A student visa is a type of non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to come to the United States to study at a U.S. educational institution. The student visa is commonly known as an F-1 visa, and it is issued by the U.S. Department of State.

To obtain a student visa, a foreign national must first be accepted by a U.S. educational institution that is authorized by the U.S. government to enroll foreign students. Once accepted, the institution will issue a Form I-20, which is a document that certifies that the student has been accepted and is eligible to apply for a student visa.

To apply for a student visa, the foreign national must submit the Form I-20, along with other required documents, to the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. The required documents typically include a valid passport, proof of financial support, and evidence of ties to their home country, such as a job or family.

During the visa application process, the foreign national will also be required to attend an interview with a consular officer, who will determine if they meet the eligibility requirements for a student visa. The consular officer will evaluate the applicant's intention to study in the U.S., their financial resources, and their ties to their home country.

To maintain their student status, the foreign national must enroll in a full course of study and make satisfactory progress towards their degree. They must also maintain a valid F-1 visa, keep their passport valid, and comply with other immigration regulations.

Additionally, foreign students in the U.S. on an F-1 visa are allowed to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during the summer and other breaks. They may also be eligible for off-campus employment under certain circumstances, such as internships or employment related to their field of study.

In conclusion, a student visa, also known as an F-1 visa, allows foreign nationals to study at a U.S. educational institution. To obtain a student visa, the foreign national must be accepted by a U.S. educational institution, submit required documents, and attend an interview with a consular officer. Once in the U.S., they must maintain their student status by complying with immigration regulations and making satisfactory progress towards their degree.