USA Student Visa for Nepalese Students 2025

There are different types of USA Student Visas that students applying to the USA can apply for depending on your academic plans. Understanding which category fits your situation is a vital step for every Nepali student.

The US offers three main types of student visas. Most Nepali students apply for the F-1 visa.

Choosing the correct visa type helps you avoid complications later. Whether you are applying for a full degree or an exchange programme, this breakdown simplifies your USA Student Visa Application journey.

Worried about unexpected costs while applying for your US Student Visa? A bit of planning can save you stress and money. Here is what Nepali students are usually required to pay in 2025:

• SEVIS Fee (F-1 visa): USD $350 or NPR 47,432
• Visa Application Fee (MRV): USD $185 or NPR 25,071

Fees can change, so always check the latest rates on the official US website.

It is important to get the basics right before starting with your US student visa application. Here is what every Nepali student should have ready to boost their chances:

Key Requirements:

• Students must have the financial resources to live and study in the United States for the entire duration of the course. Designated School Officials (DSOs) must collect evidence of the student’s financial ability before issuing a Form I-20.
• A valid I-20 form issued by a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved US institution
• Academic transcripts and relevant certificates
• A valid passport
• A completed visa application form (DS-160)
• Proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS scores)

Keep the following documents ready when applying for your US student visa:

• Valid passport (must be valid for at least six months beyond your stay)
• I-20 form from the admitting university
• DS-160 confirmation page
• SEVIS payment receipt
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Test scores: TOEFL/IELTS, SAT/GRE/GMAT (if required by your university)
• Financial documents: bank statements, sponsor letters, affidavit of support
• Visa appointment confirmation letter
• Passport-sized photographs (as per US visa photo guidelines)

Make sure all your documents are in order before your visa interview. Even a small mistake or missing paper can hold things up.

Not sure if you’ve got everything? Counsellors at AECC Nepal can walk you through the checklist and clear up any doubts.

If you are a Nepali student aiming to study in the United States, applying for an F-1 visa is one of the most crucial steps in the process. Here is a clear guide to help you through each stage:

Step 1: Receive Your I-20 from a SEVP-Approved University

You need an offer letter from a U.S. college or university that’s part of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Once you accept the offer and pay any required deposit, your university will send you Form I-20. This document is key as it allows you to apply for your visa. Please note in order to receive your I-20 you have to prove that you will be able to fund yourself for the entire duration of your stay and study to the designated school official.

Step 2: Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee

Before applying for a visa, pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) I-901 fee of USD 350. Payment should be made on the official US website. Keep the payment confirmation—it is needed during your visa interview.

Step 3: Complete the DS-160 Visa Application Form

Next, fill out the DS-160 form online at ceac.state.gov. This is your formal visa application. Be sure to:

• Fill out all information accurately
• Upload a passport-size photo that meets US specifications
• Save the confirmation page with the barcode for your appointment

Step 4: Pay the Visa Application Fee

The F1 visa application fee is USD 185, payable online via www.ustraveldocs.com/np. Keep the receipt—it is required for scheduling your interview.

Step 5: Create a Profile and Book Your Appointment

Register an account at www.ustraveldocs.com/np. After logging in:

• Select your visa type (F1 – Student Visa)
• Enter your DS-160 confirmation number
• Choose a visa appointment date
• Select your delivery method for passport return

Step 6: Visit the US Embassy in Kathmandu for your US Study Visa Interview

Where to apply:

All Nepali students must attend their visa interview at:

US Embassy in Nepal

Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal

Tel.: 977-1-423-4000

Email: [email protected]

Timing: 08:00am - 05:00pm

Interviews are by appointment only—walk-ins are not accepted.

Step 7: Attend the Visa Interview with the Required Documents

Bring the following documents to your interview:

• Valid passport (at least 6 months beyond intended stay)
• I-20 form signed by your university
• DS-160 confirmation page and visa fee receipt
• SEVIS I-901 fee payment confirmation
• Academic documents (transcripts, certificates)
• Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS scores)
• Proof of financial support (bank statements, sponsor letter, etc.)
• Passport-size photo as per U.S. guidelines

You should be honest and confident when you answer the officer’s questions during the visa interview. If everything goes well, your visa will be approved, stamped, and your passport will be returned through the delivery method you selected.

Knowing how long the USA student visa process takes can make planning your travel and university start dates a lot easier. So, how much time should you expect?

US Student processing time:

• Interview wait time: 2–6 weeks, depending on the season
• Post-interview processing: 3–7 working days (if approved)

During peak admission seasons, visa processing times can vary. Delays might happen if there is a high volume of applications or if any of your documents are incomplete. That is why it is best to start early. Try applying at least 3–4 months before your course start date to avoid any last-minute stress.

Are you worried about getting your US Student Visa rejected? Then, knowing the common reasons behind refusals and understanding the current visa refusal rate can help you avoid setbacks and strengthen your application.

Recent Rejection Rate for F-1 Visa (Global): - Between October 2023 and September 2024, 279,000 F-1 visa applications were denied out of 679,000 - a 41% rejection rate.

Common Reasons for US Visa Rejections:

• Incomplete financial documents
• Weak academic background
• Inconsistent or unclear answers in the interview
• Doubts about the student’s intent to return home
• Applying too late

Simple mistakes like submitting incorrect documents, applying too late, or being unclear about your future plans can hurt your chances. The majority of the visa refusals happen for reasons that could have been fixed early on. If you are aiming for approval, AECC Nepal can help you to prepare carefully and sort out these details ahead of time.

Thinking of bringing your spouse or kids while studying in the United States? Here is what Nepali students should know about dependent travel under the F-1 visa.

If you are an F-1 visa holder, your legal spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply for an F-2 visa to join you. But there are a few important rules to keep in mind:

• Spouses on F-2 visas cannot work during their stay.
• Children on F-2 visas can go to school (K–12), but they cannot take up full-time college or university programmes.
• Each family member needs their own I-20 form from your university and must apply separately for the F-2 visa.

It is possible to have your family with you while you study, but make sure you are ready for the financial responsibility and know the limits on what they can do. If you need help with the process, AECC Nepal can walk you through the paperwork and next steps.

Once you arrive in the US, there are a few important things to take care of right away. These steps help you stay on the right track and keep your student visa in good standing.

Here are some of the key steps to take after arrival:

• Report to your Designated School Official (DSO) within 30 days.
• Maintain full-time enrollment (12 credit hours for undergraduates, 9 for graduates).
• Work on-campus up to 20 hours per week during school terms.
• Update your contact information and address with your DSO.
• Apply for work authorization (CPT/OPT) if needed for internships or employment.

Stay Compliant with F1 Visa Rules

F-1 visa holders need to adhere to specific rules to maintain legal status in the United States. Failing to follow these regulations can put your ability to study or extend your visa at risk.

• Work only on-campus or with approved work permits (CPT/OPT).
• Notify your school about changes in address, phone number, or academic programme.
• Renew your passport and visa as needed to maintain valid status.

Adhere to all U.S. laws—violations can impact your visa status.

Knowing what is expected of you under the F-1 visa helps you stay on track during your studies in the U.S. Need assistance with visa documentation, university applications, or settling in the US? Reach out to AECC Nepal for expert advice and personalised support.

Studying in the US is a big move for many Nepali students—but with the right prep, it is more doable than you might think. From selecting the right visa to handling your interview and settling in after arrival, knowing what’s ahead helps things go smoother. Rely on trusted sources, act early, and stay organised.

Want support with your U.S. student visa? AECC Nepal has helped thousands of Nepali students study at top American universities. Book a free consultation today and get started with confidence.