How to Write a Cover Letter for United States Visa

In short: whether a Nepali passport holder needs a any visa for United States — and exactly which documents — depends on your travel purpose and the latest United States rules. The relevant class is B-2 Visitor Visa (Tourism) (stay Up to 6 months per entry (officer discretion at port of entry; CBP grants the I-94 admission period)). This guide covers the requirement, the document checklist, costs, and the step-by-step process, with the official portal linked below.

United States Any visa: key facts for Nepali applicants

Visa class	B-2 Visitor Visa (Tourism)
Stay	Up to 6 months per entry (officer discretion at port of entry; CBP grants the I-94 admission period).
Validity	10 years multiple-entry (default for Nepali passport holders since 2014).
Entries	Multiple.
Processing time	After interview: visa typically issued within 5–10 working days (passport returned via embassy courier or VAC pickup). Interview appointment wait at Kathmandu: typically 4–12 weeks (check ais.usvisa-info.com for live availability).
Visa fee	USD 185 MRV (non-refundable). Plus VFS courier delivery fee (NPR 600–1,200 depending on tier).
Funds required	No fixed bank-balance threshold — the officer evaluates the totality of ties to Nepal and ability to fund the trip without working in the US. Practical benchmark for Nepali applicants: NPR 10–15 lakh visible across 6 months + steady income proof = comfortably defensible.
Official portal	https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-np/niv (US Visa Information & Appointment Services — Nepal) · https://ceac.state.gov/genniv (DS-160 nonimmigrant application form) · https://ceac.state.gov/iv (DS-260 immigrant visa application) · https://travel.state.gov — State Department canonical visa portal
Where to apply	Visa Application Center (VAC) — Kathmandu (operated by VFS Global / GDIT for biometric collection on nonimmigrant visas) — Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal (across from Hotel Yak & Yeti area). Consular entrance on Pani Pokhari side.

Facts verified against the official source; confirm before you apply — visa rules change. Last checked 2026-07-12.

Documents you will usually need

• Nepali passport (validity ≥ 6 months beyond intended US return) — Plus copy of every page with prior visa stamps and entry/exit endorsements. Carry all prior passports if any.
• DS-160 confirmation page (printed barcode) — Submitted via ceac.state.gov/genniv. Photo upload must succeed inside the form before submission; if it fails, bring a printed 2x2 inch white-background photo to the interview.
• Recent 2x2 inch passport-style photograph (white background, < 6 months old) — US visa photo spec: 600x600 to 1200x1200 pixels, no glasses, no headcover (religious exceptions documented), neutral expression. JPEG ≤ 240 KB.
• MRV fee receipt (USD 185) — Paid via Standard Chartered or Himalayan Bank deposit slip; receipt valid 365 days from issue. Bring physical bank receipt + your VAC profile linkage.
• Interview appointment confirmation — Printed from ais.usvisa-info.com/en-np/niv after scheduling.
• Cover letter explaining trip purpose, dates, who pays, ties to Nepal, intent to return — Optional but recommended for first-time applicants. 1 page, signed. (if applicable)
• Confirmed return air ticket OR detailed itinerary (Yatra dummy ticket NPR 999 acceptable) — Officer rarely asks at the interview window but useful to demonstrate planning. (if applicable)
• Hotel reservation / accommodation proof for the US stay — Same as above — supports trip-plan credibility. (if applicable)
• Proof of onward/return travel (a flight reservation) and accommodation (a hotel booking) where required.

Step-by-step: how to apply from Nepal

1. Confirm the visa type and current requirements on the official portal (https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-np/niv (US Visa Information & Appointment Services — Nepal) · https://ceac.state.gov/genniv (DS-160 nonimmigrant application form) · https://ceac.state.gov/iv (DS-260 immigrant visa application) · https://travel.state.gov — State Department canonical visa portal).
2. Gather and scan your documents; book your appointment at Visa Application Center (VAC) — Kathmandu (operated by VFS Global / GDIT for biometric collection on nonimmigrant visas) or start the online form.
3. Prepare proof of onward travel and accommodation — many applicants use Yatra's verifiable reservations rather than buying non-refundable bookings before approval.
4. Pay the visa fee, submit (and give biometrics if required), then track your application.

Typical costs & processing time

Processing for a United States any visa typically takes After interview: visa typically issued within 5–10 working days (passport returned via embassy courier or VAC pickup). Interview appointment wait at Kathmandu: typically 4–12 weeks (check ais.usvisa-info.com for live availability). The visa fee is USD 185 MRV (non-refundable). Plus VFS courier delivery fee (NPR 600–1,200 depending on tier).. Budget separately for supporting documents: a Yatra dummy flight ticket is NPR 999, a hotel reservation NPR 499, or the full bundle from NPR 1499.

Common reasons applications get delayed

• Weak or inconsistent proof of funds.
• No credible proof of onward travel or accommodation.
• Photos or forms that don't meet the embassy spec.
• An itinerary that doesn't match the stated purpose or dates.

Frequently asked questions

Do Nepali citizens need a any visa for United States?

The relevant class is B-2 Visitor Visa (Tourism) allowing a stay of Up to 6 months per entry (officer discretion at port of entry; CBP grants the I-94 admission period). Nepali applicants should confirm the current United States rule on the official portal, then prepare passport, application, funds, and proof of onward travel and accommodation.

How long does a United States any visa take to process?

Processing typically takes After interview: visa typically issued within 5–10 working days (passport returned via embassy courier or VAC pickup). Interview appointment wait at Kathmandu: typically 4–12 weeks (check ais.usvisa-info.com for live availability). Apply with at least a 1–2 week buffer beyond this.

How much money should I show for a United States visa?

For a United States any visa, no fixed bank-balance threshold — the officer evaluates the totality of ties to Nepal and ability to fund the trip without working in the US. Practical benchmark for Nepali applicants: NPR 10–15 lakh visible across 6 months + steady income proof = comfortably defensible.

Can Yatra For Fun help with my United States documents?

Yes — Yatra issues verifiable flight, hotel and itinerary reservations for your visa file, delivered as PDFs in about 30 minutes.

Preparing your United States application? Yatra For Fun issues visa-ready flight reservations, hotel bookings and itineraries, and our United States visa guide has the current checklist. Ask us on WhatsApp.