USA Student Visa from Nepal

To obtain a student visa to study in the United States, you will typically need to fulfil certain requirements. Here are the general requirements for a student visa:

1. Admission to a U.S. institution: Before beginning your studies in the United States, you must receive acceptance from an institution that is endorsed by the Student and Exchange Visitor Programme (SEVP). This encompasses a variety of educational centres such as colleges, universities, language schools, professional academies, and more.
2. Form I-20 or DS-2019: Upon approval, a document known as a Form I-20 (for an F-1 visa) or DS-2019 (for a J-1 visa) must be acquired from the school's Designated School Official (DSO) or programme sponsor to begin the visa application process.
3. Payment of the SEVIS fee: Before applying for a visa, you are required to pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee. The fee can be paid online through the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website.
   
4. Visa application form: Students need to complete the online nonimmigrant visa application form (Form DS-160). This form collects your personal information, educational background, and other relevant details.
   
5. Passport: Applicants must have a valid passport that is valid for at least six months beyond their intended period of stay in the United States.
   
6. Financial documentation: Applicants will need to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover their tuition fees, living expenses, and any other expenses during their stay in the United States. This may include bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsorship documents.
   
7. English language proficiency: Students may be required to demonstrate their English language proficiency through tests like TOEFL or IELTS, depending on the institution's requirements.
   
8. Consular interview: Applicants will need to schedule and attend an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. During the interview, you will be asked questions about your study plans, financial situation, and ties to your home country.
   

Additional documents: The consular officer may request additional documents based on your specific circumstances, such as academic transcripts, standardised test scores, or proof of ties to your home country.

• Valid passport
• Visa application form
• Photograph
• Form I-20 or DS-2019 from a SEVP-certified institution
• Visa application fee ($160)
• SEVIS fee ($350, unless in a US government-sponsored programme)
• Sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses
• Proof of completion of the required course of study
• Academic transcripts and certificates may be required.

There are several variables that affect how much a USA student visa will cost, including the kind of visa required, an application fee, and SEVIS costs for particular courses. There is a $160 application cost for an F, J, or M visa at the moment. A SEVIS fee of $350 for F-1 and M-1 students or $220 for J-1 students is one of the additional costs.

To apply for a US student visa, follow these general steps:

1. Receive acceptance: Apply and receive acceptance from a SEVP-certified educational institution in the United States. Obtain the Form I-20 (for an F-1 visa) or DS-2019 (for a J-1 visa) from the institution.
   
2. Pay the SEVIS fee: Visit the SEVIS website and pay the SEVIS fee. Keep the receipt as proof of payment.
   
3. Complete the online visa application: Fill out the online nonimmigrant visa application form (Form DS-160) on the U.S. Department of State's website. Submit the form and print the confirmation page.
   
4. Schedule a visa interview: Visit the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country to schedule a visa interview appointment. Pay any required visa application fees.
   
5. Gather the required documents: Collect the necessary documents, which may include:
   
• Valid passport
• Form I-20 or DS-2019
• SEVIS fee payment receipt
• Confirmation page of the DS-160 application
• Financial documents showing sufficient funds
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• English language proficiency test results (if applicable)
• Any additional documents required by the embassy or consulate
6. Attend the visa interview: On the scheduled date, go to the U.S. embassy or consulate for your visa interview. Bring all the required documents, including your passport and Form I-20 or DS-2019. Answer the consular officer's questions truthfully and provide any requested information or documents.
   
7. Wait for visa processing: After the interview, the consular officer will decide whether to approve or deny your visa application. Processing times may vary, and additional administrative processing might be required in some cases.
   

Visa outcome: If your visa is approved, you will receive your passport with the visa stamp. If your visa is denied, you will receive a letter explaining the reason for the denial.

• Research and choose a SEVP-certified educational institution in the United States.
• Obtain acceptance from the institution and receive Form I-20 (for F-1 visa) or DS-2019 (for J-1 visa).
• Pay the SEVIS fee and keep the receipt.

Documents required for a USA student visa:

• Valid passport
• Completed online nonimmigrant visa application form (Form DS-160)
• Photograph meeting the specified requirements
• Form I-20 or DS-2019 issued by the educational institution
• SEVIS fee payment receipt
• Financial documentation demonstrating sufficient funds
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• English language proficiency test results (if applicable)

• Schedule and attend a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country.
• Prepare for the interview by reviewing applications and supporting documents.
• Answer questions about your study plans, financial situation, and ties to your home country.
• Submit biometric information, such as fingerprints, if required.
• Wait for the final decision on the visa application.

Visa Outcome:

• Approved: On receiving visa application approval, applicants will receive a passport with the visa stamped inside.
• Administrative Processing: In some cases, additional processing is required before a decision can be made.
• Visa Denial: In case of visa application denial, applicants will receive a letter explaining the reason for denial.

Securing a US student visa (F-1 visa) is usually quite swift, commonly taking three days to several weeks at most. Generally, it is processed prior to your embassy interview, which marks its final stage. Although some cases may take longer than usual, you should expect to gain approval for your F-1 visa several days after sitting for its interview.

Post-study work options for international students in the United States can vary depending on the type of student visa they hold and their individual circumstances. Here are some common options:

1. Optional Practical Training (OPT): F-1 visa students are eligible for OPT, which allows them to work in the United States for up to 12 months after completing their degree. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degree holders may qualify for an additional 24-month extension, making it a total of 36 months of OPT.
   
2. Curricular Practical Training (CPT): CPT is a work authorisation programme that allows F-1 students to gain practical experience related to their field of study while still in school. It can be part-time or full-time and must be an integral part of the curriculum.
   
3. H-1B Visa: The H-1B visa is an employment-based visa for highly skilled workers. After completing their studies, students may find an employer willing to sponsor them for an H-1B visa, which allows them to work in the United States for a specific period (usually up to six years). The H-1B visa requires the employer to demonstrate that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the position.
   
4. Employer Sponsorship: Some students may secure employment with a company that is willing to sponsor them for a work visa, such as an H-1B or an employment-based immigrant visa (Green Card).
   
5. Entrepreneurship and Startup Visas: International students with entrepreneurial aspirations can explore options like the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa, which allows individuals from certain countries to invest and manage a business in the United States.
   
6. Return to Home Country: After completing their studies, some students may choose to return to their home country and apply their newly acquired skills and knowledge in their local job market