I am heading to Florida in February 2009 to train as a pilot. The course lasts approximately 11 months but could be a week or so either side (taking into consideration the weather and other uncontrollable events).
Before I visit the embassy to arrange for my visa, I have had a read through the checklist and it tells me what I need to take along. One of the biggest problems is evidence to show that I intend to return to the UK.
I do intend to leave America as soon as my training is complete, but not knowing for sure how long training will take, I cannot book a return flight just yet. And having seen the ridiculously high prices of flexible tickets, I am not prepared to book one.
If I travel to America on a one-way ticket but with approximately �9,000.00 to my name, will that be sufficient to convince the embassy that I intend to book a return flight as soon as I know my course completion date?
If you're going to Embrey-Riddle, I'd contact them to see if they can help. They train a lot of foreign pilots and should have the ability to assist you... can't hurt, no?
They are looking for ties to the UK - you own a house, have family here, have a job to return to, that sort of thing.
The financial side is separate. They will want to know you can support yourself during your stay. Being able to afford a ticket home is while not exactly irrelevant a secondary issue.