Polityka i handel międzynarodowy · 7/11/2008

Exchange Visitor Program-Termination of Flight Training Programs

Since 1949 the Department of State (Department) has designated private sector and governmental entities to conduct training programs for eligible foreign nationals. For the past twenty years, such programs have included flight training activities. Currently, eight organizations facilitate the entry into the United States of approximately 350 foreign nationals annually for the purpose of flight training under the aegis of the Exchange Visitor Program and its J- visa. Regulations dealing specifically with flight training programs appear at 22 CFR 62.22(o). These eight Department of State designated flight schools are also certified by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to issue the Form I-20, which is needed to obtain an M visa. Regulations governing the M visa appear at 8 CFR 214.2(m). DHS is also responsible for the security-related screening of all alien flight training candidates. Regulations governing flight training candidate screening appear at 49 CFR 1552. In January 2006, the Department issued a Statement of Policy on J-1 Flight Training Programs (71 FR 3913, January 24, 2006) providing notice that it would henceforth not designate any new J visa flight training progr