F-1 Student Visa for the USA from Nepal — Complete Guide 2026

The F-1 visa is the most common US student visa for full-time academic study at a SEVP-certified institution (university, college, or language school). You must be accepted to a full-time program, be enrolled as a full-time student each semester, maintain satisfactory academic progress, and not work off-campus without authorization.

The F-2 visa is available for your spouse and children under 21 as dependents. F-2 holders cannot work in the US. J-1 visas are for exchange students and visiting researchers — different requirements and process. M-1 visas are for vocational/non-academic programs.

Step 1 — Get your I-20: After receiving your admission offer, contact your university's Designated School Official (DSO) to request the I-20 form. The I-20 lists your program, start date, and estimated financial requirements. Allow 2–4 weeks for processing.

Step 2 — Pay the SEVIS Fee: Pay the USD 350 SEVIS I-901 fee at fmjfee.com using your I-20 information. Keep the receipt — you'll need it at the interview. The fee is non-refundable.

Step 3 — Complete DS-160: Fill out the DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application at ceac.state.gov. Upload a recent passport photo meeting US specifications. Note your application ID.

Step 4 — Schedule Interview: Book your visa interview at the US Embassy in Kathmandu at ustraveldocs.com/np. Pay the MRV application fee (USD 185). Interview slots for F-1 applicants are generally available 4–8 weeks in advance.

Step 5 — Attend Interview: Bring passport, I-20, DS-160 confirmation, SEVIS fee receipt, financial documents, admission letter, and photos. The interview is brief (5–15 minutes). Answer in English clearly and confidently.

The US Embassy requires proof that you can fund your education and living costs for the entire duration of study, or at minimum for the first year. A general rule: show funds equal to tuition + living costs for Year 1. This ranges from USD 40,000 (state university in low-cost city) to USD 100,000 (Ivy League in Boston/NYC).

Acceptable financial documents: bank statements (minimum 3 months, ideally 6 months), fixed deposit certificates, property valuations, CA-certified income statements, salary slips for sponsors. Funds can be from parents, relatives, or yourself. Nepali students commonly show a combination of fixed deposits and property documents. Liquid savings of at least USD 25,000–40,000 dramatically improves approval odds.

Unlike Australia's Genuine Student (GS) requirement, the US doesn't require savings to be held for a minimum period — but bank statements should show a stable, explainable balance. Sudden large transfers into accounts immediately before applying raise red flags.

The US Embassy in Kathmandu (Maharajgunj) handles F-1 student visa interviews Monday–Friday. Arrive 30 minutes early. Security checks are strict — leave electronic devices at home or the nearby deposit facilities.

Common interview questions for Nepali F-1 applicants: "Why did you choose this specific university?", "What will you study?", "How are you funding your education?", "What do you plan to do after graduation?", "Do you have family in the US?", "Why did you choose the US over other countries?". Be specific about your university choice and career goals. Demonstrate ties to Nepal (family, property, job offer upon return).

The 214(b) presumption: US immigration law presumes every F-1 applicant intends to immigrate. Your job is to overcome this presumption by demonstrating strong ties to Nepal and clear intention to return after studies. Mentioning career plans back in Nepal or family obligations helps. Many Nepali students are approved even without demonstrating definite return plans if financial documents are strong.

You can enter the US up to 30 days before your program start date listed on the I-20. At the port of entry (US airport immigration), a CBP officer will stamp your passport and create an I-94 arrival record. Check your I-94 at i94.cbp.dhs.gov within 3 days of arrival.

Your F-1 status allows you to stay in the US for "duration of status" (D/S) — meaning as long as you are enrolled full-time and maintaining status, not a fixed date. This is different from other visa types. If you take a leave of absence or drop below full-time without DSO authorization, you fall out of status.

Report to your DSO within the first week of arrival to activate your SEVIS record. Failure to report can cause SEVIS termination, which invalidates your status.