| What's New Who must participate in the Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP)? Persons seeking flight training must submit a request if: They are not citizens or nationals of the United States; and They wish to receive flight training for any aircraft that will lead to an FAA certification or type rating, regardless of whether training occurs in the U.S. or abroad. There are four categories of training under the AFSP, each with slightly different information submission or threat assessment processes. The four categories are: Category 1: Candidates who seek flight training in the operation of aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight (MTOW) greater than 12,500 pounds and who do not fall into Category 2. Category 2: Candidates who seek flight training in the operation of aircraft with an MTOW greater than 12,500 pounds, and who: Are employed by a foreign air carrier that operates under 14 CFR part 1546; Have unescorted access authority to a secured area of an airport under U.S.C 44936(a)(1)(A)(ii), 49 CFR 1542.229; Are a flight crew member who has successfully completed a criminal history records check in accordance with 49 CFR 1544.230; or Hold an airman?s certificate that is recognized by the FAA or appropriate US military agency, and that permits the candidate to operate a multi-engine aircraft that has a certificated takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or more. Category 3: Candidates who seek training to receive an initial airman?s certificate of any type, multi-engine rating, or instrument rating for aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or less. Category 4: Candidates who seek recurrent training. ______________________________________________________________________________________ __ Processing Fee for Categories 1-3 Candidates now have a maximum of 10 attempts at paying the processing fee. After the tenth failure, the training request is canceled by our system and the candidate must submit a new training request. Please verify that your credit card is valid before attempting to pay the processing fee. Candidates will receive an email from AFSP with a subject "Fingerprint Instructions" when a successful payment has been verified. Although you may receive a notification from Pay.Gov for a successful payment, your training request will not be processed by AFSP until the payment is verified by TSA and you have been sent the "Fingerprint Instructions" email. Category 3 Candidates will receive an email with the subject "Permission to Initiate Training/Fingerprint Receipt" instead of an email with the subject "Permission to Receive Training" when all of the required information has been received and verified by TSA. Category 4 Providers may submit Category 4 training requests up to 180 days prior to the training start date. Category 4 requests submitted with a training date more than 180 days from the present date will not be processed. Providers may commence training for Category 4 candidates after receiving an email with the subject "Request for Training Application Received". Previously, this email had a subject of "Permission to Initiate Training Confirmation". Providers may now enter "NONE" as an option for the Airman's Certificate Type Rating (Aircraft Type) field when submitting requests for co-pilot students. Providers are not required to upload student photographs at the start of training for Category 4 requests. Providers may not commence or continue with Category 4 training if they receive an email with the subject "Status Pending". Providers must wait for further instructions before providing training. Candidates in Category 3 may commence training upon payment of the application fee and acknowledgement of receipt of their fingerprints by TSA. ______________________________________________________________________________________ ___ Candidate FAQs: What is the Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP)? The mission of the Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP) is to ensure that foreign students seeking training at flight schools regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) do not pose a threat to aviation or national security. Section 612 of the Vision 100 - Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act (Public Law 108- 176, December 12, 2003) prohibits flight schools regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) from providing flight training to a foreign student unless the Secretary of Homeland Security first determines that the student does not pose a threat to aviation or national security. Vision 100 transferred responsibility for conducting security threat assessments for foreign students seeking flight training from the Department of Justice to the Department of Homeland Security. On September 20, 2004, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued an interim final rule establishing the Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP). Legal notices are available on the Candidate and Provider menus. These include the notices about the Vision 100 - Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act, Paperwork Reduction Act, Information Verification, and Privacy and Security within the AFSP website. For more information, first review the Flight Training for Aliens and Other Designated Individuals; Security Awareness Training for Flight School Employees Interim Final Rule (IFR) 49 CFR 1552, which is available at http://www.tsa.gov/assets/pdf/IFR_Alien_Pilot.pdf. Also review the rulemaking docket, which contains exemptions, interpretations, and other legal documents associated with the IFR. The rulemaking docket is available at http://dms.dot.gov. For the AFSP rulemaking docket, click on "Simple Search" and then enter the docket number for the AFSP rulemaking docket (19147) and click on "Search". If you have further questions regarding legal notices on AFSP policy, please send questions with all relevant details by e-mail to AFSP.Help@dhs.gov. Who must participate in the Alien Flight Student Program? Persons seeking flight training must submit a request if they are not citizens or nationals of the U.S. and: They wish to receive flight training in the U.S. or its territories, regardless of whether training will lead to an FAA certificate or type rating; and/or They wish to receive flight training from an FAA-certificated facility, provider, or instructor that could lead to an FAA rating whether in the U.S. or abroad. (NOTE-Certain exemptions to AFSP published in 2004 and 2005 are still in effect). For further information regarding the Category 3 exemptions, consult the following links: http://dmses.dot.gov/docimages/p80/310342.pdf http://dmses.dot.gov/docimages/p79/302470.pdf Please see the Candidate FAQ section for explanations of the Candidate categories. What is the Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP) Process? Candidates log onto the AFSP Candidate website www.flightschoolcandidates.gov to submit their background information and flight training request(s). Candidates must create an AFSP account and submit a training request and the required documentation. The Candidate will then receive an email with detailed instructions on how to complete the application process. Each step must be completed before a Candidate advances to the next step. Once these items are completed, the AFSP performs a security threat assessment to determine whether the Candidate poses a threat to aviation or national security. Flight Training Providers log onto the AFSP website to enter flight training requests for Candidates who qualify for Category 4 processing. In addition, Providers may log onto the AFSP website to validate category 1-3 flight training requests, upload a photograph of a Candidate taken on the first day of flight training, and indicate whether a Candidate's training has been completed or not completed. Students in categories 1-3 must create their own AFSP accounts, through which they submit a training request. Each Candidate may only create one account and may not share the account with other Candidates. Providers and employers may not submit a training request for Candidates in categories 1-3. Failure to follow these account procedures will result in delay of the training request. How does the Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP) communicate with Candidates and Flight Training Providers? The AFSP primarily communicates with Candidates and Flight Training Providers via e-mail. Please ensure that your e-mail address is valid and accurate. Candidates may change their e-mail address by logging onto the AFSP website, and selecting "Assistance" > "Change your Email Address" from the folders presented on the left task bar. Candidates may view all e-mails sent to their e-mail address by logging onto the AFSP website, and selecting "Assistance" > "View Your AFSP Emails" from the folders presented on the left task bar. Candidates should include their training request ID number when corresponding with the AFSP. How do Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations relate to the Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP)? For questions related to FAA regulations and how they fit into the AFSP, please contact your Flight Training Provider or the FAA through your local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). What is the best way to find assistance with the AFSP process? Business Hours: The AFSP Help Desk is available to assist you between the hours of 8AM and 5PM (0800- 1700) EST Monday-Friday (except U.S. federal holidays or weather closures). So we can provide you with even better service, please follow these tips for contacting us: Always check the resources on our website first for answers to your questions. We commonly receive questions that are already answered in our Frequently Asked Questions page https://www. flightschoolcandidates.gov/afsp_faq.htm) or in our Application Guide https://www.flightschoolcandidates. gov/student_help.htm). These comprehensive resources were designed by AFSP to answer the majority of the inquiries we receive and should be the first stop for anyone with questions about the AFSP. If you do need to contact the Help Desk, please either email (AFSP.help@dhs.gov) or call – not both. The staff will respond to your questions as soon as possible. The AFSP Help Desk is a small but very busy team with a high volume of inquiries. Our goal is to provide you with high quality customer service from knowledgeable representatives. To reach this goal, we spend the day actively answering your phone calls, emails and voicemails and going the “extra mile” to answer your questions. Sometimes it may be difficult to reach us on the first ring, but if you leave a voicemail we do return your call the same business day, usually within a couple of hours. Emails and calls are answered on a first come first serve basis. Email is the fastest and most efficient way to send most inquiries, from status checks to fingerprint inquiries or questions about the application. Email also provides you with written documentation of your correspondence with us. For inquiries which are particularly lengthy or complicated or require written documentation, we usually request that you email us the information anyway. Policy inquiries should be emailed to AFSP; we are generally unable to cover most policy inquiries via phone. Our email address is AFSP.Help@dhs.gov. If you call and reach our voicemail system, please leave a message and we will return your call within a few hours on a first come first serve basis. Note: Calling repeatedly does not speed our response to your question and will delay our responses to your question and the questions of other candidates. The AFSP Help Desk is committed to returning your call during the same business day. When you leave a message, please speak clearly and slowly. Provide us with your name, phone number or email address, training request ID number if applicable, and a brief description of your question so we can return your call. Please note that if you call after 4:00 PM EST we may return your call the following business day. Our phone number is 571-227-4544. Are all Candidates required to have their fingerprints taken? Candidates applying for categories 1, 2, and 3 must be fingerprinted for the AFSP. Previous fingerprint submissions for the Flight Training Candidates Checks Program or any other programs are not accepted. Candidates must be fingerprinted by an AFSP-approved collector. Are Candidates required to be fingerprinted after submitting a new training request? Candidates that have previously submitted fingerprints and received confirmation of fingerprint receipt for a prior AFSP training request are not required to submit fingerprints again. The AFSP will use the on file fingerprints for all the Candidate's subsequent training requests. If you do not receive the Fingerprint Receipt email within seven days following the date of documentation accepted contact the AFSP at (571) 227-4544. When can a Candidate get fingerprinted? The fingerprinting process should be initiated ONLY after the Candidate has paid for the AFSP training request and both the Candidate and Provider have received the "Payment Received - Fingerprint Instructions" email. Fingerprints collected prior to receiving the email notification will result in fingerprint submission rejection. What can the Flight Training Provider do to assist the fingerprinting process? AFSP recommends that the Flight Training Provider coordinate with the Candidate to complete the fingerprint process. The Provider can assist in selecting the AFSP-approved fingerprint collector, and scheduling the appointment, and ensuring that the fingerprints are properly submitted. This helps to avoid delays in fingerprint processing. Where can a Flight Training Provider locate authorized fingerprint collectors? The Provider must locate the nearest fingerprint collection location which may include several commercial U. S. Airports and U.S. Federal, State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies. More information about the fingerprint locations can be found by logging onto http://www.tsc-csc.com/printoffices/ or by calling (703) 797- 2550 Can a Candidate get fingerprinted overseas? Fingerprinting of Candidates in locations outside the U.S. cities is now available through an expanded partnership with NATA Compliance Services. For more information on approved locations in international cities, please see http://www.tsc-csc.com/printoffices/ What forms of identification does the Candidate need to bring to the fingerprint appointment? On the date of the Candidate's appointment, he/she should go to the fingerprint collection location to submit fingerprints. The Candidate must bring the following items to the fingerprints collection location. IF THE CANDIDATE DOES NOT BRING ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS, HE/SHE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO SUBMIT FINGERPRINTS: A printed copy of the Fingerprint Instructions email; The Candidate's passport (if a non-resident alien), resident alien card, or U.S. driver's license (if resident alien); If required by the fingerprint collection location, the Candidate must bring fingerprints cards (2 are required) and a pre-paid shipping envelope (traceable means only, such as FedEx, UPS Next Day, etc.) What fields are required to be completed on the fingerprint cards? All fields on the fingerprint cards must be completed in order for the submission to be accepted. More specific instructions for completing all fields on the fingerprint cards is available in the Fingerprint Instructions email that is sent to the Candidate. What are the common reasons why fingerprint submissions are rejected? Fingerprint submissions collected from unauthorized collectors cannot be accepted by AFSP. Fingerprint cards that are received with incomplete or missing information will not be processed. Fields that are commonly missing information or are filled in illegibly include the following: Candidate's Full Name Candidate's Signature Candidate's Date of Birth Candidate's Place of Birth User ID Training Request Number Student Identifier Fingerprint Collector's Signature Date fingerprinted What happens if I get my fingerprints taken before I pay for my training request? Effective 17 April 2006, if a candidate submits or submitted fingerprints prior to paying for his or her training request and receiving the official AFSP fingerprinting instructions, the fingerprints are invalid and the associated training request(s) will be cancelled. The fingerprints will NOT be applied to any current or future training request. What can I do to avoid delays in my fingerprint processing? Tips for the AFSP fingerprinting process: The Candidate must receive their Fingerprint Instructions email before submitting fingerprints. Submitting fingerprints prior to receiving Fingerprint Instructions is a violation of AFSP policy and renders those prints invalid. The Candidate must print out the email with the Fingerprint Instructions and bring it to the fingerprint collector. Specific information must be included on the card to ensure proper handling and delivery to the proper clearinghouse. The fingerprint collector must follow proper procedure for collecting fingerprints. Common errors on the fingerprint cards that cause delays include: Incomplete information is entered on the fingerprint card, i.e.: name, date of birth, address, or reference numbers, Information is entered illegibly on the fingerprint card, The User ID on the fingerprint card is incomplete, inaccurate, or illegible. Prints must be sent via registered mail - traceable receipts should be kept for reference. Fingerprints must be submitted by the fingerprint collector directly to the Transportation Security Clearinghouse for processing. If anyone else is ever in possession of the fingerprints, the fingerprints will be rejected by TSA. The Candidate or the Provider should follow up with the Transportation Security Clearinghouse for fingerprint processing at (703) 797-2550 after seven (7) business days have passed since submitting fingerprints. Please contact the Transportation Security Clearinghouse before you contact AFSP. Make sure you say the fingerprints were submitted for the Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP) and have the specifics about your fingerprint submission (i.e. training request number, who took the prints, the date printed, where the prints were taken, tracking information, live-scan or ink-rolled, etc.). Also, make note of who you spoke with at the Transportation Security Clearinghouse in case of any problems. The Transportation Security Clearinghouse and NATA are both referred to as fingerprint clearinghouses, but they are not the same entity. When you contact AFSP, please know with which "clearinghouse" you spoke. When you call the AFSP Help Desk about the status of your fingerprints, the more information you can provide, the easier and more efficiently we can locate and resolve any potential issues. The best option for checking on your fingerprint status is sending an email to AFSP with your training request number, who you spoke with at the Transportation Security Clearinghouse and what information they provided. AFSP Application Guide This guide is designed to provide step-by step assistance to Candidates and Providers navigating the AFSP Flight Training Request Application process. It contains detailed, user-friendly instructions and tips to facilitate filling out the online application, choosing a category, sending documents, submitting the application and then checking the status of the training request. Simply click on the title of the section in which you are having difficulties. For help with this website, send an email to AFSP.Help@dhs.gov or call (571) 227-4544. Step 1: Basic Information Application Fields: Candidate Name (as it appears on Passport) The name must match the name on the passport EXACTLY. Ensure that any family names, middle names or maiden names listed on the passport are listed here. Gender Height (in inches or cm) Weight (in lbs. or kgs.) Date of Birth (exact or approximate) Birth Country Nationality Eye Color Hair Color Step 2: Other Names Candidates should provide any other names or aliases that they have used, or indicate that they have never used any other names. Any names listed on other documentation such as an airman's certificate or driver's license should be listed here if it does not match the name on the passport. Application Fields: Full Name Name Type (Includes: Birth Name, Maiden Name, Americanized Name, Legally Changed Name, Nick Name, etc.) Start Date End Date Candidate may also choose "Current". Step 3: Citizenship Information The candidate is required to provide current and historical citizenship information. If the candidate holds or held citizenship in multiple countries, they must list each instance of citizenship. Candidates may create as many citizenship records as necessary. Application Fields: (* denotes an optional field) Country of Citizenship Type (includes: Current, Dual, Historical) Only one citizenship record may be listed as "Current". Subsequent citizenship records should be listed as "Dual" or "Historical". * Qualification for Citizenship (i.e. "Birth Country" or "Naturalization") Start Date This is the date the Candidate became a citizen of the country listed. If they have been a citizen of the country listed since birth, the start date would be their birth date. End Date Candidate may also choose "Current". Step 4: Identification Numbers The candidate is required to provide information regarding the following documents: their current and expired passports, FAA Certificate and U.S. Visa, if applicable. Please see the Required Documents section below for clarification. Using the dropdown box at the bottom of the screen in Step 4, choose each document type and then select the "Add New Entry" button. The Candidate can add as many document entries as necessary. For tips on navigating this menu, see "Editing and Deleting Entries from the 'Identification Numbers' Menu" below. Required Document Information: (* denotes an optional field) Passport Information: Candidate must provide a record of their current and expired passport information. All candidates are required to list a current, unexpired passport in this section. NOTE: Candidates with refugee or asylee status should enter their "A" number in the passport number section and provide the date that they received refugee/asylee status, the Issuing Country and the City of Issuance. Refugees/asylees are required to submit a copy of their refugee or asylee documents and two forms of photo identification, such as a legal permanent resident card or driver's license. Application Fields: (* denotes an optional field) Passport Type (Options are: Diplomatic, Official or Regular) Passport # Date Issued Expiration Date Status (Options are: Current, Expired, Revoked, Suspended or Other- Not in List) Issuing Country/Passport Authority City of Issuance * Check here if passport was issued inside the country. Select this box if the passport was issued at a consulate outside of the country (For example, if it is a Chinese passport that was issued from a consulate outside of China, check this box). * Check here if passport has been re-validated. Select this box if the passport has been renewed. Note: Make sure to send a copy of the passport page showing the renewal dates. * Certificate Number Information: Candidate should list information regarding their U.S. or foreign airman's certificate (if applicable). This field is required for Candidates applying for Category 2, subcategory 1. The Candidate must also provide a copy of the airman's certificate indicating that they hold a rating for an aircraft over 12,500 lbs. Application Fields: Certification # / Pilot # (Options are: Diplomatic, Official or Regular) Date Issued Country of Issuance Airman's Certificate Type Rating (Aircraft Type) If Candidate does not hold any specific ratings for aircraft over 12,500 lbs., select NONE as the rating. If the Candidate holds multiple type ratings for aircraft over 12,500 lbs., they can choose "Add Rating" to list more than one. Airman's Certificate Type (Options are: Pilot Private, Pilot Student, Pilot Airline Transport Pilot, etc.) * U.S. Visa: If Candidate has a U.S. Visa, please enter this information. Do not list visas from non-U.S. sources. Application Fields: (* denotes an optional field) Visa Type (Select from drop-down box. Options are: A1, B1, B2, etc.) Permanent Residents should select "Xb- Lawfully Admitted for Perm Resident" as their visa type. Visa Number Date Issued Expiration Date Status Country of Residence when Issued * SEVIS ID Editing and Deleting Document Entries in the "Identification Numbers" Menu Editing a Document Entry: If you save a document entry and need to edit it, select that entry at the bottom of the page and choose "Edit". You can then edit the information in the entry and save the record. Deleting a Document Entry: If you would like to delete a document entry, select the entry you wish to delete at the bottom of the page and choose "Edit". Then select the "Delete Record" button. Step 5: Address Information Please provide ALL U.S. or foreign residences/addresses held for over 30 days, for the past 5 years. There cannot be any time gaps in the address history. After entering an address, hit the "Save Record" button. Enter your next address and hit the "Save Record" button again. Candidates can add as many addresses as necessary. Each address should appear in a box on the top of the screen. NOTE: Please include address apartment or room number when applicable. Application Fields: (*denotes an optional field) Type (Options are Current or Historical). Candidates cannot list two addresses for the same time frame. Start Date End Date If Candidate still lives at this address, select "Current". Street Address Include an address apartment or room number when applicable. P.O. Boxes are not an acceptable form of address. Candidates must use a physical address. Country / Passport Authority City State / Province * Zip / Postal Code Phone Number Include the country code for residences outside of the United States. To enter another address, click on the "Save Record" button and enter the next address in the boxes provided. If you save an address and need to either edit or delete it, choose "Edit" for that address at the top of the page. You can then edit it or select "Delete Record". Step 6: Employment Candidate should provide information regarding their current employer. If they are currently unemployed, type the word "unemployed" in the Employer and Occupation fields. Candidates are not required to provide information on previous employers. If Candidate is unemployed, self-employed, or a student, please state this in the Employer and Occupation fields, and list contact information for someone who can verify that status. Application Fields: Employer Contact Name Person who can verify Candidate's status Occupation Employer Phone Number Include country code for residences outside of the United States Employer Email Step 7: Training Details It is possible for a Candidate to have several active training requests at a given time. These requests may be for the same or different flight training providers. Each training request form will be processed separately; AFSP approval is valid only for the Provider listed in the application. The Candidate is required to provide the following information for each flight training Provider and course they are attending. After entering the first flight training Provider, hit the "Save Record" button. If applicable, enter the next flight training Provider and select the "Save Record" button again. Candidates can add as many Providers as necessary. Each Provider will appear in a box on the top of the screen under "Saved Requests -- Not yet submitted." For tips on navigating the "Saved Requests" menu, see "Editing and Deleting Training Requests from the 'Saved Requests' Menu" below. Application Fields: (* denotes an optional field) State If your Provider is international, ask them which state to select. Provider Name If the Provider is not listed, they may not be registered yet. Please ask them to contact us. * Student Identification # from school If the PROVIDER does not assign a Student ID # the Candidate should leave this field blank. Course ID # If the PROVIDER does not assign a Course ID #, enter "101". Course Name Should reflect the specific certificate or rating Candidate is pursuing (i.e. "Multi-Engine Rating" or "Private Pilot License"). Course Description Should reflect the specific certificate or rating Candidate is pursuing (i.e. "Multi-Engine Rating" or "Private Pilot License"). Aircraft Type Start Date End Date The AFSP considers these dates an estimate. Once Candidate receives approval, they have 180 days to begin training and 365 days to finish. Editing and Deleting Training Requests from the "Saved Requests" Menu Editing a Training Request: If you save a training request application and need to either edit or delete it, choose "Edit" for that training request at the top of the page. You can then edit the information in the application. Deleting a Training Request: If you would like to delete, or cancel, an application you have not paid for yet, select "Edit" for the training request you wish to delete. Then, select the "Delete Record" button. The "Cancel" button will return you to the previous page without making any changes or deleting the record. (Top) Step 8: Request Category In this section, the Candidate must select the category for which they qualify from Categories I-III. Please see the "AFSP Category Information" section below for a description of Categories I-III. If the Candidate selects a category for which they do not qualify, the AFSP will contact them via email. For each training request, there is a processing fee of $130 (USD) and the submission of fingerprints is required. If you have further questions regarding the AFSP Candidate Categories please view the Frequently Asked Questions section or contact the AFSP Help Desk at AFSP.Help@dhs.gov. AFSP Category Information Category 1: For Candidates pursuing training in aircraft over 12,500 lbs. who do not qualify for Category 2. Category 1 is generally for pilots who do not have a type rating for ANY aircraft over 12,500 lbs., and have never filled out a training request with the AFSP. NOTE: After the AFSP emails a Fingerprint Receipt to the Candidate, there is up to a 30-day wait period for approval. Category 2: Candidates pursuing training in aircraft over 12,500 lbs. must choose one of the following subcategories NOTE: After the AFSP emails a Fingerprint Receipt to the Candidate, there is up to a 5-business day wait period. Candidate holds an airman's certificate from a foreign country (or the U.S.) recognized by the FAA or a U.S. military agency. This sub category is for Candidates who have either an FAA or foreign airman's certificate that is recognized by the FAA with a type rating for an aircraft over 12,500 lbs. Candidate is employed by a foreign air carrier with a security program approved under the CFR. This sub category is for Candidates who work for a foreign airline that is considered a Security Approved Foreign Air Carrier by the TSA. Candidate must list accurate contact information for their employer, as we will need to contact them to verify employment. Candidate has unescorted access to a secure airport area under the CFR. This sub category is for Candidates who are on the Master Crew List Candidate is a flight crew member with a criminal history check under the CFR. This sub category is for Candidates who have submitted fingerprints for any TSA program. This includes Candidates who have submitted fingerprints to AFSP in the past. Category 3: For Candidates pursuing training in aircraft with a maximum certified takeoff weight of 12,500 lbs. or less. Candidates are only required to obtain AFSP approval for the following three training events: Initial airman's certificate Instrument Rating (IR) Multi-Engine Rating (MEL) Each of these three events requires a separate training request. All other training events on aircraft with MTOW of 12,500 lbs. or less are exempt from AFSP regulations, including CPL, ATP, CFI, CFII and MEI. Step 9: Upload Documents This section of the application is an interface provided to assist Candidates with submitting their required documents. Required Documents In this step, Candidates should select their training request. They must either upload or indicate that they will fax or email the following required document(s): A copy of their current, unexpired passport. Candidate must provide all pages of their passport that show their name, date of birth, the date of issuance, expiration date, passport number, and photograph. For Candidates applying for Category 2, subcategory 1: the Candidate must provide a copy of the airman's certificate indicating that they hold a rating for an aircraft over 12,500 lbs. Candidates with refugee or asylee status must submit a copy of their refugee or asylee documents and two forms of photo identification in this section, such as a permanent resident card or driver's license. Options and Tips for Submitting Documents Uploading: AFSP strongly recommends submitting documents via upload or email as these methods are more reliable and result in a higher quality image. The Candidate can upload a scanned copy of their document directly into the application. AFSP accepts the following file extensions: BMP, DOC, GIF, HTML, JPEG, JPG, PDF, and TIF. The file size must be less than 5 MB. Email: If the Candidate chooses to email documents, they should indicate in this step that their documents will be emailed. The Candidate should include their training request ID number in the subject line. Email documents to AFSP.Help@dhs.gov after paying for the training request. AFSP accepts the following file extensions: BMP, DOC, GIF, HTML, JPEG, JPG, PDF, and TIF. The file size must be less than 5 MB. Fax: If faxing, please select "I will fax a copy of this document instead of uploading." The Candidate should print the fax cover sheet or list their training request ID number on their document. The text in faxes must be legible and the photographs clear; All faxes that are too dark or illegible will be rejected. AFSP fax numbers are (571) 227-4532 and (571) 227-4534. The AFSP Help Desk cannot confirm receipt of faxes. Submitting the Training Request Application Once the Candidate has completed the training request application, they must return to the "Home" page and go to the "Current Flight Training Applications" section at the top of the page. To submit the training request, Candidate must select "Validate and Submit Application." If the application contains errors: Candidate must choose to "view errors" to see the specific errors and correct them. Once there are no errors in the training request, Candidate will see the option to "Submit Application" on the "Home" page. If there are no errors or all errors have been corrected: Candidate must read and then choose "I Agree" for the next three screens of legal documents before the training request is submitted. Selecting "Validate and Submit" constitutes an electronic signature. The applicant is the only person who can legally choose "I Agree". After the application is submitted, the Provider must review it. The AFSP will send payment instructions to the Candidate via email after the Provider acknowledges the training request. Training Request History: What Does the Status Indicate? Candidates can view their training request status online. After logging in, each of the Candidate's training requests is shown in the "Current Flight Training Applications" section of the account at the top of the "Home" page. This information can also be found in the "Assistance" folder under "Request Status Report". Draft: The Candidate has begun filling out the training application but has not yet submitted it. The Candidate should login to the account, select the "Home" folder and click on the "Validate and Submit" icon at the top of the screen. The Candidate will then see any errors in the application. After correcting the errors they must go back to the "Home" folder and select "Validate and Submit" again. If there are no errors, the Candidate must indicate "I Agree" to a series of legal statements before the application is fully submitted. Submitted: The training request has been fully submitted and is awaiting review by the Provider. The Provider logs into their account to accept or reject the training request. At this time, the Candidate may contact the Provider and ask them to review the training request application. Provider Rejected: The Provider rejected the Candidate's request because there were mistakes in the application or the Provider did not recognize the Candidate's request. The Candidate should then contact the Provider to inquire about the training request. "Provider Rejected" does not mean that the training request was denied by the AFSP. Provider Accepted: The Provider has accepted the Candidate's training request and the Candidate will receive payment instructions via email. The Candidate submits payment through his or her account online. On the "Home" page at the top of the page the Candidate will find a green dollar icon that will disappear when they complete the payment. After the AFSP processes the fee, the Candidate receives fingerprint instructions via email and should be fingerprinted by an authorized fingerprint collector in accordance with the fingerprint instructions email. If the Candidate or Provider has questions about the fingerprint process, they can go to the Fingerprint Process Frequently Asked Questions Illegible Passport/Security Document Received: The Candidate's passport and/or airman's certificate has either not been received by the AFSP or the copy sent was illegible. The Candidate should resend the documents via email to AFSP.Help@dhs.gov or fax them to (571) 227- 4532 or (571) 227-4534. Be sure to include the training request ID number with the resubmitted documents to ensure proper filing. For Category 2 Candidates: If an "Illegible/ Unreceived Security Document" email is received, follow the instructions in the email carefully. The email will indicate that AFSP does not have the Candidate's airman's certificate, passport or both. Insufficient Information: The Candidate has submitted a training request with incomplete or inaccurate information. The application is now in "Draft" status and they must correct the application as requested and resubmit it in order to continue processing. Candidates should carefully follow the instructions in the email to edit their training request application. After making the requested corrections, the Candidate must resubmit the application by going to the "Home" folder and selecting "Validate and Submit". The training request may require the Flight Training Provider to revalidate the updated information. However, the Candidate will NOT have to pay the fee again.. Documentation Accepted: This indicates that the Candidate's application, fee, and documents have been successfully processed and AFSP is ready to process the fingerprints. The Candidate is also eligible to obtain an I-20 form to apply for a visa. Fingerprint Receipt: Only Category 1 and 2 Candidates will receive this email, which indicates that the AFSP has received the Candidate's fingerprints. NOTE: A delivery tracking receipt does not constitute fingerprint confirmation--the only valid confirmation notice is the AFSP Fingerprint Receipt email. Category 1 Candidates now enter the 30 day wait period for approval Category 2 Candidates enter the 5 business day wait period Category 3 Candidates will receive a "Permission to Initiate Training/Fingerprints Received" email message after the AFSP receives fingerprints and all other documents. Final Approval Granted: The Candidate has been granted final approval for the training request. Training must commence within 180 days of approval and finish within 365 days of approval. Final Approval Rejected: The Candidate has been denied flight training by the AFSP. |
The TSA Rules
TSA's Alien Flight Training/Citizenship Validation Rule