Dispatcher International Students Are Welcome!

At Sheffield School of Aeronautics, we welcome people of all different genders, backgrounds, and countries of origin. As the oldest aeronautics school in the country, we have worked with students from around the globe in helping them get their aircraft dispatcher license. In fact, our international students studying aircraft dispatching usually comprise 40-80% of our class roster!

 

SEVIS

Our aircraft dispatching school is Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) approved. SEVIS approved schools allow international students to study in the United States. If you want to be an international dispatcher student in the United States, you must choose a school that is approved by SEVIS.

VISA Information

If you want to be aircraft dispatcher international students, you will need a visa. We recommend beginning the application/I-20 processing at least 3-5 months prior to the start date of your desired aircraft dispatcher coursework. You may want to start the process even earlier if you are from one of the countries listed in the General Visa Information below. This wait period is due to increased security procedures, delayed U.S. Embassy appointments, and M-1 visa issuance delays.

Also, the Department of Homeland Security has instituted an additional fee, paid directly to them, for students applying for an M-1 (student) visa. This fee is on top of the $300 I-20 processing fee paid to Sheffield. If you are looking for more detailed information on the visa process for dispatcher international students, you can visit the sites below.

  1. https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov (Study in the States)
  2. http://www.fmjfee.com (To pay the SEVIS I-901 fee)
  3. I-901 form (includes specific instructions) (pdf file)

It is also important to note that TWO forms of photo identification are required with BOTH IDs showing full names that match exactly for all classes.

Certificate Conversion for International Aircraft Dispatching Students

There are not really any “conversion” courses to become an aircraft dispatcher within the USA, but there is additional certification.

You can qualify for a reduced residency hours course by referring to our flight dispatcher training and reading the prerequisites for either the 3-week, 2-week, or 1-week residency courses. These shorter residency courses require strict ADX and online course completion prerequisites to be met beforehand. Our 5-week (full residency & most popular) course DOES NOT have any strict prerequisites, but still presents a challenge.

 

 

BEWARE: Warnings to International Students Studying Aircraft Dispatching

Please note that according to the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), it is NOT LEGAL for a successful graduate of aircraft dispatcher training to receive final certification (the FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate under FAR Part 65) via practical examination testing OUTSIDE OF THE U.S.A.

There are ZERO permitted exemptions (including Part 142) to this rule no matter what you’ve been told by certain course operators running training classes outside of the U.S.A. We have seen how this situation has resulted in more than a few licenses being SUSPENSED, SURRENDERED, or REVOKED in the past. Operations were also suspended at more than one “internationally-based aircraft dispatcher training school” once the proper FAA authorities were alerted. Luckily as an FAA-approved knowledge testing center, students are able to take the test at our facility.

Part 65 Dispatch Certification in Spanish and Other Languages

Do not be deceived. People try to take advantage of dispatcher international students. Do not pay for a soon-to-be-revoked certificate. The law mandates that the test must be in English. Do not pay 2 tuition amounts and attend 2 courses on 2 different continents for 1 legal certificate. Do not believe the “schools” that have been in business for less than a decade. Instead you can trust our aircraft dispatcher school that has been in business for six decades and have been helping dispatcher international students like you. We will gladly provide you with FAA references; just call or email us.

Examples of Scammed Students

All too often students are led in the wrong direction and deceived. You can see some specific examples of these instances below.

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 11:19:26 -0700 (PDT)

To: morris@sheffield.com

Subject: aircraft dispatcher license conversion and ETOPS

hi mr morris,

I am licensed aircraft dispatcher having license from civil aviation Pakistan. I am residing in (Middle East) and working in xxxxxxx airlines in ground operation. I wanted to convert my license from FAA and ETOPs certification as xxxxxxx airlines flight operations department is giving preference to those dispatchers who are holding FAA license and especially from your school. please guide me, how can I convert my license and what will be the minimum cost (tuition + boarding and lodging fees) and how many days classroom training I require?

best regards, S.Z.

Based on the following type of email, which we recently received from this unlucky person, being SEVIS-approved may be meaningless at some schools:

From: p——-@xxxxxx.–>

Date: Sun, 02 Sep 2007 10:18:34

Subject: URGENT URGENT APPLICATION

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am —– —— from xxxx working for xxxx Air and recently (sic) I got promoted to Flight Operations department and I am getting my new salary after I complete my FAA Dispatch License. I had registered with (a school in Texas) and after all admission process I have already Obtained My Leave from the company & USA M1 VISA, Transit Visa for UK and Tickets to DFW with me. But suddenly they cancelled the class and I am in a trouble. I have leave from 19SEP2007 to 02NOV2007 and I need to Enroll with your any of the Courses going on these days. Even the 4 Weeks expressed (sic) course is alright since I work for Operations. Please Reply Me Immediately (sic) and I am willing to Pay your Fees Now even, and I need Accommodation as well.

Please find out and reply (to) me fast…

THANKS

Another “school” called us years ago to send us an international student. Why? Turns out they did not want to run a 1-person class. They called 2 days before their class start date when the student was already in the USA. With Sheffield School of Aeronautics, you do not need to worry about this happening to you. We have never cancelled a certification course.

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    “Their reputation of excellence amongst the industry is second to none. Sheffield School of Aeronautics should be seen as the standard of how it can be done and how it should be done. I was hired at a major airline with no dispatch experience.” A.Z. Sidebar AZ
    “I entered my profession, with more knowledge and information than dispatchers who have been practicing their craft for more than ten years. Not only has Sheffield provided a top notch education, but they have also instilled in me the confidence to succeed.” A.Z. Sidebar AZ – Student Testimonial
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    Good afternoon Eric, I wanted to reach out to let you know that training at (airline) is in full swing and I couldn’t be happier that I chose Sheffield. My classmates, while very smart, definitely had subpar training and that has been very evident. I have waited to write a full scale review of the […] Attending Sheffield School benefits airline new hires in preparation for airline training
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    “While touring my company’s dispatch department before I had my license our OCC manager pointed out that 7 of the 10 dispatchers on shift had come from Sheffield. The overall consensus was that Sheffield grads were able to hit the ground running as they were better prepared.” K.O. Sidebar K.O.
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    “After receiving my certificate, I joined a class of 4 experienced dispatchers for Part 121 initial training. Without experience, my preparation at Sheffield enabled me to become active at the same time after the initial training.” PR PR
    “I wanted to tell you I got the job offer from Expressjet, and start next month! I think a couple others from class were hired as well. It just shows the Sheffield reputation when I see graduates from other schools complaining that they can’t get an interview – I wasn’t even back home to Minneapolis […] Dan Gustafson
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