Non-Immigrant Visas
Visitor Visa
A citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the U.S. must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. The “B” visitor visa is a nonimmigrant visa for persons desiring to enter the U.S. temporarily for business (B-1) or for pleasure (B-2).
Qualifying for a visitor visa: Applicants for visitor visas must show that they qualify under provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The presumption in the law is that every visa applicant is an intending immigrant. Therefore, applicants for visitor visas must overcome this presumption by demonstrating that: 1) the purpose of his/her trip is to enter the U.S. for business or pleasure; 2) s/he plans to remain in the U.S. for a specific, limited period; and 3) s/he has a residence outside the U.S. as well as other binding ties (social, economic and cultural) which will insure his/her return abroad at the end of the visit.
Applying for a visitor visa: Non-Nepali may apply for a visa in Kathmandu, in Nepal, but it is much more difficult to qualify for the visa outside the country of permanent residence. Applicants for visitor visas should apply at Nabil Bank in Maharajgunj branch, Kathmandu (behind Namaste Super Market), Kathmandu. Applicants are interviewed by appointment. The cost of applying is the Nepali Rupees equivalent of $131 (non-refundable), payable by bank receipt from Nabil Bank, Maharajgunj branch, Kathmandu, or any 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.
Besides the EVAF application, passport, photograph and citizenship card, there are no other specific documents which have to be submitted. Nonetheless, an applicant should produce evidence substantiating the purpose of the trip, intent to depart the U.S. after a temporary visit, and arrangements made to cover the costs of the stay in the U.S. and return abroad. It is impossible to specify the exact form the evidence should take since applicants’ circumstances vary greatly. Applicants are interviewed by appointment. The cost of applying is the Nepali Rupees equivalent of $131 (non-refundable), payable by bank receipt from Nabil Bank, Maharajgunj branch, Kathmandu (behind Namaste Supermarket). Every attempt is made to provide ample opportunity for applicants to present their cases; the consular officer gives each applicant full consideration under the law.
Entry to the U.S.: The validity period shown in a visitor visa relates only to the period during which it may be used in making application for admission into the U.S.; it does not indicate the length of time the visitor may spend in the U.S. The period for which the bearer of a visitor visa is authorized to remain in the U.S. is determined by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), not the consular officer. Applicants should be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry into the U.S. The USCIS has authority to deny or grant admission.
Other points of interest:
1. A person who has been issued a visitor visa is not permitted to accept employment. A visitor who accepts employment or who remains in the U.S. beyond the period for which s/he has been granted permission to stay violates the terms of his/her visitor status and becomes subject to deportation.
2. A visa may not be transferred from one person to another, or used by anyone other than the one to whom it is issued. If there is more than one person included in a passport, each person desiring a visa must make an application.
3. Applicants for visitor visas should not employ persons to assist them in preparing/submitting their applications.
4. If the consular officer should find it necessary to deny the issuance of a visitor visa, the applicant may apply again if s/he is in possession of new evidence to overcome the basis for the refusal.
5. Apply early! Do not wait until the last minute. If there is a problem, it is better to know in advance.
Should you need an emergency or expedited appointment, please contact the Embassy Consular Section at consktm@state.gov