Moving to the United States from Nepal

Visa Pathways for Nepali Nationals

Nepali nationals need a visa to enter the United States. Nepal is not part of the Visa Waiver Program ^[1].

Diversity Visa Lottery.

Nepal has historically been one of the highest-participation countries in the DV lottery program, which allocates immigrant visas to nationals of countries with low immigration rates to the US ^[2]. The lottery is free to enter and requires at minimum a high school diploma or two years of qualifying work experience. Selected applicants proceed to immigrant visa processing at the US Embassy in Kathmandu.

Family-Based Immigration.

US citizens and lawful permanent residents can petition for Nepali family members through Form I-130 ^[3]. Family sponsorship is a major pathway for Nepali nationals. Wait times depend on the relationship category and are published monthly in the State Department's Visa Bulletin ^[4].

F-1 Student Visa.

The student pathway is one of the most common routes for Nepali nationals entering the US. Nepal consistently ranks among the top countries of origin for international students in American universities. After completing a degree, students can transition to work status through Optional Practical Training (OPT) and then employer-sponsored H-1B petitions ^[2].

H-1B Specialty Occupation.

Nepali professionals with at least a bachelor's degree in a specialty field can be sponsored by a US employer for an H-1B visa ^[2]. The visa is subject to an annual cap with a lottery selection process. H-1B allows dual intent, so you can pursue a green card while on H-1B status ^[2].

Employment-Based Green Cards.

Nepali nationals can pursue permanent residence through EB-1 (priority workers), EB-2 (advanced degree professionals), EB-3 (skilled workers), and EB-5 (investors) ^[3]. Nepal does not face the severe per-country backlogs that affect India and mainland China.

No E-2 Treaty.

Nepal does not have a bilateral investment treaty with the US ^[1]. E-2 Treaty Investor visas are not available to Nepali nationals ^[1].

L-1 Intracompany Transferee.

Nepali nationals who have worked for a multinational company for at least one continuous year can transfer to a US office in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge role ^[2].

Processing at the US Embassy in Kathmandu.

All visa applications for Nepali nationals are processed at the US Embassy in Kathmandu ^[1]. B-1/B-2 tourist visas for Nepali nationals are issued with one entry and 3-month validity per the reciprocity schedule, which is more restrictive than many other countries.

US Tax Obligations for Nepali Nationals

Once you become a US tax resident, the IRS taxes you on worldwide income. Tax residency is determined by the green card test or the substantial presence test ^[1].

No US-Nepal Tax Treaty.

The United States and Nepal do not have a bilateral income tax treaty ^[2]. Without a treaty, there is no bilateral framework for reduced withholding rates or coordinated taxing rights. If you earn income in both countries, the US foreign tax credit (Form 1116) provides some relief for Nepali taxes paid on income that the US also taxes ^[3].

Substantial Presence Test.

Nepali nationals on work visas (H-1B, L-1) typically meet the substantial presence test, requiring at least 31 days in the current year and 183 days over a three-year weighted period ^[1]. F-1 students are exempt from the day count for their first 5 calendar years in the US ^[1].

FBAR and FATCA.

If you maintain Nepali bank accounts, FBAR reporting is required when aggregate foreign account balances exceed $10,000 at any point during the year ^[4]. FATCA Form 8938 applies to foreign financial assets above higher thresholds ^[5].

No Totalization Agreement.

The US and Nepal do not have a Social Security Totalization Agreement ^[6]. Nepali nationals working in the US pay US Social Security and Medicare taxes through payroll deductions, but those contributions cannot be combined with any Nepali social security credits. You need 40 credits (approximately 10 years of work) to qualify for US Social Security retirement benefits ^[7].

Foreign Earned Income Exclusion.

If you are a US tax resident working temporarily outside the US (for example, during an extended visit to Nepal), the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (Form 2555) may apply to qualifying foreign earnings if you meet the physical presence test or bona fide residence test ^[8]. This is relevant for Nepali nationals who travel back and forth during transition periods.

Healthcare and Insurance

The US does not have universal public healthcare. Coverage depends on employment, immigration status, and state of residence.

Employer-Sponsored Insurance.

Nepali nationals arriving on work visas typically receive health insurance through their employer. Large employers (50+ employees) are required by federal law to offer affordable coverage. Plans include medical, dental, and vision, with the employer subsidizing part of the monthly premium. Coverage usually begins on your start date or after a waiting period of up to 90 days.

Student Insurance.

F-1 students are typically required by their university to carry health insurance. Most universities offer a student health insurance plan (SHIP), and the cost is included in student fees or billed separately. These plans cover basic medical care, mental health services, and prescription drugs.

ACA Marketplace.

If your employer does not offer insurance, purchase a plan through healthcare.gov during open enrollment or within 60 days of a qualifying life event such as relocating to the US. Premium subsidies are available based on income.

Medicaid.

Lawful permanent residents face a five-year waiting period before qualifying for Medicaid in most states. Some states waive this for children and pregnant women. Nonimmigrant visa holders generally do not qualify.

Community Health Centers.

Federally Qualified Health Centers provide primary care on a sliding fee scale regardless of insurance status. Centers in areas with large Nepali communities (the New York metro area, Dallas-Fort Worth, the DC metro area) may have multilingual staff or interpretation services.

Prescription Drugs.

US prescription drug costs are substantially higher than in Nepal. Medications available without prescription in Nepal may require a US prescription. Bring documentation of current medications with generic names and dosages.

Banking and Financial Planning

Opening a US Bank Account.

You can open an account at major US banks with your Nepali passport, visa, and a US address. Some banks require a Social Security Number; others allow you to open an account with a passport and add the SSN later. Apply for your SSN at a Social Security Administration office as soon as you arrive if your visa authorizes employment.

Credit History.

Nepali credit history does not transfer to the US. You start with no US credit score. Secured credit cards (backed by a cash deposit) are the standard way to begin building credit. Some credit unions and community banks in areas with Nepali populations offer newcomer programs. Building a score takes 6 to 12 months of consistent on-time payments.

Remittances.

Sending money to family in Nepal is common among Nepali nationals in the US. Traditional bank wire transfers are expensive. Services like Wise, Remitly, WorldRemit, and IME offer lower fees and competitive exchange rates for NRP transfers to Nepali bank accounts or cash pickup locations. Compare total costs (fee plus exchange rate markup) before choosing a provider.

Maintaining Nepali Accounts.

You can keep Nepali bank accounts, but FBAR and FATCA reporting applies once you become a US tax resident ^[1]. Nepal's central bank has regulations on foreign exchange and account maintenance by non-residents; check with your Nepali bank about any restrictions on maintaining accounts while residing abroad.

Retirement Planning.

Contribute to your employer's 401(k) if available, especially to capture any employer match. You can also open an IRA. Since there is no Totalization Agreement, your US Social Security credits are independent of any Nepali social security entitlements.

Cost of Living.

The cost of living in the US is dramatically higher than in Nepal. Housing is the largest expense and varies enormously by city. The New York metro area, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Washington DC are popular destinations for Nepali nationals. Research costs in your specific destination and build a detailed budget before arriving.

Moving Logistics

Shipping Household Goods.

Sea freight from Nepal is routed through Indian ports (typically Kolkata or Mumbai). Transit time from Nepal to a US port is typically 5 to 8 weeks including overland transport to the Indian port and ocean transit. Most Nepali movers ship less-than-container-load (LCL) volumes. Get quotes from international freight forwarders with South Asia experience.

US Customs.

Personal effects and household goods imported by immigrants are generally duty-free if owned and used before arrival. New items may be subject to duties. Restricted items include certain foods, spices in commercial quantities, and agricultural products. Medications must be in original packaging.

Flights.

There are no direct flights from Kathmandu to US cities. Common routing goes through Doha (Qatar Airways), Abu Dhabi (Etihad), Dubai (Emirates/flydubai), or Delhi (connecting to US-bound carriers). Total travel time is typically 18 to 24 hours. Budget for one-way tickets and excess baggage fees.

Documentation.

Bring certified copies of your Nepali birth certificate, citizenship certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), educational credentials (SLC/SEE certificates, university transcripts), and professional licenses. Documents in Nepali must be translated into English by a certified translator. Educational credentials should be evaluated by a NACES-member agency (WES, ECE, or similar) for US employers and graduate programs.

Driving.

Your Nepali driver's license can be used temporarily in some US states, but you will need a US state license typically within 30 to 90 days of establishing residency. Nepal drives on the left; the US drives on the right. Written and road tests are required in most states.

Pet Import.

Dogs entering the US from Nepal must meet CDC requirements. Nepal's rabies risk classification determines additional documentation requirements. Check current CDC rules before traveling with pets.

Cultural Adjustment

Nepali Communities in the US.

The largest Nepali-American populations are in the New York metro area (particularly Queens and nearby areas of New Jersey), Dallas-Fort Worth, the Washington DC metro area, and several cities in Ohio and Colorado. These communities maintain cultural associations, celebrate Dashain and Tihar, and operate temples, restaurants, and grocery stores that serve as hubs for new arrivals.

Language.

English proficiency varies among Nepali immigrants. Those who attended English-medium schools or universities in Nepal generally adapt quickly to American English. Others may need English language classes, available through community colleges, adult education centers, and nonprofit organizations, often at no cost. Nepali language resources are limited in most US cities outside the main community hubs.

Workplace Culture.

American workplaces value directness, punctuality, and individual initiative. Speaking up in meetings, self-advocating for promotions, and providing candid feedback are expected. The hierarchical norms common in Nepali workplaces are less pronounced in most US companies. Performance evaluations are explicit and frequent.

Food and Dietary Adjustment.

Nepali grocery stores in major metro areas carry dal, rice, spices, and other staples. Indian and South Asian grocery stores are more widely available and carry most of the same ingredients. Cooking at home is significantly cheaper than eating out in the US. Vegetarian options are increasingly available at US restaurants and grocery stores.

Weather.

Climate varies enormously across the US. Nepali nationals from Kathmandu Valley or the Terai may find northern US winters extremely cold. Budget for winter clothing (coat, boots, gloves, thermals) if moving to the Northeast, Midwest, or Mountain states. Southern and southwestern US cities have milder winters.

Social Integration.

Nepali community organizations, temples, and cultural events are the fastest path to a support network. Many cities have active Nepali student organizations at universities. Community soccer leagues, volunteering, and neighborhood associations provide connections beyond the Nepali community.

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