CHANGES IN APPLYING FOR A U.S. NON-IMMIGRANT VISA

March 13, 2007                            

The U.S. Embassy is changing its non-immigrant visa application system effective April 1, 2007.  The change will enable applicants outside of Kathmandu to submit their applications from five Nabil Bank branches across Nepal, thus eliminating the need to travel to the capital.  Applicants in Kathmandu, also using the new system, will continue to apply from the Nabil Bank, Maharajgunj. 
 
Beginning April 1, all applicants for non-immigrant visas (tourists, students, etc.) will be required to submit Electronic Visa Application Forms (EVAF) when applying for an interview appointment through Nabil Bank.  Typed or handwritten applications will no longer be accepted. 

The EVAF forms are available online at http://evisaforms.state.gov They must be printed using a laser printer or a high quality ink jet printer and all printed pages must be included with your application.  If the reader is not able to recognize the barcodes on the first and the third page of your application forms, the application cannot be accepted. 

The Electronic Visa Application enables the Embassy to offer a more convenient option for applicants.  Instead of traveling to Kathmandu early, as has been the case, applicants residing outside Kathmandu can now submit their application for a visa appointment at one of the five Nabil Bank branches throughout Nepal – in Biratnagar, Birgunj, Butwal, Pokhara, and Nepalgunj.  For further information on this process, please contact the Nabil Bank Branch in Maharajgunj, Kathmandu.

Early Visa Application Recommended: Besides introducing the new EVAF forms for non-immigrant visa applicants, the Embassy urges all visa applicants other than students to apply at least 30-60 days before planned travel.

Based on increasing numbers of student visa applicants over the past year, the Embassy expects a significant increase in applications in the summer of 2007.  The waiting time for all visa appointments will likely increase. Students should apply as early as possible, up to 120 days ahead of the reporting date listed on the I-20.  Students must have an original I-20 to apply for a visa (fax or scanned copies will not be accepted). 

The Consular Section, located in the Yak & Yeti Hotel complex (west wing), will only provide emergency appointments when it is truly warranted.  The Embassy cannot provide expedited appointments for non-emergencies, such as conferences, graduations, trade shows, or for students who apply at the last minute. 

Applicants should allow themselves plenty of time by applying for a visa as early as possible.