(Answers below involve applicants outside the U.S. If a person is in the U.S., the process varies and s/he should contact an attorney.)
a) WHO IS THE VISA FOR?
The visa is for a person who wishes to study in the U.S.
b) WHO MAKES THE APPLICATION/PETITION?
The person applies for the visa.
c) WHERE/HOW DO THEY APPLY?
The person applies for the visa at a U.S. consulate once it has received a certificate of eligibility from the school that has accepted her/him.
d) HOW LONG DOES PROCESSING TAKE?
Most consulates process F-1 in 24 to 48 hours.
e) HOW LONG IS VALIDITY?
Visa is valid for duration of status, which means as long as person is enrolled in an approved program, s/he will remain in status, and her/his visa will be valid.

Nonimmigrant enrolled in an academic curriculum. Status is effective as long as the student remains enrolled in a program.

If you are interested in studying in the U.S., chances are you will need an F-1 student visa. U.S. immigration law allows for the admission as nonimmigrants those who are coming to the U.S. to participate in a full time course of study. Most such students enter in F-1 status, although the J-1 visa (for exchange visitors participating in a program approved by the State Department) and M-1 visa (for vocational students) are also sometimes available.