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Complete F-1 Student Visa guide for Nepali students applying to US universities — from I-20 to US Embassy interview in Kathmandu.
5 phases·41 items·Last Updated: August 9, 2026
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US universities primarily have Fall (August/September) intake. Apply 8–12 months in advance via each university's portal or Common App. GRE requirements vary by program — verify individually.
Academic Documents
Bachelor's Degree CertificateRequired
Scanned and originals. US universities evaluate Nepali degrees directly or require WES evaluation.
Official Academic Transcripts (All Semesters)Required
Must be sent directly from your university as sealed/official copies.
SLC / SEE Certificate + Transcript (Grade 10)Required
Complete academic history.
+2 / Higher Secondary Certificate + Transcript (Grade 12)Required
Include all subjects and grades.
WES Credential Evaluation (if required)Program-specific
Some programs require NACES-member credential evaluation. Check at wes.org.
Standardized Tests
IELTS Academic (min 7.0) or TOEFL iBT (min 100)Required
Required for non-native English speakers. Check each program — some have waived post-COVID.
GRE General Test scoresProgram-specific
Required for many STEM programs. Many schools are GRE-optional — always verify current requirements.
GMAT (for MBA / Business programs)MBA only
Required at most top-ranked MBA programs. Some accept GRE.
Personal Documents
Statement of Purpose (SOP)Required
600–1,000 words. Research-focused for STEM; career-focused for professional programs. Tailor per program.
CV / ResumeRequired
Highlight research, publications, projects, internships.
3 Letters of RecommendationRequired
Submitted via online systems (Interfolio, Slate, etc.). Academic referees preferred.
Valid Passport CopyRequired
Must be valid through intended graduation date.
Nepal is NOT an apostille country. Documents must go through: Issuing Authority → MoEST (for education) → MoFA. Allow 2–4 weeks.
Attestation Chain
SLC/SEE Certificate verified by NEB, BhaktapurNepal
Original + photocopy.
+2 Certificate verified by NEB / HSEBNepal
As applicable.
Bachelor's Degree & Transcripts verified by TU / university registrarNepal
Originals required.
Educational documents attested by MoEST, KesharmahalNepal
Ministry of Education attestation.
All documents legalized by MoFA, TripureshworNepal
Final Nepal-side stamp.
Once your university issues the I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for F-1), pay the SEVIS fee and the MRV visa fee, then schedule your F-1 interview at the US Embassy Kathmandu (Maharajgunj).
From the University
Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status)Required
Contains your SEVIS ID. Issued by your university DSO. Required for visa interview.
Tuition / Financial Aid / Scholarship LetterRequired
Proof of funding for first year.
Fees
SEVIS Fee (Form I-901) — USD 350Required
Pay at fmjfee.com before interview. Print I-901 confirmation.
MRV Visa Application Fee — USD 185Required
Pay at ustraveldocs.com for Nepal. Required to schedule interview.
Financial Proof
Bank Statement showing USD 30,000–60,000+ (tuition + living)Required
Your name or sponsor's. Consistent history — not freshly deposited.
Bank Certificate / Balance ConfirmationRequired
On bank letterhead, recent (within 3 months).
Sponsor Affidavit of Support + documentsIf applicable
If parent/relative is sponsoring: their bank statement, notarized support letter, proof of relationship.
Scholarship / Fellowship Award LetterIf applicable
Fulbright, TA/RA offer, university funding, etc.
The F-1 Student Visa requires an IN-PERSON INTERVIEW at the US Embassy Kathmandu. Schedule via ustraveldocs.com. Bring all originals — the officer can request any document. Processing: typically same day or 1–5 business days after interview.
Required Documents for Interview
Original valid passport (+ old passports if any)Required
Valid for at least 6 months beyond intended study period.
DS-160 Confirmation page (printed)Required
Complete at ceac.state.gov. Print barcode page.
Interview appointment confirmationRequired
From ustraveldocs.com.
MRV fee payment receipt (USD 185)Required
Proof of visa application fee.
I-901 SEVIS fee confirmation (printed)Required
From fmjfee.com.
Form I-20 (original, signed)Required
Signed by you and DSO.
Passport-size photos (2, white background, 5x5cm)Required
Taken within 6 months.
Academic documents (degree, transcripts, test scores — attested)Required
Originals + copies.
Financial documents (bank statement, sponsor letter, scholarship)Required
Originals + copies.
Evidence of ties to Nepal (property deed, family, job offer)Strongly recommended
Demonstrates non-immigrant intent. Critical for visa approval.
On arrival at the US port of entry, CBP will stamp your I-94. Within 15 days of the I-20 program start date, report to your university's International Students Office to activate your SEVIS record. Missing this is a serious status violation.
SEVIS & University
Report to International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO)USA
Mandatory. Bring I-20, passport, I-94. Activates your SEVIS record.
Check I-94 arrival record at cbp.dhs.govUSA
Verify admission class is F-1. Print and keep.
Attend mandatory international student orientationUSA
Covers F-1 rules, employment authorization, campus resources.
Identity & Finances
Apply for Social Security Number (SSN) if you have employment offerUSA
Required for TA/RA or on-campus jobs. SSA office — bring I-20, I-94, passport, offer letter.
Open a US bank accountUSA
Chase, Bank of America, or credit unions. Bring passport + I-20 + I-94.
Get a US phone number / SIM cardUSA
T-Mobile, Google Fi, or university programs popular for international students.