USA Student Visa (F-1)
An F-1 visa is a US non-immigrant visa that allows international students to enter the United States to study at a certified educational institution. It’s the most common student visa type for international students wishing to pursue academic studies in the US.
A.Documents Required for Offer Letter/I-20
1.Academic Documents (include Transcripts, Character, Provisional and Migration Certificate from SLC to last Degree)
2.Passport (Must be valid for at least six months)
3.English proficiency test -IELTS/ PTE/ TOEFL/ Duolingo
4. Letter of Recommendation from recent college (2 for Bachelor and 3 for Masters)
5.CV (Including personal Information, Academic and experience
6.SOP (1000-1500 words)
7.standardized test: SAT/GRE/GMAT Score (Optional)
8.Bank Statement & Certificate (USD) from commercial bank covering 1st year fees and living cost (60+ Lakhs)
B.After receiving I-20
1. Fill Online DS-160 form- online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form.
2. Create CGI federal Account
3. Printout Payment confirmation
4. Pay MRV fee $185 through NIMB bank to US embassy
5. Book an Appointment for an Interview
6. Pay $350 from NIMB Bank for SEVIS -Student and Exchange Visitor Information System
7. Prepare for Interview
8. Attend Interview in US embassy
c. Application Checklist for Visa Interview
1.Printed Confirmation page of DS-160/Appointment date
2.Valid Passport
3.I-20
4.Original Academic Certificates
5. SEVIS fee receipt
6.Acceptance letter from college/university
7.2 photos of size 2” x 2”
8.Supporting Documents
Important Details to know:
On-Campus Work:
Students can work only on campus for 20 hours per week during regular semesters.
Off-Campus Work:
students might be eligible for off-campus work through program like Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT), according to Interstriae.
During Breaks:
During school breaks like summer and winter holidays, international students can typically work full-time (up to 40 hours per week).
Post-Graduation:
After completing their degree, students may be eligible for full-time OPT work (40 hours/week)
STEM Course- Eligible for 3 years
Non- STEM Course- Eligible for 1 years
Sources:
U.S. Department of State – Travel.gov: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/ en/us-visas/study/student-visa.html
USTravelDocs (Nepal): https:// www.ustraveldocs.com/np/en/student-visa
U.S. Embassy in Nepal: https://np.usembassy.gov/visas/
