International Students

WORLD-CLASS U.S. FLIGHT TRAINING FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS. OCFC accepts international students seeking U.S.-based flight training at a commercial airport. Training at John Wayne Airport provides global-level experience respected across the aviation industry, and OCFC helps with every document required — application and enrollment, SEVIS Form I-901, the M-1 student visa, TSA clearance, and OCFC training documents — including temporary living arrangements.

For enrollment purposes an international student is a foreign national domiciled outside the United States who is not a citizen or permanent resident and holds no visa permitting residence or employment in the U.S. All non-U.S. citizens, including permanent residents and visa holders, must be TSA-approved before commencing flight training.

THE ENROLLMENT PROCESS. Admission is open year-round with new training starting on the first of every month; flight training runs 8 AM – 8 PM daily including weekends and holidays.
Step 1 — Confirm your eligibility as described in the catalog.
Step 2 — Complete and submit the OCFC International Student Enrollment Application (application fee $550, including insurance and I-20 mailing).
Step 3 — Attach a copy of your passport, your high-school certificate, and a bank statement establishing financial means for training, living expenses, and accommodation (or a written declaration of an approved bank loan).
Step 4 — On review of your application you will be scheduled for an online interview with OCFC staff.
Step 5 — On acceptance you receive an official Letter of Acceptance and Form I-20 signed by a SEVIS designated school official.
Step 6 — Log on to SEVIS and pay the I-901 fee (fmjfee.com); details must match your passport and I-20 exactly.
Step 7 — Schedule an M-1 visa interview at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate; complete Form DS-160 first; bring a passport valid six months beyond entry and passport photos.
Step 8 — On visa approval, inform OCFC and schedule your arrival. OCFC staff greet you at John Wayne Airport and assist with TSA registration and fingerprinting.

FULL-TIME PART 141 AIRLINE PILOT PROGRAM — INTERNATIONAL. Total fees $62,500, or an installment plan of $25,000 down plus five monthly payments of $9,500 (total $72,500). Estimated non-tuition expenses of about $3,000: TSA registration $130, fingerprinting $100, FAA medical $200, course materials $1,200, FAA written exams $175 each, checkrides $1,100–$1,300 each; in-person ground school included. Accommodation: shared housing in California from $1,200 per month, single occupancy $1,500–$2,500 per month.

OCFC trains with the King Schools and Cessna companion apps, ForeFlight Business Pro with logbook, and Schedule Pointe. Students receive OCFC shirts and lockers; renter's insurance is expected consistent with the aircraft rental agreement.

OCFC INDIA. OCFC maintains a dedicated admissions pathway for students from India, with catalog, application, and financing guidance (including Yes Bank education-loan partnership) tailored to Indian applicants. Contact admissions for the India catalog.

Useful U.S. government resources: SEVP regulations, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, and Study in the States (studyinthestates.dhs.gov).