The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant student visa that allows international students to study full-time in the United States. It is required for students who want to enroll in academic programs such as universities, colleges, high schools, or English language institutes. Anyone planning to study in the U.S. for more than a short-term course must apply for an F-1 visa. This visa allows students to stay in the U.S. for the duration of their academic program and gain limited work experience through authorized programs like OPT. The main purpose of the F-1 visa is education, not employment or immigration.