United
Education Applying to US universities from Nepal (F-1) The path from Nepal is: apply to a school → get admitted → the school issues your I-20 → you pay the SEVIS fee → you apply for the F-1 student visa at the US Embassy in Kathmandu. Start early — a year or more ahead — and use EducationUSA Nepal (free, official advising). UnitedSewa hub
Students & Education
A practical start point for Nepalese students planning US study, F-1 status, OPT, taxes, deadlines, services, and peer help.
At a glance
6 sections33 resources
Arriving: start with your school
For students planning or beginning US study. Prepare your questions about arrival, housing, transport and insurance for your school’s international student office. The official links explain where to start; they do not decide your individual status.
Your international student office and DSO Start with your school’s official contact page. Read DHS guidance on working with your designated school official. DHS Study in the States · Official site · Link checked DHS arrival checklist Open the official document and arrival guidance before preparing your travel folder. DHS Study in the States · Official site · Link checked Housing and getting settled Browse housing resources, then check your school’s housing and transport pages for campus-specific options. Insurance questions to prepare Use the guide to prepare questions for your school’s student-health or insurance office. Banking preparation Read the existing newcomer guide before comparing account options. Banking options and questions Use the CFPB student-banking resources to prepare questions before comparing accounts. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau · Official site · Link checked Check unfamiliar requests Use official reporting and scam resources before responding to an unfamiliar payment or document request.
Graduating: plan your next step
Bring your study-completion plans and questions to your DSO. Read the official process before preparing an application; a guide or community answer is not permission to work.
DHS training resources Review the official overview with your DSO before choosing a next step. DHS Study in the States · Official site · Link checked USCIS OPT information Open the current official instructions and requirements; check the process that applies to your own situation. USCIS · Official site · Link checked Student-to-work guide Read the existing overview alongside the current official sources. Immigration resources and help Explore additional source-led information and optional professional-help listings. Shared everyday tools Use dates, currency and other tools without choosing a persona or signing in.
Start here
Reviewed, source-led guides for the main student decisions.
Education Applying to US universities from Nepal (F-1) The path from Nepal is: apply to a school → get admitted → the school issues your I-20 → you pay the SEVIS fee → you apply for the F-1 student visa at the US Embassy in Kathmandu. Start early — a year or more ahead — and use EducationUSA Nepal (free, official advising). 
Immigration The F-1 → OPT → STEM OPT → H-1B path (overview) The most common work path for Nepalese students is: study on F-1 → optional CPT during the program → OPT after graduation → a STEM OPT extension if your degree qualifies → an employer-sponsored H-1B. Each stage has its own application and rules — and your DSO is your first call at every step. 
Money & Taxes Filing US taxes as an F-1 / J-1 student Most F-1/J-1 students are treated as nonresident aliens for tax in their early years and file Form 1040-NR — and almost everyone must file *something*, even with no US income (Form 8843). Mainstream consumer tax software often files you wrongly as a resident — use a nonresident-aware option. 
Education Bringing family on F-2 (what dependents can & can’t do) An F-1 student can bring a spouse and children on F-2 visas — but F-2 has firm limits: the F-2 spouse generally CANNOT work and cannot do full-time degree study (only part-time/recreational); F-2 children CAN attend K-12 school. For a spouse who wants to work or study full-time, they'd need their own status (e.g. their own F-1). Businesses and services
Immigration lawyers and tax/accounting firms with named offices and source links, for visa, status, and student-tax questions.
Legal & Immigration
Shrestha Law Firm, PLLC
Immigration and nationality law firm in Lower Manhattan serving the Nepalese community, with staff fluent in Nepali…
Community-listed New York
Legal & Immigration
Bashu D. Phulara, P.C.
Immigration law firm in Midtown Manhattan handling family-based and employment immigration, with a team proficient in…
Community-listed New York
Legal & Immigration
Chhetry & Associates, P.C.
Full-service law firm in Manhattan, established 1987, serving the Nepalese community with staff who speak Nepali…
Community-listed New York
Legal & Immigration
Adhikari Law PLLC
Immigration law firm in Washington, DC, led by a native Nepali-speaking attorney, serving the Nepalese diaspora across…
Community-listed Washington
Legal & Immigration
Dahal & Associates, LLC
Immigration and nationality law firm in Falls Church, Virginia, serving Nepalese-community clients across Virginia…
Community-listed Falls Church
Useful tools
Fast paths for student planning tasks.
Parents and family visits Visit planning and shared family resources, separate from long-term settling. Newcomer 30/60/90 path A phased first-90-days checklist with student, worker, and family variants. Education guides Reviewed explainers for F-1, OPT, taxes, and college planning. Latest diaspora news Browse current news and available topics. Student discussions Questions from Nepalese students about F-1 visas and US study. Immigration & legal hub Status, OPT-to-H-1B steps, family petitions, and legal providers. Date converter Convert Nepali and Gregorian dates for deadlines.
