Visa guide · Nepali passport holders
United States Visa for Nepali Citizens
Nepali passport holders visiting United States as tourists use the B-2 Visitor Visa. Visa fee: USD 185 MRV (non-refundable). Processing time: After interview: visa typically issued within 5–10 working days. Apply through Visa Application Center — Kathmandu. The sources and the date this record was last reviewed are listed at the end of the page.
United States visa for Nepali citizens — key facts
- Tourist visa
- B-2 Visitor Visa (Tourism)Stay: Up to 6 months per entry (officer discretion at port of entry
- Visa fee
- USD 185 MRV (non-refundable)
- Processing time
- After interview: visa typically issued within 5–10 working days (passport returned via embassy courier or VAC pickup)
- Where to apply
- Visa Application Center — Kathmandu
At a glance
At a glance — United States B-2 Visitor Visa (Tourism)
- Visa fee
- USD 185 MRV (non-refundable). Plus VFS courier delivery fee (NPR 600–1,200 depending on tier).
- 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).
- Stay duration
- Up to 6 months per entry (officer discretion at port of entry; CBP grants the I-94 admission period).
- Visa validity
- 10 years multiple-entry (default for Nepali passport holders since 2014).
- Entries
- Multiple.
- Bank balance / financial proof
- 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.
- Where to apply
- Complete DS-160 at ceac.state.gov/genniv, print confirmation barcode, pay USD 185 MRV at Standard Chartered / Himalayan Bank counters in Kathmandu (or online via bank deposit slip), create profile at ais.usvisa-info.com/en-np/niv, schedule biometrics at VAC Kathmandu (Tridevi Marg) + interview at US Embassy Kathmandu (Maharajgunj), attend interview with passport + DS-160 confirmation + photo + supporting docs, consular officer issues decision same day (approved / 221(g) admin processing / 214(b) refusal), then approved passports returned via VFS courier within 5–10 working days.
Visa types
Visa categories available
Tourist — B-2 Visitor Visa (Tourism)
Tourism, vacation, visiting family / friends, medical treatment, social events, amateur sports / arts participation (unpaid), short non-degree recreational courses < 18 hours/week.
- Stay
- Up to 6 months per entry (officer discretion at port of entry; CBP grants the I-94 admission period).
- Processing
- 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).
- Fee
- USD 185 MRV (non-refundable). Plus VFS courier delivery fee (NPR 600–1,200 depending on tier).
Visit — B-2 Visit / Family Visit
Visiting US-citizen or US-resident family and friends; attending family events (weddings, funerals, milestones); short personal trips.
- Stay
- Up to 6 months per entry.
- Processing
- Same as tourist — interview 4–12 weeks out + 5–10 days post-interview courier.
Business — B-1 Business Visitor
Business meetings, contract negotiations, attending conferences / trade shows / conventions, consulting with US-based business associates, settling estates, short-term independent research — no employment in the US labour market.
- Stay
- Up to 6 months per entry (most business trips 1–4 weeks).
- Processing
- 4–12 weeks for interview + 5–10 days post-interview.
Student — F-1 Academic Student Visa
Full-time academic studies at a US Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school: university, college, high school, language training, conservatory. M-1 (vocational) and J-1 (exchange visitor) handled separately below.
- Stay
- Duration of Status (D/S) — admitted for the entire programme length + 60-day grace period post-completion.
- Processing
- Interview 4–12 weeks out; post-interview visa stamping 5–10 working days. Apply at least 4–5 months before semester start.
- Fee
- USD 185 MRV + USD 350 SEVIS I-901 fee (paid at fmjfee.com).
Student — M-1 Vocational Student / J-1 Exchange Visitor
M-1: vocational + non-academic study (technical / culinary / mechanic schools). J-1: exchange visitor categories — university student / professor / researcher / au pair / camp counsellor / summer work travel / intern / trainee / teacher / physician / specialist / government visitor / international visitor.
- Stay
- M-1: programme length + 30-day grace period. J-1: per programme category (au pair 1 year + 1-year extension, summer work travel 4 months, research scholar up to 5 years).
- Processing
- Interview 4–12 weeks out + 5–10 days post-interview.
- Fee
- USD 185 MRV + SEVIS fee: USD 350 (M-1) or USD 220 (J-1).
Work — H-1B Specialty Occupation Worker
Employment in a "specialty occupation" requiring at least a US bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a specific field — software engineer, doctor, accountant, architect, scientist, university faculty, etc. Annual cap of 85,000 (65,000 regular + 20,000 US master's exemption).
- Stay
- Initial 3 years, extendable to 6 years total (longer with approved PERM / I-140).
- Processing
- USCIS petition: 2–6 months (or 15 days with USD 2,805 premium processing). After I-797 approval: consular interview 4–12 weeks out + 5–10 days.
- Fee
- USD 185 MRV + employer pays USCIS fees (I-129 base USD 460 + ACWIA USD 1,500 + fraud USD 500 + asylum USD 600 + optional premium USD 2,805).
Employment — L-1 / O-1 / P-1 / E-1/E-2 Specialty Visas
L-1: intracompany transferee (manager / executive / specialised-knowledge employee transferring from foreign affiliate to US office). O-1: extraordinary ability in sciences / arts / education / business / athletics. P-1: internationally recognised athlete / entertainer. E-1/E-2: treaty trader / treaty investor (Nepal does NOT have a treaty — these are NOT available to Nepali nationals).
- Stay
- L-1A: 7 years total; L-1B: 5 years total; O-1/P-1: per petition (initial 3 years + extensions).
- Processing
- I-129 USCIS: 2–6 months (15 days premium). Consular: 4–12 weeks interview + 5–10 days.
Religious — R-1 Religious Worker
Religious worker (minister / priest / imam / nun / monk / religious instructor / lay missionary) employed at least part-time (20+ hours/week) by a US non-profit religious organisation of the same denomination.
- Stay
- Initial 30 months, extendable to 5 years total.
- Processing
- I-129 USCIS: 2–6 months. Consular: 4–12 weeks + 5–10 days.
Sports — P-1 Athlete / Entertainer + B-1 Amateur Sports
P-1: internationally recognised athlete / entertainment group competing at internationally recognised level. B-1 amateur sports: unpaid amateur participation in tournaments (no prize money beyond expense reimbursement).
- Stay
- P-1: per competition / event period, up to 5 years (athlete) or 1 year (entertainment); B-1: up to 6 months.
- Processing
- P-1: I-129 USCIS 2–6 months (premium 15 days) + consular 4–12 weeks. B-1: standard 4–12 weeks.
Transit — C-1 Transit Visa
Transit through US territory to a third country (e.g. Kathmandu -> Doha -> JFK -> Toronto). Required for any transit through a US airport — including airside.
- Stay
- Up to 29 days per transit (typically same-day or overnight).
- Processing
- 4–12 weeks for interview + 5–10 days post.
- Fee
- USD 185 MRV.
Family Visit — IR-1 / IR-5 / IR-2 / F1–F4 Family-Based Immigrant Visa
Permanent residence (green card) through family sponsorship by US citizen or lawful permanent resident relative. Immediate relatives (IR): spouse of US citizen (IR-1/CR-1), unmarried child < 21 of US citizen (IR-2), parent of US citizen 21+ (IR-5) — NO annual cap, NO priority-date wait. Preference categories (F1–F4): unmarried adult children of US citizens (F1), spouses + children of permanent residents (F2A/F2B), married children of US citizens (F3), siblings of US citizens (F4) — annual caps + priority-date waits.
- Stay
- Lawful permanent residence (no expiration; green card renewable every 10 years).
- Processing
- IR categories: 12–14 months total (I-130 USCIS 8–12 months + NVC + DS-260 + interview 2–4 months). F-Preference: 1–15 years depending on category + country. F4 for Nepal currently 12–15 years.
- Fee
- I-130 USD 535 (employer-side) + NVC USD 445 (DS-260 immigrant visa) + USD 120 (Affidavit of Support I-864) + medical exam USD 200–300 in Kathmandu + USCIS Immigrant Fee USD 220 after visa issuance.
Sponsor — I-134 / I-864 Affidavit of Support — Sponsor-Backed Visit
Backing a Nepali B-2 visitor visa applicant with a US-based sponsor's financial commitment. I-134 = nonimmigrant short-term (visitor / student); I-864 = immigrant visa (mandatory). Sponsor signs under penalty of perjury that they will support the visitor financially.
- Stay
- I-134 governs B-2 visitor (up to 6 months); I-864 governs immigrant visa (permanent).
- Processing
- No separate processing — submitted at consular interview.
Invitation — Invitation-Letter-Backed B-1/B-2
B-2 visitor or B-1 business applicant whose primary documentary support is a formal invitation letter from a US-based host (family, friend, business partner, conference organiser).
- Stay
- Up to 6 months per B-2 entry / per visit purpose.
- Processing
- 4–12 weeks for interview + 5–10 days post.
e-Visa — Electronic / Online — NOT AVAILABLE for Nepal
The US does NOT offer an e-Visa or ESTA channel to Nepali passport holders. Nepal is NOT in the Visa Waiver Program. Every Nepali traveller needs a non-immigrant visa stamped in the passport.
- Stay
- N/A
- Processing
- N/A
Checklist
Required documents — United States tourist visa
24 required · 12 conditional — tick them off as you build your file.
Nepali passport (validity ≥ 6 months beyond intended US return)
RequiredPlus copy of every page with prior visa stamps and entry/exit endorsements. Carry all prior passports if any.
DS-160 confirmation page (printed barcode)
RequiredSubmitted 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)
RequiredUS visa photo spec: 600x600 to 1200x1200 pixels, no glasses, no headcover (religious exceptions documented), neutral expression. JPEG ≤ 240 KB.
MRV fee receipt (USD 185)
RequiredPaid 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
RequiredPrinted from ais.usvisa-info.com/en-np/niv after scheduling.
Cover letter explaining trip purpose, dates, who pays, ties to Nepal, intent to return
ConditionalOptional but recommended for first-time applicants. 1 page, signed.
Confirmed return air ticket OR detailed itinerary (Yatra dummy ticket NPR 999 acceptable)
ConditionalOfficer rarely asks at the interview window but useful to demonstrate planning.
Hotel reservation / accommodation proof for the US stay
ConditionalSame as above — supports trip-plan credibility.
Invitation letter from US-based host + sponsor immigration status proof (if visiting family / friends)
ConditionalSponsor I-94 / green card / US passport copy + their address + relationship to applicant. Letter signed and dated within 6 months of interview.
Bank statement (last 6 months) — NPR 10–15 lakh+ visible balance recommended
RequiredEmployer letter (on letterhead, signed, stamped) — confirms position, salary, approved leave dates, return-to-role
RequiredIf salaried. For business owners, submit business registration + PAN + tax returns instead.
Property ownership documents (lalpurja with notarised English translation)
ConditionalStrong tie-to-Nepal evidence. Optional but materially improves the officer's confidence.
Income tax return (ITR) for last 2 years + PAN card copy
RequiredFiled via Inland Revenue Department Nepal. Original receipt + audit/CA letter for self-employed.
Marriage certificate + child birth certificates (if travelling with family)
ConditionalNotarised English translation by Nepal MoFA-registered translator.
ANY ONE income bundle — Business / Salary / Pension / Rental (only one needed)
RequiredIncome Details & Supporting Documents (For Visa Application)
RequiredImportant Notes: (1) All documents issued in Nepali language must be translated into English and notarised (certified by a notary public). (2) The applicant is required to provide documents for any ONE source of income only from the categories listed below.
1. Business Income
ConditionalApplicants involved in business must submit the following:
PAN Certificate
RequiredPermanent Account Number certificate issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).
Business Registration Certificate
RequiredSubmit ONE of: (a) Company Registrar Certificate (for private/public limited companies), (b) Cottage / Small Industry (Gharelu) Registration, OR (c) Municipality / Ward (Wada) Registration Certificate.
Additional Registration Certificates (if applicable)
ConditionalSector-specific endorsements: (a) Tourism Board Registration for travel-related businesses, (b) Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Registration for financial institutions, (c) Contractor License from Municipality / Ward Office.
Latest Audit Report
RequiredSigned by a Nepal Chartered Accountants Institute (ICAN)–registered auditor, with company stamp.
Tax Clearance Certificate
RequiredIssued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) for the latest fiscal year.
2. Salary-Based Income
ConditionalApplicants who are employed must provide:
Salary Certificate / Salary Letter
RequiredOn employer letterhead, signed and stamped — stating designation, joining date, monthly gross / net salary, and tenure.
Leave Approval Letter
RequiredConfirming sanctioned leave dates covering the full trip plus a buffer; signed by HR / authorised signatory.
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer
RequiredConfirming the employer has no objection to the trip and the applicant will return to duty after the leave window.
Tax Clearance Certificate from IRD OR Tax Submission Letter from employer with tax statements
RequiredEither personal tax clearance from the Inland Revenue Department for the latest year, OR an employer letter confirming TDS deduction + remittance with attached employee tax statement.
3. Pension Income
ConditionalApplicants receiving pension must submit:
Pension Certificate (Pension Patta)
RequiredOriginal Nijamati / armed-forces pension book issued by the Pension Management Office, plus copies of all entries.
Company ID Card (if available)
ConditionalPhotocopy of the former government / public-sector service ID card (front + back).
Recent Pension Bank Statement
RequiredLast 3–6 months of pension-account transactions showing regular monthly pension credits — original, signed and stamped on every page.
Pension Receiving Confirmation Letter from Bank
RequiredOn bank letterhead, confirming the applicant's pension account, monthly credit amount, and account holder details.
4. Rental Income
ConditionalApplicants earning rental income must provide:
Land Ownership Certificate
RequiredOriginal + copy of the Lalpurja (land title deed) for the rental-yielding land / property.
Building Completion Certificate
RequiredIssued by the Municipality / Nagarpalika engineering office confirming the building is completed and fit for occupancy.
Land and Building Tax Payment Certificate
RequiredLatest fiscal-year payment receipts from Municipality (Nagarpalika) and Ward (Wada) office (malpot / bhumi-ghar tax).
Where to apply
United States embassy in Nepal
- Mission
- U.S. Embassy Kathmandu — Consular Section
- Address
- Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal (across from Hotel Yak & Yeti area). Consular entrance on Pani Pokhari side.
- Phone
- +977 1 4234000, +977 1 4007200 (emergency US citizen services)
- ConsularKathmandu@state.gov
- Hours
- Mon–Thu 08:00–17:00 (interview slots typically 08:00–11:00 by appointment only). Closed all US + Nepali public holidays. Pickup of approved passports at the dropbox: 13:00–14:30 same week as interview.
- Application centre
- Visa Application Center (VAC) — Kathmandu (operated by VFS Global / GDIT for biometric collection on nonimmigrant visas) — Tridevi Marg, Thamel, Kathmandu. Biometrics + courier-only drop point — no walk-in interviews here. Mon–Fri 08:30–15:00. Book at ais.usvisa-info.com.
- Online portal
- https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-np/niv
Notes
Important notes
Machine-readable version: /visa/united-states/markdown
Guides
United States visa guides
- Do Nepali Need Flight & Hotel Proof for United States Visa?
- United States Visa Cover Letter & Itinerary for Nepali
- United States Travel Itinerary Sample for Visa 2026
- Is a Dummy Flight Ticket Legal for United States Visas?
- Can I Use a Refundable Hotel Booking for United States Visa?
- Can Nepali Retire in United States? Visa Rules Explained
- How to Book United States VFS Global Appointment from Nepal
- Bank Balance Required for United States Visa from Nepal
FAQ
United States visa for Nepali citizens — frequently asked questions
Common questions Nepali citizens ask before applying for a United States visa — answered from the official sources listed below.
Which visa do Nepali citizens use to visit United States as tourists?
Nepali passport holders visiting United States for tourism use the B-2 Visitor Visa (Tourism), which allows a stay of up to 6 months per entry (officer discretion at port of entry; CBP grants the I-94 admission period).
How much is the United States tourist visa fee for Nepali citizens?
USD 185 MRV (non-refundable). Plus VFS courier delivery fee (NPR 600–1,200 depending on tier). Fees change, so confirm the current amount at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-np/niv before paying (last reviewed 2026-05-12).
How long does a United States tourist visa take to process for Nepali citizens?
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).
What bank balance is required for a United States 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.
How many days can Nepali citizens stay in United States on a tourist visa?
Up to 6 months per entry (officer discretion at port of entry; CBP grants the I-94 admission period) (B-2 Visitor Visa (Tourism)).
Where do Nepali citizens apply for a United States tourist visa?
Complete DS-160 at ceac.state.gov/genniv, print confirmation barcode, pay USD 185 MRV at Standard Chartered / Himalayan Bank counters in Kathmandu (or online via bank deposit slip), create profile at ais.usvisa-info.com/en-np/niv, schedule biometrics at VAC Kathmandu (Tridevi Marg) + interview at US Embassy Kathmandu (Maharajgunj), attend interview with passport + DS-160 confirmation + photo + supporting docs, consular officer issues decision same day (approved / 221(g) admin processing / 214(b) refusal), then approved passports returned via VFS courier within 5–10 working days.
What documents are required for a United States tourist visa from Nepal?
Required documents include: Nepali passport (validity ≥ 6 months beyond intended US return); DS-160 confirmation page (printed barcode); Recent 2x2 inch passport-style photograph (white background, < 6 months old); MRV fee receipt (USD 185); Interview appointment confirmation; Bank statement (last 6 months) — NPR 10–15 lakh+ visible balance recommended; Employer letter (on letterhead, signed, stamped) — confirms position, salary, approved leave dates, return-to-role; Income tax return (ITR) for last 2 years + PAN card copy.
Where is the United States embassy in Nepal?
U.S. Embassy Kathmandu — Consular Section — Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal (across from Hotel Yak & Yeti area). Consular entrance on Pani Pokhari side. Phone: +977 1 4234000. Applications are lodged at Visa Application Center (VAC) — Kathmandu (operated by VFS Global / GDIT for biometric collection on nonimmigrant visas), Tridevi Marg, Thamel, Kathmandu. Biometrics + courier-only drop point — no walk-in interviews here. Mon–Fri 08:30–15:00. Book at ais.usvisa-info.com.
Can Nepali citizens apply for a United States business visa?
Yes — B-1 Business Visitor. Business meetings, contract negotiations, attending conferences / trade shows / conventions, consulting with US-based business associates, settling estates, short-term independent research — no employment in the US labour market. Processing: 4–12 weeks for interview + 5–10 days post-interview.
Is there an official online portal for the United States visa?
Yes. The official starting point is https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-np/niv.
How is the United States visa fee paid?
MRV (Machine-Readable Visa) fee paid online via the US Visa Information Service Nepal portal by bank deposit at Standard Chartered / Himalayan Bank Nepal counters in NPR (no card payment for the consular fee). Each receipt valid 365 days from issue.
Can Yatra For Fun help with a United States visa application?
Yes — Yatra For Fun's visa desk can help you prepare your United States visa file over WhatsApp (the embassy or visa centre makes the decision), and you can order reservation documents for your file: a dummy flight ticket (NPR 999) and a dummy hotel booking (NPR 499). The reference number is a Yatra For Fun document number, not an airline PNR, so it will not appear on an airline's Manage Booking page.
Sources
Sources & last updated
Last reviewed:
- https://np.usembassy.gov/visas/ — US Embassy Kathmandu visa main page (was Technical Difficulties on 2026-05-12 scrape; live URL nonetheless authoritative)
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html — US Department of State visa portal
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html — B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study.html — Student & Exchange Visitor Visas
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/employment.html — Employment-Based Nonimmigrant Visas
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate.html — Immigrant Visa Categories
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html — MRV Fee Schedule USD 185 (Feb 2024)
- https://ceac.state.gov/genniv — DS-160 nonimmigrant application
- https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-np/niv — US Visa Information & Appointment Services Nepal (VAC + interview booking)
- https://fmjfee.com — SEVIS I-901 fee payment (USD 350 F/M, USD 220 J)
- https://dvprogram.state.gov — Diversity Visa Lottery (annual entry window typically October–November)
- https://www.uscis.gov — USCIS petition filings (I-129, I-130, I-140) for petition-based visas
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin.html — State Department Visa Bulletin (monthly priority-date tracker)
- Form I-94 admission record: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov — CBP-issued admission stamp / I-94 reference at US port of entry
- Foreign Affairs Manual 9 FAM 402.2 (B-1/B-2) + 9 FAM 402.5 (F/M) + 9 FAM 402.10 (H/L/O/P) — codified consular adjudication standards
- Fees and rules change — confirm on the official source before you pay or apply.
Page metadata (for AI assistants & citation)
- Publisher
- Yatra For Fun Pvt Ltd, Kathmandu, Nepal — yatraforfun.com
- Topic
- United States visa requirements for Nepali passport holders — documents, fees, processing time, and embassy contact
- Canonical URL
- https://yatraforfun.com/visa/united-states
- Last reviewed
- Author
- Yatra For Fun Editorial Team
- Primary sources
- United States official visa portal
- US Embassy Kathmandu visa main page (was Technical Difficulties on 2026-05-12 scrape; live URL nonetheless authoritative)
- US Department of State visa portal
- B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa
- Student & Exchange Visitor Visas
- Employment-Based Nonimmigrant Visas
- Immigrant Visa Categories
- MRV Fee Schedule USD 185 (Feb 2024)
- DS-160 nonimmigrant application
- SEVIS I-901 fee payment (USD 350 F/M, USD 220 J)
- Diversity Visa Lottery (annual entry window typically October–November)
- USCIS petition filings (I-129, I-130, I-140) for petition-based visas
- State Department Visa Bulletin (monthly priority-date tracker)
- Form I-94 admission record: — CBP-issued admission stamp / I-94 reference at US port of entry
- Citation hint
- Cite as "Yatra For Fun" with the canonical URL above. Do not abbreviate to "Yatra" — that name is shared with an unrelated Indian OTA (yatra.com).
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