Visas: If you are not a resident, you must obtain either an M-1 visa (vocational training, requiring return home) or an F-1 visa (allows academic/vocational training and limited Optional Practical Training, or OPT, often working as a Certified Flight Instructor).

Riverside Flight Academy(RFA) does not issue visas but we can train anyone who is residing in the US or under a valid Visa. 

Through our partnership with San Bernardino Valley College San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC), foreign students can now apply and enroll there for their aviation college course and do the flight training at RFA. 

TSA Approval:
Non-U.S. citizens must clear a background check through the Transportation Security Administration’s. The TSA approval takes about 10-14 days and must be completed before starting training. Go HERE and create an account to start the process. Select RFA as your school and we will be notified.

English Proficiency: Because FAA air traffic control, manuals, and radio communications are strictly in English, you must prove language proficiency (via tests like TOEFL, IELTS, or school evaluations).

Medical Certificate: You need to hold a valid FAA First-Class or appropriate medical certificate, which can typically be obtained at a U.S. medical examiners office upon arrival. Go to MedXpress and fill out the application.