Step‑by‑Step Guide to the U.S. F‑1 Student Visa Application for Nepali Applicants (2026)

Getting an F‑1 visa is the gateway for Nepali students who want to study full‑time at a U.S. college or university. The visa lets you enter the United States as a bona‑fide student, work on‑campus up to 20 hours a week during term, and apply for optional practical training after graduation. Below is a practical, up‑to‑date walk‑through that reflects the situation at the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu as of August 2026.

Who qualifies for an F‑1 visa?

You must have an acceptance letter from a SEVP‑certified school, prove you can cover tuition and living expenses without unauthorized employment, and convince the consular officer that you intend to return to Nepal after completing your program. A valid passport (at least six months beyond your planned stay) is also required.

Step‑by‑step process

1. Receive your Form I‑20

Once the school confirms your enrollment, they issue a Form I‑20. Keep the original; you’ll need it for the visa interview and for entry at the port of entry.

2. Pay the SEVIS I‑901 fee

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System fee is $350 (as of August 2026). Pay it online at fmjfee.com and print the receipt — you’ll present it at the interview.

3. Complete the DS‑160 online application

Fill out the DS‑160 on the Consular Electronic Application Center website: ceac.state.gov/ceac/. After submission, save the confirmation page with the barcode; this is a mandatory document for the interview.

4. Pay the MRV (visa application) fee

The Machine‑Readable Visa fee is $185 for most non‑immigrant categories, including F‑1. In Nepal the fee is collected through Nabil Bank via the U.S. visa appointment portal ustraveldocs.com. Keep the receipt.

5. Schedule the visa interview

Log in to the U.S. Visa Appointment Service at ustraveldocs.com, select the Kathmandu location, and pick an available slot. As of August 2026, interview appointments generally become available within 2–6 weeks, longer during peak seasons (January‑March, July‑August). You can check the current wait‑time estimate on the Embassy’s appointment‑wait‑time tool.

6. Attend the interview

Bring every document on the checklist (see below). The officer will ask about your study plans, funding sources, and ties to Nepal. Answer concisely and honestly.

Fees (August 2026)

• MRV fee: $185
• SEVIS I‑901 fee: $350
• Visa issuance reciprocity fee for Nepali nationals: $0

Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs fee schedule (retrieved August 2026) – fees page. Fees can change without notice — always verify the latest amounts on the official site before making any payment.

Processing times & interview wait

The embassy reports an average administrative processing window of 7‑10 business days after the interview, provided no additional documentation is requested. Interview slots generally become available within 2–6 weeks of booking; peak periods can extend both timelines, so apply early.

Document checklist

• Passport (valid ≥ 6 months)
• Form I‑20 (original, signed by you and the school official)
• DS‑160 confirmation page with barcode
• SEVIS I‑901 fee receipt
• MRV fee receipt (Nabil Bank / ustraveldocs.com)
• Proof of financial support (bank statements, sponsor letters, scholarship award letters)
• Academic transcripts and diplomas
• Standardized test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, GRE, etc.)
• Evidence of ties to Nepal (property deeds, family obligations, job offer letters, etc.)
• Police clearance certificate (PCC) issued by Nepal Police

Interview tips

Prepare a 30‑second summary of why you chose that specific program and how it fits your career goals in Nepal. Bring original financial documents; photocopies alone can raise doubts. If the officer asks about your post‑graduation plans, emphasize your intention to return — mention family, a job prospect, or community commitments. Common pitfalls: vague answers, inconsistent figures between the I‑20 and your bank statements, and missing the SEVIS receipt.

After the visa is issued

If the officer approves your case, you’ll be told to leave your passport for visa stamping. There is no additional issuance fee for Nepali applicants (reciprocity $0). Once you receive the passport with the visa foil, check the expiration date, number of entries, and the annotation “F‑1”. Book your flight to arrive no more than 30 days before the program start date on the I‑20. At the U.S. port of entry, present the passport, visa, I‑20, and SEVIS receipt to the CBP officer.

Maintaining F‑1 status

Enroll full‑time each semester, keep your I‑20 updated (travel signatures, program extensions), and report any address change to your Designated School Official within 10 days. Off‑campus work requires prior authorization (CPT/OPT). Falling out of status can jeopardize future U.S. immigration benefits.

SEVIS registration reminder

Remember to register in SEVIS within 30 days of your program start date and keep your DSO informed of any changes — this complements the steps above and helps you stay in valid status.

Final reminder

Visa rules and fees evolve. Before you pay any fee or book an interview, double‑check the latest information on the U.S. Department of State website and the U.S. Embassy Kathmandu’s own announcements. A little extra verification now saves a lot of hassle later.