What is a USA Study Visa?

A (F or M) Student Visa is required for foreign nationals to study in the United States. Foreign nationals will not be able to study in the US if they have entered through the visitor (B) visa or through the VWP (Visa Waiver Program). You can however undertake recreational studies on a tourist visa.

Types of Student Visas in the United States

The F1 visa is issued to international students for academic studies. It is issued to students attending a regular academic or an English language program.
It is the most common of all the USA student visas.
F1 student visa holders are required to maintain their full-time student status and are allowed to work part-time to a maximum of 20-hours per week.
International students holding an F1 visa are required to complete their course before the expiration of their I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status).

Here are the eligibility criteria you need to meet to apply to US universities:

Here are the eligibility criteria you need to meet to apply to US universities:
Have a completed application form
Proof of Secondary School completion (12 years)
Certificate of English language proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL)
Evidence of financial support (with the I-20 form)

Documentation Required for a USA Student Visa

You would generally need to provide the following documents along with your application for a student visa:
1) Requisite application form duly filled and signed
2) I-20 showing that you are enrolled in a US universities
3) Valid passport for at least 6 months beyond the period of stay
4) Recent passport size photographs
5) Receipt of payment of visa processing fees
6) Confirmation page of DS-160
7) Documents to show you are a bonafide student
8) Payment of application fee for SEVIS
9) Documents to show sponsorship
10) Documents to show availability of funds