The United States hosts a large and growing community of Nepali students, drawn by its research universities, scholarships, and optional practical training (OPT) work options. The route runs through the F-1 student visa. Here is the current 2026 process for applying from Nepal.
Step 1: Get admitted and receive your I-20
Apply to a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Once admitted and after you provide financial documents, the school issues a Form I-20. This document is the foundation of your visa application, so check that every detail — your name, programme, and funding — is correct.
Step 2: Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee
Before your visa interview you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee of USD $350 and keep the receipt. This registers you in the US student tracking system and is separate from the visa application fee.
Step 3: Complete the DS-160 and pay the visa fee
Complete the online DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application and pay the MRV (visa application) fee of USD $185. You will then book your visa interview at the US Embassy in Kathmandu.
Step 4: Budget for the new Visa Integrity Fee
A new Visa Integrity Fee of USD $250 has been introduced and is being collected at some consular posts. Unlike the SEVIS and MRV fees, it is charged at the time the visa is issued (after approval) rather than before the interview. Budget for it so you are not caught out. Together with the SEVIS and MRV fees, mandatory advance costs total USD $535, with the integrity fee on top where it applies.
Step 5: Prepare your financial documents
You must show that you can fund your first year of study and have access to funds for the remainder of your programme. Evidence typically includes bank statements, an education loan sanction letter, and scholarship or assistantship letters. Consular officers look for genuine, verifiable funds — not last-minute deposits.
Step 6: Prepare for the visa interview
The F-1 interview is short and decisive. Officers assess three things: that you are a genuine student, that you can fund your studies, and that you have ties to Nepal and intend to return after your programme. Answer clearly and honestly, know your programme and university, and be able to explain how your US degree fits your plans back home. Never use fabricated documents — a single false statement can lead to a permanent bar.
After you arrive: work options
F-1 students can generally work on-campus during study, and may be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) during the programme and Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation, with an OPT extension available for eligible STEM fields. Rules are specific — always confirm with your university's international student office.
Choosing a consultancy in Nepal
US applications are document-heavy and the interview is unforgiving, so honest guidance helps — but the sector has many low-quality operators. Before committing:
- Read independent reviews, not just a consultancy's own testimonials — browse Nepal consultancies on ConsultancyCheck.
- Never pay for "guaranteed" visas or interview scripts promising approval.
- Be wary of anyone offering fake bank statements or edited transcripts — this is fraud and will end your US ambitions.
See our guide to education consultancy scams in Nepal.
Next steps
Model your budget with the cost of studying abroad calculator, compare the USA with other destinations on our compare destinations tool, and read our related guide how to study in the USA from India for more on the F-1 route.
*Visa fees and requirements change. Always confirm the latest amounts on the official US Department of State and SEVP websites before applying.*
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the US student visa fees for Nepali students in 2026?
The SEVIS I-901 fee is USD $350 and the MRV visa application fee is USD $185 (USD $535 combined, paid in advance). A new USD $250 Visa Integrity Fee is also charged at some posts, collected at the time the visa is issued.
What is the I-20 and how do I get it?
The Form I-20 is issued by your SEVP-certified US school after you are admitted and provide financial documents. You need it to pay the SEVIS fee and apply for the F-1 visa.
What do US visa officers look for in an F-1 interview?
That you are a genuine student, that you can fund your studies, and that you have ties to Nepal and intend to return after your programme. Answer honestly and never use fabricated documents.
Can Nepali students work in the USA on an F-1 visa?
F-1 students can usually work on-campus and may be eligible for CPT during study and OPT after graduation, with a STEM OPT extension for eligible fields. Confirm specifics with your university international office.
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