Sporty’s Academy is approved under the US Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) for Visa sponsorship of non-US citizens. M1 Student Visas are available for qualified individuals wishing to train with Sporty’s at the Clermont County Airport (I69) in Cincinnati, Ohio USA – a major metropolitan area.

As a Visa-sponsored student at Sporty’s Academy, you’ll complete a 3-step application process described below. Please email us at [email protected] with any questions and be sure to include the details of your training request.

Questions about hotels and apartments?  View housing options at SportysAcademy.com/travel.

Step 1 – Complete the Sporty’s Academy Application & receive approval & confirmation for your training.

Prior to completing the Application, it’s important that you understand the pre-requisites for flight training described in the application.

1) You must be able to read, speak and understand English to ICAO level 4 standards.

2) You must remit a $1,000 deposit at the time of application including a non-refundable, $250 application fee and submit proof of resources to pay all expenses associated with your training.

3) You must be eligible for an M1 Visa as determined by the US Department of State and receive security clearance from the US Transportation Security Administration. Learn more about student Visas here.

Access the Enrollment Application here.

Step 2 – Obtain M1 (Vocational) Visa from a US Embassy or Consulate utilizing your Sporty’s-issued US Immigration Form I-20.

Once your application is approved by Sporty’s Academy and training dates are confirmed, Sporty’s will issue an original Form I-20.  Once you receive the I-20 in the mail, you’ll need to make an appointment with a US embassy or consulate office to obtain your M1Visa. Processes & procedures, as well as wait times, can vary depending on your location.

Please visit the US Department of State website to find a location near you and specific procedures for obtaining your Visa.  Additional fees may be incurred from Department of State.

Step 3 – Apply and receive a determination of eligibility from the US Transportation Security Administration for flight training in the US.

US Transportation Security Administration requires a security background check and clearance for any non-US citizen taking flight training in the US.  Be sure to check out the detailed Candidate Guide on the website if you have any questions on this process. Please create an account on the TSA site and complete the application process in order for TSA to conduct their Security Threat Assessment (STA). This process is subject to a $140 application fee and $99 fingerprint processing fee. Please be prepared to submit personal, background information as well as Passport and Visa information.

You will select Sporty’s Academy, Inc. as a flight training provider after the TSA has emailed you a Determination of Eligibility from your STA. We are located in Ohio (OH). A determination of eligibility is good for up to 5 years unless limited or revoked by the TSA.

Access the TSA Application Guide and Create an Account Here.