilots from across the New York City metro area, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Hoboken, Jersey City, and throughout Northern New Jersey.