For you to study in the United States, you need a student visa. The school you intend to attend and the course of study determine what category of student visa you will be applying for. The J-1 visa is meant for research scholars, exchange visitors and professors. M-1 visa is for those attending a vocational or technical course or other non-academic institution. If you want to attend a college, university, elementary school, high school, seminary or language training course, the appropriate visa type is the F-1 visa. You should have applied to study in the institution of choice and must have been accepted before you can apply for any of the categories of the student visa. The admission letter from the institution you have been admitted to is mandatory. It is also necessary to provide proof of accommodation. Those with an M-1 visa may not work until their have completed their study. F-1 allows you to do on-campus work with restrictions. Minors should ensure their parents sign the application form.