F-1 Student Visa
World's best universities - MIT, Stanford, Harvard. OPT work authorization up to 3 years for STEM graduates. Build your career in Silicon Valley and beyond.
4,500+
Universities
3 Years
STEM OPT
Available
H1B Pathway
8 of 10
Top 10 Unis
F-1 Visa Updates 2026
- SEVIS Fee: $350 for F-1 students
- Visa Application Fee: $185 (MRV fee)
- OPT: 12 months standard, 24-month STEM extension available
- Cap-gap extension available for H-1B applicants
- Day 1 CPT restrictions tightening at some schools
Step-by-Step Application Process
Apply to Universities
Apply through Common App, Coalition, or direct applications
Receive I-20
Get Form I-20 from your admitted university
Pay SEVIS Fee
Pay $350 I-901 SEVIS fee online
Complete DS-160
Fill online visa application form
Schedule Interview
Book appointment at US Embassy Kathmandu
Attend Interview
Bring all documents. Decision usually same day.
Receive Visa
Passport returned with visa stamp in 3-5 days
Top Universities for Nepali Students
MIT
Cambridge, MA
Tuition: USD 60,000/year
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
Tuition: USD 55,000/year
Stanford University
Stanford, CA
Tuition: USD 58,000/year
UC Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
Tuition: USD 45,000/year
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL
Tuition: USD 60,000/year
Popular Universities for Nepali Students
UT Dallas
Dallas, TX
Tuition: USD 25,000/year
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ
Tuition: USD 30,000/year
San Jose State University
San Jose, CA
Tuition: USD 20,000/year
University at Buffalo (SUNY)
Buffalo, NY
Tuition: USD 26,000/year
Northeastern University
Boston, MA
Tuition: USD 55,000/year
Popular Courses for Nepali Students
Computer Science
Software development, AI/ML, cybersecurity. Silicon Valley opportunities.
Data Science & Analytics
Big data, machine learning, business intelligence.
Engineering
Electrical, mechanical, civil, aerospace. Strong research focus.
MBA & Business
Top B-schools, networking, consulting careers.
Medicine & Biotech
MD, PhD programs. Leading research institutions.
Finance
Investment banking, fintech, quantitative finance.
F-2 Dependent Visa
Spouses and children of F-1 students can apply for F-2 visa. Limited work rights for dependents.
| Dependent Type | Study Rights | Work Rights |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse (F-2) | Part-time study only | No work allowed |
| Children (F-2) | K-12 public school free | No work allowed |
| Spouse (H-4 after H1B) | Full study rights | Work permit available (H-4 EAD) |
Key Updates for 2025-2026
OPT: 12 months for all graduates. STEM graduates get additional 24 months (total 36 months).
H-1B Lottery: Annual cap of 65,000 + 20,000 for US masters. 3 attempts during STEM OPT.
CPT: Curricular Practical Training for internships during study. Full-time or part-time.
Day 1 CPT: Available at some universities but facing increased scrutiny.
Cap-Gap: Automatic extension for OPT students with pending H-1B petitions.
Eligibility Requirements
- Form I-20 from SEVP-certified school
- Strong academic record (GPA 3.0+ preferred)
- English proficiency: TOEFL 80+ or IELTS 6.5+
- Standardized tests: GRE 310+ for graduate, SAT 1200+ for undergraduate
- Proof of financial support for 1 year
- Strong ties to home country
- Clear academic and career goals
Working While Studying
| Work Type | Hours Allowed | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| On-Campus | 20 hrs/week | During studies. At university facilities only. |
| CPT | Part/Full-time | Curricular Practical Training. Must be integral to curriculum. |
| OPT | Full-time | 12 months after graduation. In field of study. |
| STEM OPT | Full-time | Additional 24 months for STEM degrees. E-Verify employer required. |
Complete Costs Breakdown
Application Fees
Living Costs (Annual)
Tuition Fees (Per Year)
Scholarships for Nepali Students
Fulbright Scholarship
Full funding
US government scholarship for international students. Highly competitive.
University Assistantships
Tuition waiver + stipend
Teaching or Research assistantships for graduate students.
Merit Scholarships
USD 5,000-30,000/year
Based on academic performance. Available at most universities.
Need-Based Aid
Varies
Some private universities offer need-blind admission for international students.
USA Study Intakes
Fall Intake (Main)
Application Deadline
December - March
Classes Start
August/September
Spring Intake
Application Deadline
August - October
Classes Start
January
Frequently Asked Questions
What is OPT?
Optional Practical Training allows F-1 students to work in the US for 12 months after graduation. STEM graduates can extend for additional 24 months (total 36 months).
What is the H-1B visa?
H-1B is a work visa for specialty occupations. Annual cap of 85,000. Lottery system for selection. Valid for 3 years, extendable to 6 years.
Can I get a Green Card?
Yes, but it takes time. Typical path: F-1 → OPT → H-1B → Green Card. For Indians, backlog can be 10+ years. EB-1 and EB-2 NIW are faster options for exceptional candidates.
What is STEM OPT?
24-month extension of OPT for STEM degree holders. Requires E-Verify employer and formal training plan. Gives 3 chances at H-1B lottery.
How hard is the visa interview?
Show clear academic intent, strong ties to home country, and proof of funds. Most genuine students are approved. Prepare to explain your course choice and career plans.
Ready to Study in USA?
Get expert guidance on university selection, application process, and visa filing. Free counseling for Nepali students.