Are you a Nepali student planning to study in the United States? To begin your US education journey, you will need to secure an F-1 student visa. While there are multiple steps and the process can seem challenging at first, breaking down each key point can help you prepare everything you need to handle your visa application and interview with confidence.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about applying for your US student visa from Nepal, including visa requirements, the documents you will need, and a complete overview of the visa process.
Types of Student Visas Available for Nepali International Students in 2025
There are three major types of US student visas you can apply for as a Nepali student: the F-1 visa, the M-1 visa, and the J-1 visa. The M-1 visa is for students enrolling in vocational or non-academic classes, while the J-1 visa is designed for students participating in an exchange program, including academic studies, research opportunities and practical training. Students enrolling in academic courses at an accredited institution to pursue a degree will need an F-1 visa.
An F-1 visa is required to attend any of the following institutions:
University or college
High school
Private elementary school
Seminary
Language training institute
Conservatory
The F-1 visa is the most popular type of student visa in the United States for international students pursuing a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or PhD. The majority of higher education institutions in the US require international students to have an F-1 visa in order to enroll.
There are several key steps to consider when applying for an F-1 visa, and the first is to determine if you meet the requirements for an F-1 visa to the United States.
F-1 Visa Requirements for International Students from Nepal
There are several required documents to apply for an F-1 visa to study in the US. Preparing these documents ahead of time can help you avoid any unexpected delays in processing your visa:
Full-time enrollment at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified institution: You must be enrolled as a full-time student at a SEVP-approved institution while your academic term is in session.
English language proficiency: You will need to meet your institution’s English language requirements or be enrolled in courses designed to build your English skills.
Proof of funds: You must show you have sufficient funds to finance your stay in the US.
Valid passport: Your passport should be valid for US travel for at least six months after your program completion date.
Home country residency: You are required to have a residence in your home country to return to following the completion of your degree.
Once you have prepared your documents to meet the visa requirements, you can begin the process of applying for your US visa in Nepal.
Step-by-Step Application for a Student Visa from Nepal to the USA
The following section provides a concise overview of the steps involved in getting your US visa from Nepal. For a more detailed explanation of the F-1 visa application process and documents required, check out our in-depth guide to US visas for international students.
1. Apply to a SEVP-accredited US University
To apply for a US student visa, you must first be accepted as a student by a SEVP-accredited university. To determine if the institutions you are considering applying to are SEVP-certified and eligible for the F-1 visa, you can use the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s School Search tool.
If you have not applied to your chosen university yet or are unsure about which university and degree programs are right for you, Shorelight can help you get started. Reach out to a Shorelight advisor today for university application assistance and other helpful resources for international students looking to study in the US.
2. Get Accepted and Get Your I-20
Once an accredited US university accepts you, it will grant you an I-20 form. This form, which is prepared using the data you submit to your university, documents your study plans and provides supporting information about your stay. This is why it is very important that you provide accurate and up-to-date data to your university during the first step.
Once you get your I-20 form, check all the information for accuracy and consistency — fixing an error on the I-20 can be a time-consuming process, and you may not be granted entry into the US if your information is inaccurate. When you have confirmed that the information is correct, sign at the bottom of the first page and remember to keep your I-20 safe, as it is an important document needed for your travel and life in the US.
3. Pay Your SEVIS Fee
The $350 (USD) SEVIS fee is a maintenance and processing fee, and you can send in your payment through the payment portal by using the information on your I-20.
Make sure to print a copy of the receipt, as you will need it for your visa interview.
4. Complete Your DS-160 Visa Application
All prospective international students must complete a DS-160, the visa application, to receive an F-1 visa. The DS-160 application can be completed online through the application portal.
Once you have successfully submitted your DS-160 application, you will need to pay an application fee of $185 (USD) to facilitate processing. After this, you will receive a confirmation page with a barcode. Make sure to print this page as you will need it for the visa interview.
5. Schedule Your Visa Interview
Once you have completed and submitted the I-20 and DS-160 forms, find the U.S. Embassy or consulate closest to you and book an interview. For Nepal, the U.S. Embassy is located in Kathmandu.
Wait times can vary greatly, so visit the U.S. Department of State website to see how long you might wait for a visa interview. Keeping an eye on appointment availability and wait times can help you plan ahead and avoid delays.
6. Attend Your Visa Interview
The visa interview process is used by the US consulate or embassy to confirm that you are coming to study as a legitimate student. In the interview, you must prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your studies and living expenses while you are in the US and confirm your intent to return home after your studies are complete.
To prepare for the interview, it is recommended that you make a list of all necessary documents:
Your passport
I-20 and DS-160 forms, including the I-20 payment receipt and DS-160 confirmation page
A copy of your visa photo
Any supporting documents that prove intent to return to Nepal after graduation
During the interview, you may also need to present additional documents, such as your education transcripts and degree certificates.
If you need assistance, a Shorelight advisor can help you prepare for your visa interview by answering your questions regarding the process and setting up mock interviews to help you practice. To learn more about possible questions you may be asked during the interview and how you should prepare your answers, take a look at our guide.
After you successfully complete your visa interview, you will be granted your F-1 visa and acquire F-1 status. You are now cleared to study in the US.
Costs of Studying Abroad in the US in 2025
There are several costs associated with studying abroad in the US and being aware of them can help you prepare and plan ahead with confidence. From tuition fees and accommodation to living expenses and relocation costs, the total cost of studying in the US as a Nepali student can add up quickly.
Your largest expense would be your tuition fees, which can depend on your degree program, university, and location, among other factors. Keep in mind that tuition costs for the same program can also vary greatly between universities. For example, the cost of earning a biology degree from one university can be vastly more expensive than receiving the same degree from another university.
In addition to tuition, you will also need to plan for the cost of living, which can include:
Housing and meals
Transportation
Textbooks and supplies
Personal expenses
Your living expenditure can change greatly depending on where your university is located — living in a major metro area like New York City will likely be more expensive than in a smaller town or rural area. US universities also offer a wide range of financial aid options which you can apply for to help reduce housing costs.
If you need help with budgeting for your study abroad costs, reach out to your Shorelight advisor. They can help you research the cost of living in the US and evaluate your options.
Next, let us take a look at the cultural differences you can expect in the US as a Nepali student.
What to Expect About Studying in the US if You’re Coming from Nepal
As a Nepali student aiming to study in the US, it is important to remember the culture you will experience may be very different from what you are used to back home in Nepal. American culture places a strong focus on individual expression and independence — many of the people you will meet may openly share their opinions with you. With the US being a melting pot of different cultures and ways of life, you may also notice that American culture varies significantly in different states, cities, towns, and even neighborhoods.
The on-campus experience at US universities also places a strong focus on offering strong academic growth alongside personal development. Many US universities offer programs with flexible course structures, advanced facilities, in-depth research opportunities, and a wide variety of student-run clubs and cultural organizations. Classes in the US also place a strong emphasis on discussion and debate, which, along with learning the letter-based grading and GPA systems in the US, may take time to become familiar.
In your first few months living in the US, you may feel some culture shock and this is completely normal. Millions of international students just like you have also encountered culture shock when adjusting to US culture at first, but with assistance from a Shorelight advisor, your university orientation programs, and international student advisors, you can access support every step of the way.
Nepal International Student Visas FAQs
1. Can a Nepali International Student Work in the US?
Yes, Nepali international students can work in the US, but there are several conditions that must be followed:
F-1 Visa: In most cases, work is limited to on-campus jobs, with a maximum of 20 hours per week while the academic term is in session. If you wish to work off campus, you may be eligible to apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT), depending on your program.
M-1 Visa: Students can participate in practical training, but only after completing their program. M-1 students are not permitted to work while studying.
J-1 Visa: Students may be allowed to work on campus, but off-campus work must be approved by your program sponsor. After graduation, you may be eligible for Academic Training (AT) to gain experience in your field. Students on a J-1 visa may only work up to a maximum of 20 hours per week while the academic term is in session.
To obtain work authorization, you will need to speak with your Designated School Officer (DSO). They must approve and record any employment you take up, so it is important to stay in regular contact with them throughout your job search.
2. How Can I Check the Status of My Visa Application?
To check the status of your US student visa application, visit the website of the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) and use the “Check My Visa Application Status” tool. You will need your interview location and the confirmation number from your online application.
3. Do You Need Health Insurance on an F-1 Visa?
The majority of US universities require active health insurance plans for all enrolled students, including international students on an F-1 visa. Students can enroll in a university-sponsored health insurance plan, and some universities automatically enroll their students into the school plan. You also may have the option to choose another plan compliant with the university’s requirements.
4. What Is the Cost of Getting an F-1 Visa?
The student visa application costs approximately $535. It consists of the following fees:
I-901 SEVIS fee - $350
DS-160 form fees - $185
You can apply for your non-immigrant student visa up to 365 days before your program start date. It is recommended to apply early, preferably as soon as you get your university acceptance letter, as it can take several months to receive your visa.
5. How Do I Maintain My F-1 Visa Status?
As an international student from Nepal, you need to maintain your F-1 status to keep studying in the US. This involves following your school’s rules and code of conduct, as well as meeting all the requirements and conditions outlined in your F-1 visa.
The F-1 application process can be challenging, but with the right preparation and support, you can take the next step in your US education journey.
For more information about how to apply for a US student visa from Nepal, contact a Shorelight advisor today >
