Question 1

When should I apply for the NOC to study in the USA?

Accepted Answer

After you have your offer letter, and before both your visa application and any bank remittance. The NOC is tied to one institution, one course and one intake — if your offer changes, you defer, or you are refused and reapply, you need a new NOC. Published processing times conflict (1–5, 3–7 and 10–15 working days all appear in 2026 sources), so confirm the current figure at noc.moest.gov.np and plan for the worst case. MoEST works Sunday to Friday.

Question 2

When should I apply for my police clearance certificate (PCC)?

Accepted Answer

There is a window, and it depends on your interview date. Too early and the certificate may be older than the accepted validity at the interview; too late and processing (2–7 working days normally, 7–15 in peak season) misses the date. The planner calculates the earliest, ideal and last-safe apply dates from your interview date using the Nepali Sunday–Friday working week. The online route via opcr.nepalpolice.gov.np or the Nagarik App is free.

Question 3

How early can I apply for a US student visa from Nepal?

Accepted Answer

Up to 365 days before the program start date printed on your I-20. Most Nepali students apply far later than they are allowed to and then compete for appointment slots in the April–August crush. You may enter the United States no earlier than 30 days before your program start date.

Question 4

How much do US student visa fees cost from Nepal?

Accepted Answer

The core US government fees are the SEVIS I-901 fee (USD 350) and the DS-160 MRV application fee (USD 185), plus a visa integrity fee (USD 250) whose collection is on a phased rollout and should be confirmed with the US Embassy in Kathmandu. In Nepal, the MoEST NOC costs NPR 2,000, online police clearance is free, and MoFA attestation is NPR 500 per page where required. Your bank also charges a 3% education service fee on forex purchases, refundable on visa refusal with the refusal letter.

Question 5

Does the SEVIS fee have to be paid again if my visa is refused?

Accepted Answer

The SEVIS I-901 fee is non-refundable, but it is transferable if you reapply within 12 months of a denial. Many students do not know this and pay USD 350 twice.

Question 6

Do I need an apostille on my documents for the USA?

Accepted Answer

Nepal is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so no Nepali authority can issue an apostille. The chain is MoFA attestation followed, where required, by destination legalisation. For the US specifically, attestation of academic documents may not be required at all — confirm with your institution before paying per page.

Question 7

Is my checklist saved anywhere?

Accepted Answer

Only in your own browser, on the device you are using. Nothing is uploaded to any server and there is no account. If you clear your browser data, switch device or use private browsing, the plan is gone — export it to a spreadsheet, calendar file or text file to keep a copy.