If you're applying for a U.S. visa as a Nepali national, two things have changed recently that make this a genuinely different environment than it was even twelve months ago: refusal rates have risen sharply across nearly every visa category, and as of January 2026, eligible B1/B2 applicants may now be required to post a bond of up to $15,000. This guide covers everything Nepali applicants need — where to apply, how to book, what to bring, and exactly what the new rules mean for your specific visa category.
🎯 Before you read on — see where you actually stand. Nepal's refusal rates have moved sharply in the last year, which means the interview itself matters more than ever. Run a free AI mock interview with Interview Ivy and get honest feedback before your real appointment at Kathmandu.
Where to Apply: U.S. Embassy Kathmandu
Nepal has only one U.S. diplomatic post that conducts visa interviews, so there's no city-by-city decision to make.
Note: Nepal is not part of the August 2026 African regional-hub restructuring (that applies to a different region), so Embassy Kathmandu's role and capacity haven't shifted the way some African posts have. What has changed for Nepal is entirely policy-driven — covered in the sections below.
Which Visa Do You Actually Need?
The New $15,000 B1/B2 Bond Requirement — What You Need to Know
This is the single most important recent change for Nepali B1/B2 applicants, and it works differently from a normal refusal:
The bond only applies if you're otherwise found eligible for the visa — it's not a replacement for meeting the standard 214(b) requirements, it's an additional step added after you clear them.
The consular officer informs you at the time of your interview whether the bond applies to your case, and provides instructions on how to pay it.
The bond amount can be up to $15,000 — the exact figure is determined case by case, not a flat fee for every applicant.
This is separate from, and in addition to, the standard $185 MRV application fee.
Warning: Details on how the bond is administered (payment method, refund conditions, and timing) are still relatively new and can change. Confirm the current process directly through the U.S. Embassy Nepal visas page before your interview rather than relying on secondhand accounts
Why this matters even if you're confident in your case: the bond isn't a sign you did something wrong — it's a new category-wide policy tool. Budgeting and planning for the possibility, even as a contingency, is more realistic than assuming it won't apply to you.
How to Book Your Appointment
Complete the DS-160 online through the official Department of State portal.
Pay the MRV application fee ($185 standard) through the appointment portal or a designated bank counter in Kathmandu.
Schedule your interview through ais.usvisa-info.com/en-np/niv. Appointment wait times have historically run anywhere from a few weeks to a few months depending on visa category and season — check the Department of State's live global visa wait-time tool close to when you plan to apply rather than relying on a fixed estimate.
Complete biometrics at the Visa Application Center on Tridevi Marg.
Attend your interview at the Embassy in Maharajgunj.
Documents to Bring
Everyone needs:
Valid passport
DS-160 confirmation page
Appointment confirmation letter
Passport-style photo (if not already uploaded digitally)
MRV fee payment receipt
F1 applicants additionally need:
Form I-20, signed
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Proof of financial support (bank statements, sponsor letters, scholarship documentation)
Academic transcripts and standardized test scores, if requested
B1/B2 applicants additionally need:
Evidence of ties to Nepal (employment letter, property documents, family ties)
Trip itinerary or invitation letter, if applicable
Evidence of funds for the trip — and be prepared to discuss your financial situation in more depth given the new bond policy
H1B applicants additionally need:
Form I-797 (Notice of Action / approval notice)
Form I-129 petition copy
Employment offer letter and role description
Educational credentials relevant to the specialty occupation
What to Expect on Interview Day at Embassy Kathmandu
Arrive at your scheduled time — early or late arrivals can both cause complications.
Standard security screening applies; electronics beyond a phone and large bags are typically not allowed inside.
Interviews are conducted through a window and are usually brief.
Same-day outcomes are typical, though some cases require administrative processing (221(g)) and take longer — and B1/B2 approvals may now include the bond notification described above.
Refusal Rates: What the Data Shows for Nepal
The numbers here have moved more sharply for Nepal than for most other countries in the past year.
The B1/B2 figures come directly from the U.S. Department of State's FY2025 adjusted B-visa refusal rates by nationality, compared against the equivalent FY2024 report. The F1 figures come from a 2026 analysis of State Department data reported by ICEF Monitor, which also noted Nepal as one of the fastest-growing F1 source markets globally — a roughly 48% year-over-year increase in enrolled students, making it one of the largest sending countries in Asia even as its refusal rate climbed.
Every refusal, regardless of category, is processed under INA 214(b) — detailed in 9 FAM 302.1, covering ineligibility based on failure to overcome INA 214(b) — which presumes every applicant intends to immigrate permanently unless they demonstrate otherwise. This is the same standard covered in more depth in our guide to F1 Visa Rejection Under 214(b).
A 20-point jump in one year is unusually steep, even in a period of rising refusals globally. That scale of shift is a strong signal that officers are applying more scrutiny across the board — not that any individual applicant did something differently wrong. Specific, well-documented ties and a clear, honest purpose of travel remain the strongest levers you have.
Current 2026 Context Worth Knowing
Immigrant visa pause: Effective January 21, 2026, the Department of State paused immigrant visa issuance for nationals of a group of countries — including Nepal — identified as having high rates of reliance on U.S. public assistance. This affects immigrant (green card) visas only — nonimmigrant categories including F1, B1/B2, and H1B continue to be processed normally, aside from the new B1/B2 bond policy described above.
Diversity Visa (DV) pause: The Department of State has paused visa issuances to Diversity Visa applicants more broadly. Given Nepal's historically strong DV program participation, this is worth tracking if you or family members have pending DV cases.
Presidential Proclamation 10998: This January 2026 proclamation fully or partially suspends visa issuance for nationals of 39 countries. Nepal is not currently among them — but given how frequently this list has been updated, it's worth checking current status if your situation is complex (e.g., dual nationality).
Do's and Don'ts for Embassy Kathmandu
Do's:
Book your appointment as early as your documents allow, given wait times
Prepare a clear, honest, and specific answer about your funding and ties to Nepal — especially for B1/B2 given the bond policy
Bring physical copies of every document even if submitted digitally
Ask directly, calmly, if a bond applies to your case rather than being caught off guard
Don'ts:
Assume the bond only applies to "risky" applicants — it can apply to otherwise-eligible cases
Pay the MRV fee before your documents are genuinely ready
Rely on unofficial sources for bond payment logistics — confirm through the Embassy's own site
Bring prohibited items (large bags, extra electronics) that will need to be left outside
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and is not legal or immigration advice. Visa decisions are made solely by U.S. consular officers based on your individual circumstances and applicable U.S. immigration laws and policies. While we strive to keep our content accurate and up to date, requirements and procedures may change. Always refer to official U.S. government resources for the latest guidance.