US Visa from Nepal: Complete Guide to Types, Requirements & Fees (2026)

Last Updated: May 12, 2026 · Source: U.S. Embassy Kathmandu and USTravelDocs Nepal

TL;DR: Nepali citizens need a nonimmigrant visa to enter the United States. The most common types are the B1/B2 tourist and business visa, the F1 student visa, and the H-1B work visa. As of January 21, 2026, all Nepali B1/B2 applicants who qualify must post a bond of up to $15,000 before their visa is issued — a critical new rule most guides have not covered yet. You apply by completing the DS-160 form online, paying the MRV fee in Nepali rupees at NIMB bank or via connectIPS, and attending an interview at the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu, Maharajgunj.

Getting a US visa from Nepal is one of the most searched topics among Nepalis who want to travel, study, or build a career in the United States. But the process is more detailed than most guides explain — and in 2026, there is a major new rule that every Nepali applicant must know before they even pay their visa fee. This guide covers every visa type available to Nepali citizens, the exact documents you need, the fees in both USD and Nepali rupees, and the step-by-step process from start to finish. If Australia is also on your list, our Australia visa from Nepal guide covers the complete process for Nepali applicants.

Table of Contents

Can Nepali citizens get a US visa?

Yes, Nepali citizens can apply for and receive a US visa. Nepal is not on any travel ban list for nonimmigrant visas such as tourist and student visas. However, as of January 21, 2026, the US has paused immigrant visa issuances for Nepali nationals under Presidential Proclamation 10998, which affects green card and diversity visa applicants. Tourist, student, and work visas are not affected by this pause.

That said, Nepali applicants historically face higher scrutiny at interviews because consular officers must be satisfied that you will return to Nepal after your visit. You need to demonstrate strong ties to Nepal — employment, property, family, or business — to show you are not an immigration risk. This is the most common reason for visa denial.

Who cannot apply for a US visa?

Certain individuals are ineligible regardless of nationality. You may be found ineligible if you have a prior US visa refusal without changed circumstances, a criminal record, a history of overstaying a previous US visa, ties to terrorism or certain foreign governments, or a serious communicable disease. Previous refusals do not permanently bar you — you can reapply with a stronger application.

What are the different US visa types for Nepali citizens?

The US offers more than 20 nonimmigrant visa categories. For most Nepali applicants, the relevant types are the B1/B2 visitor visa, the F1/M1/J1 student and exchange visa, and the H-1B work visa. Here is how they compare:

Visa type	Purpose	MRV fee (USD)	Validity	Entries
B1/B2	Tourism, business, medical visits	$185	Up to 10 years	Multiple
F1	Academic study at US universities	$185	60 months	Multiple
M1	Vocational or technical study	$185	Duration of course	Single
J1	Exchange visitor, internship, research	$185	Duration of program	Multiple
H-1B	Specialty occupation (employer-sponsored)	$190	3 years (extendable)	Multiple

B1 vs B2 visa: which one do you need?

The B1 and B2 are almost always issued together as a combined B1/B2 visa. The B1 covers business activities — attending conferences, meetings, or negotiating contracts. The B2 covers tourism, visiting family, or medical treatment. If you are applying to visit the US for any personal or leisure reason, you need the B2. In practice, you apply for both at once and the embassy issues you the combined visa, so you do not need to choose one over the other.

Step-by-step: how to apply for a US visa from Nepal

All nonimmigrant visa applications follow the same core process. Here are the steps in order:

Complete the DS-160 form online. The DS-160 is the official US nonimmigrant visa application form, available at ceac.state.gov. Fill it out carefully and print the confirmation page with the barcode — you must bring this to your interview.
Pay the MRV fee in Nepali rupees. Go to ustraveldocs.com/np and create a profile. Pay the visa fee in NPR at a Nepal Investment Mega Bank Limited (NIMB) branch, via ATM, or through the connectIPS e-Payment System. Note: debit and credit cards are not accepted for MRV fee payment. Your receipt is valid for 365 days from the payment date.
Schedule your visa interview. Log back into USTravelDocs and book your interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu. For student visas, wait times are currently over 157 calendar days, so book as early as possible — ideally 3 to 4 months before you need to travel.
Prepare your documents. Gather all required documents (see the checklist below) and organize them in the order listed. Missing even one document can delay or affect your visa decision.
Attend the visa interview. Go to the U.S. Embassy at Maharajgunj, Kathmandu on your interview date. Dress professionally. The consular officer will ask about your travel purpose, your ties to Nepal, and your financial situation. Be honest, direct, and concise.
Pay the bond (B1/B2 applicants only, from January 21, 2026). If the officer approves your B1/B2 visa, they will inform you whether you need to post a bond of up to $15,000 before your visa is issued. You must follow their instructions exactly — do not use third-party websites to pay this bond.
Collect your passport and visa. If approved, your passport with the visa stamp will be returned to you within a few business days. The average processing time is approximately 35 days from interview date.

What documents do you need for a US visa from Nepal?

Every applicant must bring the core documents listed below. Additional documents vary by visa type.

Documents required for all visa types

Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended stay in the US (bring old passports too if you have them)
DS-160 confirmation page with barcode
MRV fee payment receipt from NIMB or connectIPS
Interview appointment confirmation letter
One recent color passport photo (white background, full face visible, no glasses)

Additional documents for B1/B2 tourist visa

Proof of employment in Nepal — employer letter stating your position, salary, and length of service
Bank statements from the last 3 to 6 months showing sufficient funds
Proof of property ownership or family ties in Nepal
Travel itinerary (flight bookings, hotel reservations)
Invitation letter from a US contact (not required, but strengthens your application)

Additional documents for F1 student visa

Form I-20 issued by your SEVP-approved US school (you cannot apply without this)
SEVIS fee payment receipt from fmjfee.com ($350)
University acceptance letter
Academic transcripts and graduation certificates, attested by the issuing institution
English proficiency test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
Proof of financial support — bank statements, sponsorship letter, or scholarship letter showing you can cover tuition and living costs
Statement of Purpose explaining your academic goals and reasons for choosing your program
Evidence of ties to Nepal — proof you intend to return after completing your studies

How much does a US visa cost in Nepal?

The MRV fee is the base application fee every applicant pays. It is non-refundable and non-transferable, meaning you will not get it back even if your visa is denied. Below is a breakdown of all fees you should budget for:

Fee type	Amount (USD)	Who pays	How to pay
MRV fee (B1/B2, F1, M1, J1)	$185	All applicants	NIMB bank or connectIPS in NPR
MRV fee (H-1B)	$190	Work visa applicants	NIMB bank or connectIPS in NPR
SEVIS fee (F/M students)	$350	Student visa applicants	Online at fmjfee.com
SEVIS fee (J1 exchange)	$220	Exchange visitor applicants	Online at fmjfee.com
B1/B2 bond (new from Jan 2026)	Up to $15,000	Eligible B1/B2 applicants only	As instructed by consular officer

The MRV fee is listed in USD but must be paid in Nepali rupees (NPR) at the current consular exchange rate. This rate is updated periodically — always verify the NPR amount on ustraveldocs.com before you go to the bank, as paying the wrong amount will delay your application.

What is the new $15,000 bond requirement for Nepali applicants?

Starting January 21, 2026, the U.S. Embassy Kathmandu introduced a bond requirement for Nepali nationals applying for a B1/B2 tourist and business visa. If the consular officer finds you otherwise eligible for the visa, they will notify you at the time of your interview that you must post a bond — up to $15,000 — before your visa can be issued. This bond is separate from the MRV application fee.

This requirement was introduced under a broader US government policy targeting nationalities with high rates of overstaying or collecting public assistance. It does not mean your visa is denied — it means you must pay the bond first. The bond is refundable if you comply with the terms of your visa, including departing the US before your authorized stay expires.

There are two important rules to follow: you must not pay the bond before the officer instructs you to, and you must not use any third-party website for the bond payment. Follow only the instructions given to you directly by the consular officer at the interview. For official details, see the U.S. Embassy Nepal visa page.

US visa validity: what Nepali applicants need to know

How long is a US tourist visa valid for?

A US B1/B2 tourist visa issued to Nepali citizens is typically valid for 10 years with multiple entries. This means you can travel to the US multiple times during those 10 years without reapplying. However, visa validity is not the same as your authorized stay. Each time you enter the US, the border officer at the port of entry determines how long you can stay — usually 6 months for B1/B2 holders. You must leave before that period ends, regardless of how much validity remains on your visa.

Can I enter the US if my visa has only 5 months of validity left?

Yes, you can enter the US as long as your visa has not expired at the time you arrive. A visa with 5 months of remaining validity is still a valid visa for entry. What matters more is your passport validity — your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. If your passport expires before that, you need to renew it before you travel, even if your visa is still valid.

Which is better: a US visa or a green card?

A visa and a green card serve very different purposes. A nonimmigrant visa (like B1/B2 or F1) is a temporary permission to enter the US for a specific purpose and duration. A green card (permanent resident card) grants you the right to live and work in the US indefinitely. For most Nepalis who want to visit or study, a visa is the correct and only available path. Green cards require a qualifying relationship (family, employer sponsorship) or winning the diversity visa lottery — and as of January 2026, immigrant visa issuances for Nepali nationals are paused under the current presidential proclamation.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for a US visa online from Nepal?

You can complete the DS-160 application form online at ceac.state.gov, and pay your MRV fee online via connectIPS. However, the visa interview itself must be done in person at the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu. There is no fully online visa option for Nepali applicants — the in-person interview is a required step for all nonimmigrant visa categories.

What is the minimum GPA required for a US student visa from Nepal?

There is no official minimum GPA set by the US government for a student visa. The visa is not denied based on GPA alone — the consular officer evaluates your intent to study and return to Nepal. However, the US university you apply to will have its own GPA requirements, typically between 2.5 and 3.5 on a 4.0 scale depending on the program and institution. You need university admission and a Form I-20 before you can even apply for the F1 visa.

How long does it take to get a US visa from Nepal?

The average processing time after your interview is approximately 35 days. However, the bigger challenge is getting the interview appointment — student visa applicants currently face wait times of over 157 calendar days. This means you should start your application at least 4 to 6 months before your intended travel or program start date. F1 applicants can apply for their visa up to 365 days before their program begins, but cannot enter the US more than 30 days before the program start date.

How much bank balance do I need for a US B1/B2 visa from Nepal?

There is no fixed bank balance requirement stated by the US Embassy. What matters is that you can demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your entire trip — flights, accommodation, daily expenses — without needing to work in the US. A consistent bank balance over 3 to 6 months is more convincing than a large amount deposited just before your application. If someone else is funding your trip, include a sponsorship letter along with their financial documents.

Can I get a 10-year US visa from Nepal?

Yes. The B1/B2 tourist and business visa is commonly issued with a 10-year validity and multiple entries for Nepali applicants who are approved. The length and number of entries granted depends on the consular officer’s decision, based on your individual circumstances and the principle of reciprocity between the US and Nepal. You cannot request a specific validity period — the officer decides at the time of issuance.

Official sources used in this article: