Diaspora Visa & Education Guide

USA F-1 Student Visa Guide for Nepali Students

Complete guide to F-1 visa process, DS-160 form, SEVIS fee, embassy interview preparation, and required documents for Nepali students (2025-26 rates).

F-1 Student Visa Application Process

1

Get Admitted & Receive I-20

Apply to SEVP-approved US university/college. Upon admission, school issues Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for F-1 status).

2

Pay SEVIS Fee ($350)

Pay mandatory SEVIS I-901 fee online at fmjfee.com. Keep receipt - required for visa interview.

3

Complete DS-160 Form

Fill nonimmigrant visa application online (ceac.state.gov/genniv). Upload photo (5cm x 5cm, white background). Print confirmation with barcode.

4

Pay Visa Fee & Schedule Interview

Pay MRV fee ($185). Book appointment at US Embassy Kathmandu. Wait time: 2-4 weeks (peak May-July: book 2-3 months early).

5

Attend Visa Interview

Face-to-face interview (2-5 minutes) at US Embassy Maharajgunj. Demonstrate strong ties to Nepal and genuine intent to study.

Common Interview Questions

Be prepared to answer these questions confidently. Give specific answers, not vague responses.

  • Why do you want to study in the USA?
  • Why this specific university/program?
  • Who is paying for your education?
  • What do your parents do? (Occupation/income)
  • Do you have relatives in the USA?
  • What will you do after graduation?
  • Why not study in Nepal/India?
  • How does this program relate to your career goals?

⚠️ Never mention: Staying in USA permanently, working illegally, immigration intent. Emphasize ties to Nepal (family, property, career plans).

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Complete Document Checklist

Mandatory:

  • Valid passport (6 months beyond program)
  • DS-160 confirmation page with barcode
  • Visa appointment letter
  • Form I-20 from university (original)
  • SEVIS payment receipt ($350)
  • Passport-size photo (5cm x 5cm)
  • Academic transcripts (SLC, +2, Bachelor)

Financial (CRITICAL):

  • Bank statements (last 6 months)
  • Sponsor affidavit (if parents sponsoring)
  • Property documents (land, house ownership)
  • Income tax returns (parents/sponsor)
  • Business documents (if family business)

Supporting:

  • SAT/GRE/GMAT scores (if applicable)
  • TOEFL/IELTS scores
  • Letter from employer (if working)
  • Family ties evidence

Fees & Timeline (2025-26)

SEVIS I-901 Fee$350
Visa Fee (MRV)$185
Medical (if required)NPR 15,000
Total~NPR 70,000

Timeline:

  • University application: 6-9 months before
  • I-20 issuance: After admission
  • Visa process: 1-2 months
  • Total: Plan 9-12 months ahead

✓ Success Tips

  • Financial docs are MOST important - show full program cost coverage
  • Practice interview questions (sound natural, not memorized)
  • Know your program/university details
  • Dress formally, speak English confidently
  • Show strong ties to Nepal (family, property, career plans)
  • Apply 2-3 months before program start

After Visa Grant: Validity & Work Rights

Visa Validity

  • Multiple entry visa (up to 5 years)
  • Stay duration: "D/S" (Duration of Status) = program length + 60 days
  • Can enter USA up to 30 days before program start
  • Must maintain full-time enrollment (minimum 12 credits)

Work Rights

  • On-campus: Up to 20 hrs/week during semester (unlimited during breaks)
  • CPT (Curricular Practical Training): After 1 year, if part of curriculum
  • OPT (Optional Practical Training): 1 year after graduation (3 years for STEM)
  • Off-campus work needs special approval

US Embassy Kathmandu

Location: Maharajgunj, Kathmandu
Phone: +977-1-423-4000
Website: np.usembassy.gov
DS-160 Form: ceac.state.gov/genniv
SEVIS Fee: fmjfee.com