Studying in the U.S. on an F-1 visa is a multi-step process. First, you must be admitted to a SEVP-certified school in the U.S. (college, university, etc.). Once accepted, the school will register you in SEVIS and issue you a Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility). This I-20 is required to apply for your student visa.

You will also need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee (currently USD $350) online and keep the receipt for your visa interview.

Step 1: Choose a School and Get I-20

Apply to a U.S. college/university that is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
Submit transcripts, test scores, diplomas, and proof of finances as part of your admission application.
If accepted, the school will send you a Form I-20, which confirms your admission and is needed to apply for the F-1 visa.
Make sure the school is SEVP-approved.

Step 2: Pay the SEVIS (I-901) Fee

After you get your I-20, pay the SEVIS I-901 fee (USD $350 for F-1 students).
This can be paid online at the FMJfee website.
Keep the SEVIS payment receipt – you will need it for your visa interview.
In Nepal, you can also pay the SEVIS fee at certain banks, but the receipt will still be electronic.

Step 3: Complete the DS-160 Form

Fill out the DS-160 form (nonimmigrant visa application) online.
Upload a recent passport-size photo (2″×2″).
Provide personal details, background, and study plans.
New in 2025: You must list your social media usernames used in the past five years.
After submitting, print the DS-160 confirmation page – required at your visa interview.

Step 4: Pay the Visa (MRV) Fee and Schedule Interview

Pay the Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) fee of USD $185.
In Nepal, this can be paid online (e.g., via ConnectIPS) or at authorized banks.
After payment, schedule your visa interview on the U.S. Visa Information website.
Interviews in Nepal are held at the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu, but you may also attend in nearby cities like New Delhi, Bangkok, or Dubai if their wait times are shorter.
You may book an interview up to 365 days before your program start date, but you can only enter the U.S. within 30 days of the program start date.

Step 5: Documents Checklist for Interview

Bring the following:

Valid passport (at least 6 months beyond your U.S. entry date)
DS-160 confirmation page
Visa fee receipt (MRV fee)
SEVIS fee receipt
Form I-20 issued by your U.S. school
Passport photo (U.S. visa size)
Financial documents (bank statements, sponsor letters)
Academic records (transcripts, diplomas, test scores like TOEFL/IELTS)
Evidence of ties to Nepal (property, family, job prospects, etc.)

Step 6: Visa Interview

Arrive early and dress professionally.
Be confident, clear, and honest.
Officers may ask about your study plans, finances, and ties to Nepal.
Possible outcomes:
- Approved: Passport kept, visa issued later (green slip provided).
- Denied: Passport returned with refusal notice (yellow slip).
- Administrative processing: More documents required (pink slip).

Step 7: After Approval

Once your visa is issued, check it for accuracy.
You can enter the U.S. up to 30 days before your program start date.
Carry your I-20, passport, visa, admission letters, and financial proof in your hand luggage when traveling.

Key Things to Know as a New F-1 Student

Full-Time Enrollment

Undergraduates: At least 12 credits per semester.
Graduate students: Typically 9 credits, with at least 6 being in-person.
Summer classes are usually optional unless your program starts/ends in summer.

Maintaining Your I-20 & SEVIS

Always keep your I-20 updated.
Report any address, program, or course changes to your DSO.
Keep all versions of your I-20 safe.

Health Insurance

U.S. healthcare is expensive.
While not federally required, most universities require insurance.
You can buy the school’s insurance plan or find a private one that meets requirements.

Housing

Most first-year undergraduates must live on campus.
Off-campus apartments are cheaper but may require a Social Security Number (SSN) or U.S. credit history.
You can apply for an SSN only if you get on-campus employment.

Employment Rules

Work allowed: Up to 20 hours/week on campus during semesters.
Full-time work is allowed during official breaks.
Off-campus work requires authorization (CPT, OPT, or special hardship approval).
Unauthorized work can lead to visa cancellation.

Transportation

Public transportation is limited outside big cities.
A car is often necessary in smaller towns.
Nepali driver’s license may be valid for 6–12 months (sometimes with International Driving Permit).
Apply for a local U.S. driver’s license once you settle.

✅ By following these steps carefully and preparing well, you can smoothly navigate the F-1 visa process and begin your journey to study in the United States.