The Process of USA Student Visa From Nepal – Step by Step Guide
The USA student visa is the crucial step for those students from Nepal to study in the United States. It might seem difficult in beginning but with preparation and guidance you can sail through it easily. In this blog, we’ll determine the necessary process for obtaining a USA student visa from Nepal. Also, for assistance and support, you can also explore NIEC (Nepal International Educational Consultancy), a reputed consultancy that provides assistance to students in visa processing.
Decide the Program and University in USA
To begin with, you will have to choose the universities and program where you would like to study for USA student visa process. Best apply at the accredited US institute via the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) for student visa. This is important because you will need an I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) issued from the university you choose.
Tip: Enroll only if the university has accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Pay the SEVIS Fee
The final step after being accepted to a U.S. institution is to pay the SEVIS fee. This is obligatory and cannot be chosen otherwise while applying for the visa. The SEVIS fee helps fund the system that keeps track of students and exchange visitors to make sure they’re complying with the terms under which they were granted entry to the U.S.
Make the SEVIS Fee Payment: This fee can also be paid online at the official SEVIS website.
Payment Confirmation: After paying you will be received a payment confirmation receipt that you have to keep with you during the visa interview.
Complete the DS-160 Form
The DS-160 form is the official application form for a U.S. visa. It’s mandatory for all U.S. non-immigrant visa applications, including student visas. In fact, you will have to fill out this online form and upload a passport-sized photo of yourself while you do this step.
Tips for DS-160:
Always verify if all information before submitting.
If you plan to enter the U.S. on or after Nov. 1, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your expected date of entry.
Once the DS-160 form is filled, remember to save the DS-160 confirmation page. You will have to show it at your visa interview.
Pay the Visa Application Fee
Pay the visa application fee prior to scheduling your visa interview (the fee is non-refundable). This fee is in addition to the SEVIS fee and can usually be paid at specified banks or online via the embassy website.
Where to Pay: The U.S. Embassy in Nepal has the latest payment instructions.
After you pay, you will get the receipt, which serves as proof of your payment.
Schedule Your Visa Interview
Once you finish the DS-160 form and pay the visa application fee you can schedule the visa interview at U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu. Plan your appointment far ahead; you may need to wait a while.
Documents to Take for an Interview:
Passport (must be valid for at least six months after your planned date of arrival in the U.S.)
DS-160 confirmation page
Visa application fee receipt
SEVIS payment receipt
You will need: Form I-20 from your U.S. university
Passport-sized photos (per U.S. Embassy specifications)
Attend the Visa Interview
The interview for a U.S. visa is an important aspect of the process. Your interview will involve you answering questions about your education plan, your finances, your intent to study in the U.S., etc.
Tips for the Interview:
Get there early to the U.S. Embassy.
Dress professionally.
Give honest and direct answers to questions.
Demonstrate that you have significant ties to Nepal and will return to Nepal upon completion of your studies.
Disclaimer: The interview itself does not guarantee decision on your visa application, and the consular officer will approve or deny your visa eventually.
Wait for Visa Approval
The consular officer will then let you know whether the visa is approved or denied, after the visa interview. If approved, your visa will be stamped into your passport, which you can then pick up at the U.S. Embassy or have delivered to your home address.
Visa Processing: Processing time of a visa may range from some days to few weeks so plan your travel accordingly.
What If the Visa is Denied: You will be notified if the visa is denied, along with an explanation and information on whether you may reapply.
Prepare for Your Journey
After your visa gets approved, you can arrange travel to the U.S. Before leaving, make sure to:
Double-check your Form I-20 and visa for accuracy.
Before You Travel — Pack for trips: admission letters, proof of financial support, etc.
Gain insight into the U.S. culture, laws, and student life.
So, Why NIEC and Why Seek Expert Guidance?
For first-time applicants, the U.S. student visa process can be daunting. NIEC (Nepal International Educational Consultancy) provides you with specialized guidance and customized assistance for Nepalese students who want to apply for a USA student visa. They provide end-to-end services from university selection to visa application filing and interview preparation with their team of well-experienced consultants.
Be it filling in the forms, the requirements, or tackling your visa interview, NIEC prepares you at its best and gets you ready to face the smooth visa and academic processes in the USA.
Conclusion
While applying for USA student visa process is quite complex in Nepal, following the main steps mentioned above can help you increase your chance of applying successfully. Whether it’s selecting which university to apply to, preparing for your visa interview, or attending your visa interview, preparation is the key to success. For professional information and consultancy, feel free to reach out to NIEC, your trusted partner in pursuing your education in United States.
