Applying for a USA student visa from Nepal involves several steps, including getting accepted into a USA educational institution, paying the necessary fees, completing application forms, attending a visa interview, and preparing the required documents. This process ensures that you meet the eligibility criteria and have the financial means to study in the USA. The following detailed guide outlines each step you need to take to successfully apply for an F-1 student visa.

Detailed Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose Your Program and Obtain an I-20

  • Apply for Admission: Start by applying to a SEVP-approved U.S. educational institution. SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) oversees the enrollment of international students.
  • Receive the I-20 Form: After acceptance, your school will issue a Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.” This form is crucial for your visa application.

2. Pay the SEVIS Fee

  • Pay SEVIS I-901 Fee: You must pay the SEVIS fee to register your information in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. This payment is done online through the SEVIS website.
  • Keep the Receipt: Print the SEVIS fee receipt, as you will need it for your visa application and interview.

3. Complete the DS-160 Form

  • Fill Out the Online Form: The DS-160 is the online visa application form. It requires your personal details, educational background, and travel plans.
  • Ensure Accuracy: Verify that all information matches your passport and I-20 form.
  • Print the Confirmation Page: After submitting the DS-160 form, print the confirmation page with the barcode for your visa interview.

4. Schedule and Prepare for Your Visa Interview

  • Book Your Appointment: Schedule your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu. Due to varying wait times, it’s best to book your appointment as early as possible.
  • Pay the Visa Fee: The visa application fee is approximately $160. This fee must be paid prior to your interview and is non-refundable.

5. Gather Required Documents

  • Essential Documents:
    • Passport: Ensure it is valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in the U.S.
    • Form I-20: The original form issued by your U.S. school.
    • DS-160 Confirmation: Printout of the confirmation page.
    • SEVIS Fee Receipt: Proof of SEVIS fee payment.
    • Financial Proof: Evidence that you have sufficient funds for tuition, living expenses, and other costs. This can include bank statements or affidavits of support.
    • Academic Records: Educational certificates, transcripts, and standardized test scores (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, GRE).
    • Photographs: Passport-sized photos meeting U.S. visa specifications.
    • Visa Appointment Confirmation: Proof of your scheduled visa interview.

6. Attend Your USA Visa Interview

  • Arrive on Time: On the interview day, arrive punctually at the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu with all your documents.
  • Respond to Questions: The consular officer will ask about your study plans, financial situation, and ties to Nepal. Answer honestly and clearly.
  • Receive Decision: The officer will inform you of the visa decision after the interview.

7. Visa Approval and Issuance

  • Processing Time: If approved, your passport will be kept for visa stamping and returned within a few days.
  • Review Your Visa: Once you receive your passport, check that all details on the visa are correct.

8. Plan Your Travel

  • Travel to the U.S.: You can enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the start date on your I-20 form. Arrange your travel plans accordingly.
  • Arrival in the U.S.: Upon arrival, present your passport, visa, and I-20 form to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer. Be ready to discuss your study plans.

9. Post-Arrival Steps

    • Activate SEVIS Record: Ensure that your SEVIS record is activated by your U.S. school upon arrival. This is essential for maintaining your student status.
    • Attend Orientation: Participate in any mandatory orientation sessions at your institution to get acquainted with the campus and understand visa requirements.