Student Visa Process

Most international students in a US degree programme need an F-1 visa. The visa is decided at an interview at the US Embassy in Kathmandu, so the preparation of your story and documents matters as much as the paperwork.

Step by step

1. Apply to SEVP-certified schools. Only schools approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program can enrol F-1 students.
2. Receive admission and the Form I-20. The school issues it after you show enough funds for the first year. Check every detail on it.
3. Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee online and keep the receipt.
4. Complete the DS-160 form and pay the visa application fee. The form asks for your social media handles; the US government has been reviewing these for student applicants, so keep your accounts truthful and set as the instructions require.
5. Book the interview. Appointment dates in Kathmandu can be far away, so book as soon as you have the I-20.
6. Attend the interview with the I-20, passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipts, academic and financial documents.
7. Result. You may be approved, refused or asked for more documents (administrative processing).

What the officer wants to know

• Why this university and this course, and why in the USA?
• How will you pay for the full course, and who is your sponsor?
• What ties do you have to Nepal and what is your plan after graduation?

Answers should be short, truthful and consistent with your papers. Do not memorise a script or bring documents you cannot explain. Our counsellors run mock interviews.

When you can enter

You can usually enter up to 30 days before the programme start date shown on the I-20.

Check before you rely on it. Visa fees, social media rules, interview waivers and the rules for how long students may stay are all under active review by the US government. Rules, fees and dates are changed by governments often. We last reviewed this page in October 2026. Confirm the current position on the US Department of State student visa page or ask our counsellors, who check it again before your file is submitted.

Talk to WIEC about the USA

Our Lalitpur counsellors can review your marks, English score and finances and tell you honestly which courses and universities fit. Book a free appointment, start your file online at Apply Online, or practise for the English test with IELTSWIZZ.