United States Visa for Nepali Citizens

Up-to-date United States visa requirements, processing time, and embassy info for Nepali passport holders. Yatra handles the full application — document review, dummy ticket, and tracking.

At a glance — United States B-2 Visitor Visa (Tourism)

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) -> approved passports returned via VFS courier within 5–10 working days.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

evisa — 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

Required documents — United States tourist visa

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.
Required
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.
Required
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.
Required
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.
Required
Interview appointment confirmation
Printed from ais.usvisa-info.com/en-np/niv after scheduling.
Required
Cover letter explaining trip purpose, dates, who pays, ties to Nepal, intent to return
Optional but recommended for first-time applicants. 1 page, signed.
Conditional
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.
Conditional
Hotel reservation / accommodation proof for the US stay
Same as above — supports trip-plan credibility.
Conditional
Invitation letter from US-based host + sponsor immigration status proof (if visiting family / friends)
Sponsor I-94 / green card / US passport copy + their address + relationship to applicant. Letter signed and dated within 6 months of interview.
Conditional
Bank statement (last 6 months) — NPR 10–15 lakh+ visible balance recommended
Required
Employer letter (on letterhead, signed, stamped) — confirms position, salary, approved leave dates, return-to-role
If salaried. For business owners, submit business registration + PAN + tax returns instead.
Required
Property ownership documents (lalpurja with notarised English translation)
Strong tie-to-Nepal evidence. Optional but materially improves the officer's confidence.
Conditional
Income tax return (ITR) for last 2 years + PAN card copy
Filed via Inland Revenue Department Nepal. Original receipt + audit/CA letter for self-employed.
Required
Marriage certificate + child birth certificates (if travelling with family)
Notarised English translation by Nepal MoFA-registered translator.
Conditional
ANY ONE income bundle — Business / Salary / Pension / Rental (only one needed)
Required
Income Details & Supporting Documents (For Visa Application)
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.
Required
1. Business Income
Applicants involved in business must submit the following:
Conditional
PAN Certificate
Permanent Account Number certificate issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).
Required
Business Registration Certificate
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.
Required
Additional Registration Certificates (if applicable)
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.
Conditional
Latest Audit Report
Signed by a Nepal Chartered Accountants Institute (ICAN)–registered auditor, with company stamp.
Required
Tax Clearance Certificate
Issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) for the latest fiscal year.
Required
2. Salary-Based Income
Applicants who are employed must provide:
Conditional
Salary Certificate / Salary Letter
On employer letterhead, signed and stamped — stating designation, joining date, monthly gross / net salary, and tenure.
Required
Leave Approval Letter
Confirming sanctioned leave dates covering the full trip plus a buffer; signed by HR / authorised signatory.
Required
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer
Confirming the employer has no objection to the trip and the applicant will return to duty after the leave window.
Required
Tax Clearance Certificate from IRD OR Tax Submission Letter from employer with tax statements
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.
Required
3. Pension Income
Applicants receiving pension must submit:
Conditional
Pension Certificate (Pension Patta)
Original Nijamati / armed-forces pension book issued by the Pension Management Office, plus copies of all entries.
Required
Company ID Card (if available)
Photocopy of the former government / public-sector service ID card (front + back).
Conditional
Recent Pension Bank Statement
Last 3–6 months of pension-account transactions showing regular monthly pension credits — original, signed and stamped on every page.
Required
Pension Receiving Confirmation Letter from Bank
On bank letterhead, confirming the applicant's pension account, monthly credit amount, and account holder details.
Required
4. Rental Income
Applicants earning rental income must provide:
Conditional
Land Ownership Certificate
Original + copy of the Lalpurja (land title deed) for the rental-yielding land / property.
Required
Building Completion Certificate
Issued by the Municipality / Nagarpalika engineering office confirming the building is completed and fit for occupancy.
Required
Land and Building Tax Payment Certificate
Latest fiscal-year payment receipts from Municipality (Nagarpalika) and Ward (Wada) office (malpot / bhumi-ghar tax).
Required

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: [email protected]
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 (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

Important notes

Every Nepali-language document MUST be accompanied by a notary-certified English translation — embassies will reject untranslated originals. Use a Nepal Bar Council–registered translator and have each translation notarised by a Notary Public.
Nepal is NOT in the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) — every Nepali passport holder needs a non-immigrant visa regardless of trip length or purpose. No e-visa channel; ESTA is NOT an option for Nepali passports.
In-person interview at US Embassy Kathmandu is MANDATORY for nearly every visa category, with limited Interview Waiver (IW / "drop box") eligibility for renewals of the same visa class within 48 months of expiry where the applicant is 14+ and was approved by the US Embassy Kathmandu previously. Renewals outside this window require a fresh interview.
B-1/B-2 visitor visa is dual-purpose (business + tourism) and is by default granted as multiple-entry for 10 years on a Nepali passport — single-entry grants are rare and event-specific.
Standard non-immigrant MRV fee is USD 185 (Feb 2024 onwards) for B/F/J/M/I/H/L/O/P/Q/R petition-based visas. Treaty trader/investor visas (E-1/E-2) and certain blanket-petition L-1 visas have higher fees ($315). Refundable only if the fee was paid in error to a duplicate file.
DS-160 nonimmigrant application is the single online form for ALL nonimmigrant categories — completed at ceac.state.gov/genniv. Confirmation page (barcode) must be printed and brought to interview.
SEVIS fee separately funded by the applicant: USD 350 for F-1/M-1 (academic + vocational) and USD 220 for J-1 (exchange visitor). Paid at fmjfee.com before the consular interview; receipt mandatory at the interview window.
Section 214(b) refusal — the most common Nepali-applicant outcome — means the consular officer was not persuaded that the applicant intends to leave the US after the temporary visit. Strong ties to Nepal (property, employer, family, settled finances) are the primary defence. Re-applications are allowed but require materially new evidence.
Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery: Nepal is currently eligible (subject to annual State Department determination). Entry window typically October–November each year at dvprogram.state.gov; selection notified in May the following year. ~5,000 Nepali winners annually but only ~10% complete the process and receive a green card.
Family-based immigrant visas: spouses of US citizens (IR-1/CR-1), parents of US citizens 21+ (IR-5), unmarried children under 21 (IR-2) are "immediate relatives" with no annual cap and no priority-date wait. Other categories (F1, F2A, F2B, F3, F4) have multi-year backlogs — F4 (siblings of US citizens) is the longest at 12–15 years for Nepal as of 2026.
Employment-based immigrant visas: EB-1 (extraordinary ability / outstanding researcher / multinational executive) typically current for Nepal, EB-2 / EB-3 (professional / skilled worker) currently backlogged 2–6 years per the State Department Visa Bulletin, EB-5 (investor, USD 800k+ in TEA or USD 1.05M elsewhere) typically current.
Medical exam is MANDATORY for all immigrant visa categories (IV). Approved Panel Physicians in Kathmandu: CIWEC Clinic (Lazimpat) and Norvic International Hospital — appointment via the NVC after the case is documentarily complete.
All non-English documents (citizenship, marriage, education) must be submitted with a certified English translation. Notarisation is recommended but not always required at the interview window — the consular officer may accept on face value.
Common refusal patterns for Nepali applicants: weak ties to Nepal (single applicants under 30 without dependants / property / job tenure), unexplained source of funds, prior US refusals not disclosed on DS-160, undisclosed criminal record (including minor offences), prior immigration violations at any port.
Visa revocation can be triggered post-issuance for arrest, derogatory information surfacing, or overstaying in the past — carry clean travel records and disclose everything on the DS-160.

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

Frequently asked questions

Common questions Nepali citizens ask before applying for a United States visa — sourced from United States's embassy and Yatra's submission desk.

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) -> 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.

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 online portal to apply for a United States visa?

Yes — apply online at 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.

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 help with a United States visa application?

Yes — Yatra provides end-to-end visa assistance for United States including document preparation, appointment booking, application review, and a PNR-backed dummy ticket (NPR 999) when the embassy requires proof of onward travel.

Sources & last updated

Last reviewed: 12 May 2026

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