US Visa Interview Day at the US Embassy Kathmandu
On your US visa interview day in Kathmandu you go to the US Embassy with your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, fee receipt and Form I-20. Your fingerprints are scanned and a consular officer interviews you. You then leave with one of three outcomes: approved, refused under 214(b), or held under 221(g). If approved, the Embassy’s visa page says your passport is usually ready for collection at the bank pickup location you chose within three business days.
Last checked: 20 October 2026. Only official US Embassy Nepal and US Department of State information is used here. Rupee figures use the NRB selling rate, 17 Oct 2026 (USD 1 = Rs 152.24).
US visa interview day in Kathmandu: key facts
- Interviews: the State Department says interviews are “generally required” for visa applicants, with limited exceptions.
- Where you apply: at the US Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. For students in Nepal, that is the US Embassy in Kathmandu.
- Application fee: $185 for a student visa (about Rs 28,164), non-refundable. The Embassy says you can book an appointment only after paying the fee.
- Fingerprints: ink-free digital scans, usually taken at the interview.
- Timing: F-1 visas for new students can be issued up to 365 days before your program start date, but you cannot enter the US more than 30 days before it.
- Passport collection: from the bank pickup location you selected when booking. You cannot change it later.
- Wait time: on 20 October 2026, the State Department’s wait-time tool showed under half a month for student (F, M, J) appointments in Kathmandu. This changes often.
Before the day: timing your appointment
The order matters. You need your I-20 first, then the SEVIS fee, then the DS-160, then the visa fee, and only then can you book. The Embassy says the appointment can be booked only after the fee is paid.
Think about the dates too. Because a new student’s F-1 can be issued up to 365 days before the program start date, there is no need to rush into a slot before your documents are ready. But leave enough time for a possible 221(g), which can take longer than a normal decision. The State Department’s global wait-times tool shows the next available appointment for Kathmandu; it says applicants can check back and move to an earlier slot if one opens.
What to bring to the US Embassy Kathmandu
The State Department’s student visa page lists the required and the additional documents. Bring originals, neatly organised so you can find anything in seconds.
| Document | Required or “may be asked” | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | Required | Valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay, unless a country agreement exempts you |
| DS-160 confirmation page | Required | Your photo is uploaded inside the DS-160 |
| Application fee receipt | Required if you paid before the interview | $185 for F-1 |
| Form I-20 | Required | Signed, with correct details |
| Transcripts, diplomas, certificates | May be asked | From schools and colleges you attended |
| Test scores | May be asked | Those your US school required |
| Evidence of intent to depart after study | May be asked | Ties to Nepal: family, property, career plan |
| Proof of how you will pay | May be asked | Education, living and travel costs |
Pay your SEVIS I-901 fee before the interview and keep the receipt; see our SEVIS fee guide. For a full printable list, including sponsor and bank papers, use our F-1 visa interview documents checklist.
Security and prohibited items. Embassies have strict security screening. We could not find a current official prohibited-items list for the Kathmandu Embassy today, so follow exactly what your appointment confirmation and the Embassy tell you. If in doubt, carry only your documents and leave everything else at home.
What happens on interview day, step by step
- Check your appointment confirmation the night before. It has your date, time and instructions. Arrive at the time it gives, not hours earlier.
- Security screening at the entrance. Expect to show your appointment letter and passport and go through screening.
- Document check. Staff check your passport, DS-160 confirmation and other papers.
- Fingerprints. Digital, ink-free scans. The State Department says these are usually taken during the interview process.
- The interview. A consular officer asks about your study plans, university, funding and ties to Nepal. Answer honestly and in your own words. Practise with our F-1 visa interview questions for Nepali students.
- The decision. The officer tells you the outcome at the window. You may be told your visa is approved, given a 221(g) letter, or refused under 214(b).
- After approval, the Embassy keeps your passport to print the visa. You collect it later from your chosen pickup location.
The three possible outcomes
| Outcome | What it means (official) | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Approved | Visa will be printed in your passport | Collect your passport from your pickup location; check every detail on the visa |
| 221(g) | The officer did not have all the information needed, because documents were missing or administrative processing is required | Follow the letter. You have one year to submit what is asked before you must reapply and pay again |
| 214(b) | You did not show you qualify for the visa category, or did not overcome the presumption of immigrant intent | No appeal. You can reapply with a new DS-160 and fee, ideally after a significant change in circumstances |
Detailed guides: 221(g) administrative processing for F-1 applicants and 214(b) refusal: how to reapply. The State Department’s visa denials page explains both.
How you get your passport back
The US Embassy Nepal nonimmigrant visa page says:
- you must collect your passport and visa from the bank pickup location you selected;
- visas are “generally” available for pickup within three business days of the interview;
- you choose one of six pickup locations when you book, and you cannot change it later.
The Embassy page names the bank as Nepal Investment Bank Limited and does not show a date, so treat your appointment confirmation as the final word on the bank and branch. Choose a pickup location you can reach easily, and take your ID when you go. If you get a 221(g), the timing depends on your case.
Tips for Nepali students
- Book only through the official system. The Embassy lists the customer service centre for Nepal as open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm, on 1 800 0910114, and email support-nepal@ustraveldocs.com.
- Report fraud. The Embassy gives FraudKTM@state.gov for reporting visa scams. Nobody can sell you a “guaranteed visa” or a “fast slot”.
- Make your DS-160 match. Everything you say should match your DS-160 and I-20. Review our DS-160 guide before the day.
- Know your own file. Know your sponsor’s income source, your course and why this university. Do not memorise scripts.
- Plan the date. Remember the 30-day entry rule when booking flights. Do not buy non-refundable tickets before your passport is back.
Common mistakes
- Bringing a huge file but not knowing where anything is. Organise by section.
- Bringing things you were told not to bring. Read the appointment instructions.
- Old passport issues. Make sure your passport meets the six-month rule.
- Answers that contradict the DS-160. Officers compare them.
- Arguing after a 214(b). There is no appeal at the window. Leave calmly and plan your next step.
What to do next
- Re-read your appointment confirmation and note the pickup location.
- Print your DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt and SEVIS receipt.
- Check your I-20 is signed and correct.
- Do two mock interviews out loud.
- Sleep well and arrive on time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a passport back after a US visa interview in Nepal?
The Embassy says visas are generally available for pickup within three business days of the interview, from the location you selected.
What documents are required for a US student visa interview in Kathmandu?
Passport, DS-160 confirmation page, fee receipt and Form I-20. Officers may also ask for transcripts, test scores, proof of funds and proof you plan to return.
Can I change my passport pickup location?
No. The Embassy says you cannot change it after booking.
What does a 221(g) white slip mean?
The officer needs more information or administrative processing before deciding. Follow the letter; you have one year to respond.
How early can I get my F-1 visa?
Up to 365 days before your program start date, but you cannot enter the US more than 30 days before it starts.
Related guides
- OPT Application Guide: How to File Form I-765 for OPT
- US Driving License for International Students: F-1 Guide
- H-1B Lottery Explained for F-1 Students (2026 Rules)
- DS-160 Form Guide for F-1 Students from Nepal (2026)
- Form I-20 Explained: What Nepali F-1 Students Must Check
Sources
- Nonimmigrant visas (fee, booking, passport pickup) – US Embassy in Nepal
- Visas and contact details – US Embassy in Nepal
- Student visa: documents, fees, timing – US Department of State
- Visa denials: 214(b) and 221(g) – US Department of State
- Global visa wait times – US Department of State
Last checked 20 October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. Embassy procedures change; always follow your appointment confirmation and np.usembassy.gov.
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