Generally, F, M and J visas are considered to be “student visas.” The F visa is the most commonly issued student visa.
An F-visa is issued for foreign full-time students in the United States. This usually means 12 credits (i.e. four three credit classes per semester). This requirement may be changed only under rare circumstances, (i.e. in case of a serious disease). While you generally may not maintain employment while an F-visa holder, you may work on campus up to 20 hours during the semester. During the summer, the student holder of the visa may work full-time on campus. However, working outside the campus may result in removal proceedings if the word gets back to USCIS. While it’s technically possible to receive work authorization outside of the campus for economic hardship, getting such petitions granted is very difficult. The student’s spouse may not work in the United States because spouses holding the F-2 visa are absolutely forbidden from working in the U.S. and will generally not receive an Employment Authorization. Knowledge of the English language is not always necessary, as students may come to the U.S. to study English. However, schools often require an English language proficiency exam (TOEFEL) or any other exams such as the GRE or the LSAT. An F-visa also allows a student to receive a driver’s license in the United States. You may change your B-2 visa to an F-1 visa by filing form I-539 with the USCIS, but if you attempt to do it immediately after admission to the U.S., while technically possible, it may be denied as too suspicious. You can also change status from an F-1 to a B-2. An F-1 holder may apply for an H1B after the completion of studies. An F-1 holder who’s out of status (such as during the 60 day period given for him to leave the U.S.), may not change status to a different visa.
In order to change schools, the student must provide a new form I-20AB issued by the new school. After the completion of two semesters of study, you may seek to receive Optional Practical Training for a year following receipt of your degree per each degree received.
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