How to Book Embassy Appointment for Student Visa from Nepal
Booking your embassy or visa application center appointment is a critical step in your student visa process. For the USA, you need an interview appointment at the US Embassy in Kathmandu. For the UK, Australia, and Canada, you submit your application and biometrics at VFS Global in Kathmandu. This guide walks you through the booking process for each country, what to expect on the day, and tips for securing the earliest available appointment.
This page is part of our complete study abroad application process guide. Your embassy or VFS appointment happens after you complete your online visa application and before you receive your visa decision.
US Embassy Kathmandu: F-1 Visa Interview Appointment
The US Embassy in Maharajgunj, Kathmandu is the only location in Nepal where you can attend your F-1 visa interview. Unlike other countries that use VFS for document submission, the USA requires an in-person interview with a consular officer. Here is the complete process for booking and attending your appointment.
Step-by-Step Booking Process
Pay the MRV Fee
Pay the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee of USD 185 (approximately NPR 24,700). Payment can be made at designated banks in Nepal (Nabil Bank branches) or electronically through the CGI Federal portal. Keep your payment receipt — you will need the receipt number to book your appointment.
Complete the DS-160 Form
Fill out the DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application at ceac.state.gov. This form takes 60 to 90 minutes to complete. Upload your photograph (51mm x 51mm, white background). Save the DS-160 confirmation page with the barcode — you will need it at the embassy.
Create a CGI Federal Account
Visit ustraveldocs.com/np and create an account. Link your DS-160 confirmation number and MRV payment receipt number to your profile.
Schedule Your Interview
After linking your DS-160 and payment, the system allows you to book an interview date. Available dates are shown on a calendar. During peak season (May to August), the earliest available date may be 4 to 8 weeks out. During off-peak months (September to March), appointments may be available within 1 to 3 weeks.
Print Your Appointment Confirmation
After booking, print your appointment confirmation letter. This letter includes your appointment date, time, and a barcode. You must bring this printed confirmation to the embassy.
What to Expect on Interview Day
Arrive at the US Embassy in Maharajgunj at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Here is the typical flow.
- Security Check: You will pass through a security checkpoint. Leave electronics (phones, tablets, laptops), bags larger than a small purse, and food items outside — there are lockers and shops nearby for storage.
- Document Verification: Embassy staff will verify your appointment confirmation, passport, and DS-160.
- Fingerprint Collection: Your fingerprints are scanned digitally. This is the biometric collection step for the USA.
- Visa Interview: You will meet a consular officer at a window. The interview lasts 3 to 5 minutes. Be prepared to answer questions about your program, funding, career plans, and ties to Nepal. Speak clearly and confidently.
- Decision: In most cases, the officer will tell you the result immediately. If approved, your passport will be retained for visa stamping. If refused, you will receive a refusal letter explaining the reason.
After approval, your passport with the F-1 visa stamp is typically ready for pickup within 2 to 5 business days. You will receive an email or text notification when it is ready. For more on the interview process, see our F-1 visa interview questions guide.
VFS Global Kathmandu: UK Student Visa Appointment
For the UK Student Visa, you submit your application and biometrics at VFS Global in Kamaladi, Kathmandu. There is no interview with a visa officer — the decision is made based on your documents.
Apply Online at gov.uk
Complete your UK Student Visa application on gov.uk. Pay the visa fee (GBP 490 for outside UK applications) and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of GBP 776 per year.
Book VFS Appointment
After completing the online application, you will be redirected to the VFS Global website to book your appointment. Select a date and time that works for you. Peak season slots (June to September) fill up fast — book within 24 hours of completing your application.
Attend VFS with Documents
Bring your passport, printed application confirmation, IHS payment confirmation, CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) letter, TB test certificate from IOM, financial documents, and academic transcripts. VFS staff will collect your documents, take your biometrics, and forward everything to UKVI.
Processing time: Standard processing is 3 weeks (15 working days). Priority processing (5 working days) costs approximately GBP 500 extra. Track your application using our visa tracking guide.
VFS Global Kathmandu: Australia Student Visa Appointment
Australia's Student Visa (Subclass 500) application is submitted online through ImmiAccount. VFS Global Kathmandu is used for biometric collection and, optionally, for document submission. Here is the process.
Submit Application via ImmiAccount
Create an ImmiAccount and submit your Student Visa application online. Pay the visa application charge of AUD 710 (approximately NPR 63,000). Upload all required documents including your CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment), Genuine Student statement, financial evidence, English test scores, and health insurance (OSHC).
Complete Health Assessment
After submission, you will receive a HAP ID for your medical examination. Book an appointment with a Bupa panel physician in Kathmandu. See our medical exam guide for details.
Book VFS for Biometrics
If requested, book a VFS appointment for biometric collection. The VFS service charge is approximately NPR 3,000. Biometrics are included in your visa fee. Bring your passport and ImmiAccount application confirmation.
Processing time: 75% of Subclass 500 applications are processed within 29 days. Read our Australia student visa guide for complete details.
VFS Global Kathmandu: Canada Study Permit Appointment
For Canada, you submit your study permit application online through IRCC and provide biometrics at VFS Global Kathmandu. Here is the step-by-step process.
Submit Study Permit Application Online
Apply through your IRCC account at ircc-reci.gc.ca. Pay the application fee of CAD 150 plus the biometric fee of CAD 85 (total CAD 235, approximately NPR 23,500). Upload all required documents including your Letter of Acceptance, financial proof (GIC of CAD 20,635 plus tuition), and academic documents.
Receive Biometric Instruction Letter
After submission, IRCC sends a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) to your account. You have 30 days from the date of this letter to provide biometrics.
Book VFS Appointment for Biometrics
Visit the VFS Global Nepal website and book a biometric appointment. Bring your passport, BIL letter, and the VFS appointment confirmation. The VFS service charge is approximately NPR 3,000.
Submit Passport (if requested)
If IRCC approves your study permit, they will send a Passport Request Letter (PPR) asking you to submit your passport for visa stamping. Submit your passport at VFS Global or mail it as instructed.
Processing time: 4 to 12 weeks for study permits from Nepal. Read our Canada study permit guide for complete details.
Tips for a Successful Embassy or VFS Appointment
Dress Professionally
For the US Embassy interview, dress in neat, professional clothing. Business casual is appropriate. First impressions matter. For VFS appointments (UK, Canada, Australia), dress code is less critical since there is no interview, but professional attire shows seriousness.
Arrive Early
Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment at the US Embassy and 15 minutes early at VFS. Late arrivals may be turned away and will need to reschedule, potentially losing weeks during peak season.
Organize Your Documents
Arrange your documents in the order listed on the checklist. Use a clear folder with labeled tabs. This makes it easy for the officer or VFS staff to find what they need and shows that you are organized and prepared.
Bring Originals and Copies
Always bring both original documents and 2 photocopies of everything. Some countries require copies to be submitted while originals are verified. Do not rely on VFS or the embassy having a copier available.
Keep Electronics at Home (US Embassy)
The US Embassy does not allow phones, laptops, or electronic devices inside. Leave them at your hotel or use the storage facilities near the embassy (shops charge NPR 100-200 for safekeeping). VFS allows phones but may require you to turn them off during biometrics.
Practice Interview Answers (US Embassy)
For the US Embassy F-1 interview, practice answering common questions: Why this university? How will you fund your studies? What will you do after graduation? Keep answers concise (30 to 60 seconds each). Speak in English clearly and confidently.
Embassy and VFS Locations in Kathmandu
| Country | Location | Address | Booking Portal |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | US Embassy | Maharajgunj, Kathmandu | ustraveldocs.com/np |
| UK | VFS Global | Kamaladi, Kathmandu | visa.vfsglobal.com/npl |
| Australia | VFS Global | Kamaladi, Kathmandu | visa.vfsglobal.com/npl |
| Canada | VFS Global | Kamaladi, Kathmandu | visa.vfsglobal.com/npl |
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I book my embassy appointment for a student visa?
For the US Embassy, book your appointment as soon as you receive your I-20 and pay the SEVIS fee. During peak season (May to August), wait times can be 4 to 8 weeks, so apply early. For VFS (UK, Australia, Canada), book immediately after submitting your online visa application. VFS appointments are generally available within 1 to 2 weeks, but peak season can push this to 3 weeks.
What happens at the US Embassy visa interview in Kathmandu?
The F-1 visa interview at the US Embassy in Maharajgunj takes approximately 3 to 5 minutes. The consular officer will ask about your chosen program, university, funding, career plans, and ties to Nepal. You will also provide your fingerprints (biometrics) during the visit. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your appointment. The entire process (security check, waiting, interview) takes 2 to 4 hours.
Can I reschedule my embassy appointment?
Yes. For the US Embassy, you can reschedule through your CGI Federal account (ustraveldocs.com/np). For VFS appointments (UK, Canada, Australia), reschedule through the VFS Global Nepal website. Reschedule at least 48 hours before your appointment to avoid losing your slot. During peak season, rescheduled appointments may be 2 to 3 weeks later.
What documents do I need for the embassy appointment?
For US Embassy: passport, DS-160 confirmation, appointment confirmation, I-20, SEVIS fee receipt, financial documents, academic transcripts, test scores, and offer letter. For VFS (UK/Canada/Australia): passport, visa application confirmation, appointment confirmation, supporting documents as per your country's checklist, passport photos, and payment receipt. Always bring original documents plus 2 photocopies of everything.
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