Nepali students need to meet academic, language, and visa requirements. Academically, you need a completed Higher Secondary (10+2) for undergraduate or a Bachelor's degree for postgraduate admission. For English proficiency, most US universities require IELTS 6.5–7.0 or TOEFL iBT 90–100+. For the F-1 Student Visa, you need a valid passport, Form I-20 from a SEVP-approved institution, SEVIS I-901 fee receipt (USD 350), completed DS-160 form, proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses, and a US Embassy visa interview at the US Embassy in Kathmandu, Maharajgunj.

Yes, but with restrictions. F-1 students can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the academic semester and full-time during official university breaks. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first year of study. After one academic year, students may be eligible for off-campus work through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for course-related work, or Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorized by their Designated School Official (DSO).

After graduating, F-1 students can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — 12 months of work authorization in any field related to their degree. STEM degree graduates (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) can apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving a total of 36 months of post-study work authorization. No specific job offer is needed to apply for OPT, but the work must be related to the field of study. Applications are submitted through the student's DSO before graduation.

Several prestigious scholarships are available to Nepali students. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program, funded by the US Government and administered through USEF Nepal, covers full tuition, living allowance, round-trip airfare, and health insurance for Master's and PhD studies. The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship is a fully funded one-year program for mid-career professionals. The EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program helps financially needy students cover application and test fees. Top universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and Yale also offer their own need-based and merit scholarships for international students. ICCC provides specialized guidance on scholarship eligibility and application preparation.

Tuition fees at US public universities range from USD 25,000–USD 55,000/year for international students, while private universities range from USD 35,000–USD 65,000/year. Graduate programs typically range from USD 20,000–USD 60,000/year. Living costs average USD 1,500–USD 3,000 per month depending on the city — major cities like New York, Boston, and San Francisco are at the higher end, while smaller college towns are significantly more affordable. Students must demonstrate proof of funds covering at least one full year of tuition and living expenses to obtain the Form I-20 and F-1 visa. ICCC helps Nepali students plan their finances and select institutions that match their budget.

Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) is an official document issued by a SEVP-approved US institution once you have been accepted and have demonstrated sufficient financial support. It contains your program details, start date, duration, and estimated costs. The I-20 is mandatory for applying for the F-1 Student Visa — without it, Nepali students cannot pay the SEVIS fee or apply. It also determines your earliest US entry date (no more than 30 days before your program start date). ICCC assists Nepali students in following up with institutions to obtain their I-20 accurately and on time.

The US F-1 visa process from Nepal involves multiple steps and requires significant lead time. Securing a visa interview appointment at the US Embassy in Kathmandu can take several months — historically up to 157 calendar days or more during peak season (May–August and November–January). Once the interview is completed, visa processing is typically 3 working days, with passport return taking an additional 5–7 working days. ICCC strongly recommends Nepali students begin the visa process at least 4–6 months before their course start date to avoid delays.