Studying in the United States of America (USA) is the dream of many Nepalese students to access world-class education and achieve their academic goals. The USA offers access to high-quality education and a chance to experience diverse cultures, build global networks and open doors to plenty of career opportunities. With some of the most renowned universities, advanced research facilities, and student communities, this nation helps to grow both personally and professionally.
The journey to study in the USA from Nepal starts with applying for a USA study visa. The application process can feel challenging but is entirely navigable with proper planning, guidance and preparation. In this blog, we explore
how to apply for a USA study visa from Nepal, a clear roadmap with the steps involved in the application process.
Types of USA Student Visa
The USA is one of the top choices for Nepalese students as it offers unique and exciting experiences with academic excellence, innovative research opportunities, and rich cultural diversity. Firstly, you need to apply for a USA study visa from Nepal to pursue your journey. There are different types of USA study visas. They are mentioned below:
1. F-1 Visa (Academic Student)
The F-1 student visa is for international students who are attending to pursue a full-time degree or academic program at a recognised US school or university. This visa is applicable for those international students who want to study English at an English language institute or university.
2. J-1 Visa (Exchange Visitor)
The J-1 visa is for international exchange visitors who are participating in US programs that aim to promote cultural exchange. This visa applicant must be sponsored by a private sector or government program and meet eligibility requirements for the program. The holder of a J visa will generally stay for one or two semesters in the US and return after the end of the program.
3. M-1 Visa (Vocational Student)
The M-1 visa is for international students who want to enrol in non-academic or vocational programs or training at an institution. The M-1 visa holders are there in the US for a fixed period which is until the training program ends.
Eligibility Requirements for US Student Visa
To apply for the US student visa applicant must meet the following eligibility criteria, they are as follows:
- Valid Passport
- Completed online nonimmigrant visa application form
- Photograph meeting the requirement (format and number)
- Form I-20 or DS-2019 issued by educational institution/ university
- Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Fee payment receipt
- Financial documentation showing sufficient funds which cover tuition and living costs
- Academic documents such as transcripts, and certificates
USA Student Visa Requirements
- Admission acceptance from US institution/ University: Before starting the application process, the applicant must receive acceptance from the university that is accredited by the Student and Exchange Visitors Programme (SEVP).
- Form I-20 or DS-2019: To begin the visa application process, Form I-20 (for an F-1 visa) or DS-2019 (for a J-1 visa) must be received from a Designated School Official (DSO).
- Payment of SEVIS fee: The Student and Exchange Visitor (SEVIS) fee must be paid before applying for a visa. This fee can be paid online through the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (IEC) website.
- Visa Application Form: Students must need to complete the nonimmigrant visa application form with their personal information, educational background, and other relevant details.
- Passport: Applicants must have a valid passport which is valid for at least six months beyond their intended period of stay.
- Financial documentation: Applicants must have financial documents that include bank statements, scholarship letters, and sponsorship documents to demonstrate that they have funds to cover tuition fees and other expenses.
- English Language Proficiency: Students have to demonstrate the language proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL, based on university requirements.
- Consular Interview: Applicants will have to schedule and attend interviews in the US embassy.
These are the basic USA visa requirements one must fulfil before applying for a student visa. Now we look at how to apply for a USA study visa, and what is the general process.
How to apply for a USA Study Visa?
If the applicant is thinking about how to apply for a USA study visa from Nepal, then it requires proper planning and careful understanding of the process. Here are the general steps of the process to apply for a USA visa:
Receive Acceptance
Applicants must apply and get accepted from a SEVP-approved school in the United States. Once accepted, the institution will send Form I-20 for an F-1 visa or DS-2019 for a J-1 visa.
Pay the SEVIS Fee
The applicants should pay the SEVIS fee at least 3 days before the interview and keep the receipt as proof of payment.
Complete the DS-160 Form
The online nonimmigrant visa application (DS-160 Form) must be filled out from the US Department website, submitted and a confirmation page should be printed.
Schedule Visa Interview
Applicants should visit the website of the US embassy or consulate to schedule the interview. To schedule. The DS-160 confirmation is required to schedule the interview, also any required visa application fee should be paid.
Prepare for the Interview
Preparing for the interview is the crucial step, all necessary documents should be gathered including the following:
- Valid Passport
- Form I-20 or DS-2019
- SEVIS fee receipt
- Confirmation page of DS-160
- Visa application fee receipt
- Academic transcripts and Certificates
- Proof of Financial Support
- English Language Proficiency Test
- Other documents required by the embassy or consulate
Attend the Visa Interview
On the scheduled date and time, applicants must arrive at the embassy or consulate prepared to answer the questions asked by the interviewee.
Wait for Visa Processing
After the interview, if the visa is approved the consular office will inform the applicant to get the visa and stamped passport. If the visa is denied, applicants will get a letter which will explain the reason for denial.
Conclusion
Studying in the USA is a good investment in the future, to gain good academic and professional opportunities. The United States is known for its diverse and dynamic educational environment, encouraging students to think critically, be innovative and push boundaries of knowledge. By studying in such an ideal environment with diverse cultures, global networks, and advanced research facilities, one can grow both personally and professionally.
However the process of applying for a USA study visa from Nepal may seem complicated but with proper planning, guidance, careful attention to details and the right preparation, one can accomplish their dream of studying in the USA. To start this journey, applicants need to understand some of the crucial things like Visa types, process, eligibility and requirements. In this blog, we explore the eligibility requirements for a USA visa, the types of US visas, and
how to apply for a USA student visa. Thus,
if you want to have further insights into the various aspects of studying in the USA, do check out some of our other blogs. If you want the best services regarding studying in the USA, contact us at AIMS Education the best consultancy in Nepal. We hope you found this helpful. Thank you for reading till the end.
FAQs on How to Apply for a USA Study Visa
What are the types of US student visas?
The types of a US student visa are mentioned below:
- F-1 Visa (Academic Student)
- J-1 Visa (Exchange Visitor)
- M-1 Visa (Vocational Student)
What are the Eligibility requirements for a US student visa?
The eligibility requirements for a US student visa are listed below:
- Valid Passport
- Completed online visa application form
- Photographs meeting the requirements
- Form I-20 or DS-2019
- Student and Exchange Visitor Information System fee payment receipt
- Financial Documentations
- Academic Documents
What are the requirements for a USA student visa?
The requirements for a USA student visa are as follows:
- Admission acceptance from a US institution/ University
- Form I-20 or DS-2019
- Payment of SEVIS fee
- Visa Application form
- Passport
- Financial documentation
- English Language Proficiency
- Consular Interview
How to apply for a USA study visa from Nepal?
To apply for a USA study visa from Nepal, one must follow the following steps:
- Receive Acceptance
- Pay the SEVIS Fee
- Complete the DS-160 Form
- Schedule visa interview
- Prepare for interview
- Attend the visa interview
- Wait for Visa processing and approval
How do I schedule a visa interview?
To schedule a visa interview, visit the website of the US embassy or consulate in Nepal. You will need a DS-160 confirmation page and may need to pay any required visa application fee.
What happens if my visa application is denied?
If the visa application is denied you will receive the letter explaining the denial.
How long does the visa processing take?
The visa processing time can vary and if the visa is approved the consular office will inform you to receive the visa and stamped passport.
Can I reapply if my US student visa is rejected?
Yes, you can reapply in the future by submitting a new visa application and paying the fee again.
Can I work while studying in the USA?
Yes, you can work on-campus up to 20 hours per week during academic terms and full-time during vacation while studying in the USA.
