To be successful in getting a Visa, and enrolling into a University there are certain steps you must take. No back doors here.
To get a Visa you need an I 20 from the school you want to go too. The first step is selecting several schools that you would like to go too, finding out what TOEFL score they want to see. Step Two; is taking the TOEFL and of course receiving a score the college is looking for. Be warned that in September of 2006 a new type of TOEFL test is coming, and it will test your oral and listening skills, with grammar and structure woven in. Your ability to listen to, and speak English will be very important.
Step three; after you have your TOEFL score you than apply to the universities you would like to go too. In applying you will have to prove to the school that you have enough money to pay for tuition, food, housing, and all related expenses. This amount can include scholarships that you might be receiving. This support can also be coming from a host family in America, and they too will need to provide a letter from the bank showing they have enough money to cover a portion of your stay. Step four; once the school has all of this and accepts you they will issue you an I 20. With that you can then apply for your F-1 Visa.
Working in America; with an F-1 Visa you can only work at the school; however, after a certain period you can apply for a wavier that will allow you to work outside of the school.