US changes visa rules

US changes visa rules
eKantipur.com, 13-Mar-2007
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The U.S. embassy will ease the non-immigrant visa application system effective from April 1, 2007.

A press statement, issued by the American embassy in Kathmandu, said the change will enable applicants outside Kathmandu to submit their applications from five Nabil Bank branches across Nepal, thus eliminating the need to travel to the capital.

Nabil Bank has branch offices in Biratnagar, Birgunj, Butwal, Pokhara, and Nepalgunj.

"Applicants in Kathmandu, also using the new system, will continue to apply from the Nabil Bank, Maharajgunj," the statement said.

It further said applicants for non-immigrant visas (tourists, students, etc.) will be required to submit Electronic Visa Application Forms (EVAF) when applying for an interview appointment through Nabil Bank. "Typed or handwritten applications will no longer be accepted," it said.

While stating that the EVAF forms are available online at http://evisaforms.state.gov, it said they must be printed using a laser printer or a high quality ink jet printer and all printed pages must be included with the application.

"If the reader is not able to recognize the barcodes on the first and the third page of your application forms, the application can not be accepted," the statement said.

The U.S. embassy has urged all visa applicants other than students to apply at least 30-60 days before the planned travel.

"Based on increasing numbers of student visa applicants over the past year, the embassy expects a significant increase in applications in the summer of 2007," the statement said, adding, "The waiting time for all visa appointments will likely increase."

It also said students should apply as early as possible, up to 120 days ahead of the reporting date listed on the I-20. "Students must have an original I-20 to apply for a visa (fax or scanned copies will not be accepted)," it said.

While stating that the Consular Section, located in the Yak & Yeti Hotel complex will only provide emergency appointments when it is truly warranted, it said, "The Embassy cannot provide expedited appointments for non-emergencies, such as conferences, graduations, trade shows, or for students who apply at the last minute."