One year from applying for the O1 visa to receiving the visa

As I wrote in "Obtaining an O1 Visa to Work in the U.S. as a Pilot", obtaining a visa has been a long-held dream of mine.

In this case, I will write down in simplified form from the date of application to the date of acquisition as a result.

April 2021

In April 2021, we decided on an attorney and began preparing documents. We realized that it was essential to re-acquire a Master CFI (MCFI), which was the key to this application, and began preparations for that as well.

Below are the photos and links to the article on how I first obtained my MCFI in 2008. I am very glad that I got it back then, and this second time around, I know the general gist of the process, so I was able to move forward faster.

June

I prepared and filed all the documents for the MCFI application, and since my attorney had explained to me the criteria for the O1 visa, I was able to prepare the O1 visa application at the same time.

August

We were able to get approval from MCFI. My attorney instructed me to obtain a letter of approval from NAFI (National Association of Flight Instructors), a U.S. pilot industry organization, stating that they had no problem with my coming to the United States. I was fortunate that this was the organization that was reviewing my MCFI certification, and after consulting with the MCFI program director, with whom I was in constant contact, he readily agreed.

September

We are finally able to begin requesting letters of recommendation. It was not easy to select prominent figures in the aviation industry who would be willing to recommend me. I was able to receive excellent letters of recommendation from seven people in Japan and the United States. I am grateful to them.

They wrote letters of recommendation that made me happy and filled me with tears, beginning with the following sentences

December

All materials are in order and the application documents are complete. The application was as thick as two phone books. Our lawyer informed us that we would be able to apply by the end of the year.

This is the moment I realized that I could never do it alone. A mass of U.S. government paperwork...

Below is just one example

January 2022

On the 13th I was informed by my attorney that I had filed my application, and on the 28th I was informed that I had passed the immigration review. I immediately applied for an interview, but there were not many openings, so the interview date was set for March 18, about two months later.

March

I had an interview at the U.S. Consulate General in Okinawa on the 18th and was informed on the spot that my visa was approved. It took one year from preparation to approval. But it took 30 years since I wanted to get a U.S. work visa. Lol.

The passport with the visa attached was mailed to my home on the 26th. While checking to make sure that the information was correct, I was still very happy. A smile naturally appeared on my face.

We contacted the sponsor and they said, "Come on! We're waiting for you!"

Waiting for me are "instructor pilots to teach me the basics" and "jet pilots" my ideal pilot life.

Bringing up many upcoming students from the FSO Pilot Academy!

FSO Pilot Academy welcomes collaboration with other schools!

The FSO Pilot Academy connects instructors, schools, and students!

We will also train pilots who will gain experience in the U.S. and become successful in Japan!

This desire is growing even greater.

Please join me. Please follow me and overtake me.