Skip to content
United States flag

Visa guide · Nepali passport holders

United States Visa for Nepali Citizens

Visa requiredLast reviewed

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

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.

  1. Nepali passport (validity ≥ 6 months beyond intended US return)

    Required

    Plus copy of every page with prior visa stamps and entry/exit endorsements. Carry all prior passports if any.

  2. DS-160 confirmation page (printed barcode)

    Required

    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.

  3. Recent 2x2 inch passport-style photograph (white background, < 6 months old)

    Required

    US visa photo spec: 600x600 to 1200x1200 pixels, no glasses, no headcover (religious exceptions documented), neutral expression. JPEG ≤ 240 KB.

  4. MRV fee receipt (USD 185)

    Required

    Paid via Standard Chartered or Himalayan Bank deposit slip; receipt valid 365 days from issue. Bring physical bank receipt + your VAC profile linkage.

  5. Interview appointment confirmation

    Required

    Printed from ais.usvisa-info.com/en-np/niv after scheduling.

  6. Cover letter explaining trip purpose, dates, who pays, ties to Nepal, intent to return

    Conditional

    Optional but recommended for first-time applicants. 1 page, signed.

  7. Confirmed return air ticket OR detailed itinerary (Yatra dummy ticket NPR 999 acceptable)

    Conditional

    Officer rarely asks at the interview window but useful to demonstrate planning.

  8. Hotel reservation / accommodation proof for the US stay

    Conditional

    Same as above — supports trip-plan credibility.

  9. Invitation letter from US-based host + sponsor immigration status proof (if visiting family / friends)

    Conditional

    Sponsor I-94 / green card / US passport copy + their address + relationship to applicant. Letter signed and dated within 6 months of interview.

  10. Bank statement (last 6 months) — NPR 10–15 lakh+ visible balance recommended

    Required
  11. Employer letter (on letterhead, signed, stamped) — confirms position, salary, approved leave dates, return-to-role

    Required

    If salaried. For business owners, submit business registration + PAN + tax returns instead.

  12. Property ownership documents (lalpurja with notarised English translation)

    Conditional

    Strong tie-to-Nepal evidence. Optional but materially improves the officer's confidence.

  13. Income tax return (ITR) for last 2 years + PAN card copy

    Required

    Filed via Inland Revenue Department Nepal. Original receipt + audit/CA letter for self-employed.

  14. Marriage certificate + child birth certificates (if travelling with family)

    Conditional

    Notarised English translation by Nepal MoFA-registered translator.

  15. ANY ONE income bundle — Business / Salary / Pension / Rental (only one needed)

    Required
  16. Income Details & Supporting Documents (For Visa Application)

    Required

    Important 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.

  17. 1. Business Income

    Conditional

    Applicants involved in business must submit the following:

  18. PAN Certificate

    Required

    Permanent Account Number certificate issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).

  19. Business Registration Certificate

    Required

    Submit ONE of: (a) Company Registrar Certificate (for private/public limited companies), (b) Cottage / Small Industry (Gharelu) Registration, OR (c) Municipality / Ward (Wada) Registration Certificate.

  20. Additional Registration Certificates (if applicable)

    Conditional

    Sector-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.

  21. Latest Audit Report

    Required

    Signed by a Nepal Chartered Accountants Institute (ICAN)–registered auditor, with company stamp.

  22. Tax Clearance Certificate

    Required

    Issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) for the latest fiscal year.

  23. 2. Salary-Based Income

    Conditional

    Applicants who are employed must provide:

  24. Salary Certificate / Salary Letter

    Required

    On employer letterhead, signed and stamped — stating designation, joining date, monthly gross / net salary, and tenure.

  25. Leave Approval Letter

    Required

    Confirming sanctioned leave dates covering the full trip plus a buffer; signed by HR / authorised signatory.

  26. No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer

    Required

    Confirming the employer has no objection to the trip and the applicant will return to duty after the leave window.

  27. Tax Clearance Certificate from IRD OR Tax Submission Letter from employer with tax statements

    Required

    Either 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.

  28. 3. Pension Income

    Conditional

    Applicants receiving pension must submit:

  29. Pension Certificate (Pension Patta)

    Required

    Original Nijamati / armed-forces pension book issued by the Pension Management Office, plus copies of all entries.

  30. Company ID Card (if available)

    Conditional

    Photocopy of the former government / public-sector service ID card (front + back).

  31. Recent Pension Bank Statement

    Required

    Last 3–6 months of pension-account transactions showing regular monthly pension credits — original, signed and stamped on every page.

  32. Pension Receiving Confirmation Letter from Bank

    Required

    On bank letterhead, confirming the applicant's pension account, monthly credit amount, and account holder details.

  33. 4. Rental Income

    Conditional

    Applicants earning rental income must provide:

  34. Land Ownership Certificate

    Required

    Original + copy of the Lalpurja (land title deed) for the rental-yielding land / property.

  35. Building Completion Certificate

    Required

    Issued by the Municipality / Nagarpalika engineering office confirming the building is completed and fit for occupancy.

  36. Land and Building Tax Payment Certificate

    Required

    Latest 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)
Email
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.

Notes

Important notes

Machine-readable version: /visa/united-states/markdown

Guides

United States visa guides

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:

  • Fees and rules change — confirm on the official source before you pay or apply.

More destinations

All visa guides for Nepali citizensDummy ticketDummy hotel bookingVisa for Indian citizens