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Obtaining Student Visa for Nepal: A Step-by-Step Guide

September 17, 2024 by Prime Law Associates Immigration and Visa Law
Home | Immigration and Visa Law | Obtaining Student Visa for Nepal: A Step-by-Step Guide

What is a Student Visa for Nepal?

A Student Visa for Nepal is a non-tourist visa issued to foreign nationals who wish to study, teach or conduct research at educational institutions in Nepal. As defined in Rule 7 of the Immigration Regulation 1994, the Student Visa allows foreigners to legally stay in Nepal for academic purposes for a specified period.

The Student Visa is granted to:

  1. Foreigners who come to study, teach or conduct research works in any educational institutions in Nepal after obtaining approval from the Government of Nepal
  2. Family members of such foreigners

This visa category provides legal immigration status to foreign students, researchers, and academics while they are engaged in approved educational activities in Nepal. It differs from a Tourist Visa, which does not permit long-term stay or formal study.

Is a Student Visa compulsory to enter Nepal as a student?

Yes, a Student Visa is compulsory for foreign nationals who intend to enter Nepal for the purpose of studying, teaching or conducting research at Nepali educational institutions. The Immigration Act 1992 and Immigration Regulation 1994 mandate that foreigners must obtain the appropriate visa before entering Nepal for any purpose other than tourism.

Specifically, Rule 7(1) of the Immigration Regulation states that the Student Visa shall be granted to “foreigners who, after having obtained the approval of the Government of Nepal, come to study, teach or conduct research works in any educational institutions in Nepal.”

Foreign students cannot enter Nepal on a Tourist Visa with the intention of enrolling in academic programs. They must obtain a proper Student Visa before commencing their studies. Attempting to study in Nepal without the correct visa would be a violation of immigration laws and could result in penalties or deportation.

Who issues student Visa in Nepal?

The Department of Immigration, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is the primary authority responsible for issuing Student Visas in Nepal. The specific roles in the visa issuance process are as follows:

  1. The Director General of the Department of Immigration has the authority to issue and extend Student Visas, as per Rule 12(1)(d) of the Immigration Regulation.
  2. For the initial issuance of a Student Visa, multiple government agencies are involved:
    • The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology provides a recommendation letter
    • The Department of Immigration makes the final decision and issues the visa
  3. For renewal or extension of an existing Student Visa, the Department of Immigration has full authority to process and approve applications.
  4. Nepali diplomatic missions abroad (embassies/consulates) do not have the authority to issue long-term Student Visas. They can only issue short-term entry visas to allow students to enter Nepal and apply for the full Student Visa after arrival.

The centralized authority for Student Visa issuance ensures consistent application of immigration policies and proper vetting of applicants.

How to get a Student Visa for Nepal as foreign students?

Foreign students can obtain a Student Visa for Nepal by following these key steps:

  1. Gain admission to a recognized educational institution in Nepal
  2. Enter Nepal on a Tourist Visa or Entry Visa obtained from a Nepali diplomatic mission abroad
  3. Obtain a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology
  4. Apply for the Student Visa at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu
  5. Submit all required documents and pay the visa fees
  6. Undergo verification and approval process by immigration authorities
  7. Receive the Student Visa if approved

It’s important to note that the process must be initiated after arriving in Nepal, as Nepali missions abroad cannot issue long-term Student Visas directly. Students should plan to arrive in Nepal with sufficient time before their program start date to complete the visa application process.

What is the procedure of obtaining a Student Visa in Nepal?

Step 1: Obtain Admission and Enter Nepal

  • Get admission to a recognized educational institution in Nepal
  • Obtain necessary documents from the institution, including admission letter
  • Enter Nepal on a Tourist Visa or Entry Visa obtained from a Nepali diplomatic mission abroad

Step 2: Obtain Recommendation from Ministry of Education

  • Submit application to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology with admission documents
  • Provide proof of financial means to support study in Nepal
  • Ministry reviews application and issues recommendation letter for Student Visa

Step 3: Apply for Student Visa at Department of Immigration

  • Fill out the Student Visa application form
  • Gather all required documents (detailed in a later section)
  • Submit application form and documents to the Department of Immigration
  • Pay the prescribed visa fees

Step 4: Verification and Processing

  • Immigration officials verify submitted documents
  • Conduct necessary background checks
  • May request additional information or conduct interviews if required
  • Application is processed and decision is made by the Director General

Step 5: Visa Issuance

  • If approved, the Student Visa is issued and affixed to the applicant’s passport
  • Visa validity is generally for one year, renewable annually
  • Collect the passport with the new visa sticker

This procedure is based on Rule 7 of the Immigration Regulation and the Immigration Procedures 2008. The Department of Immigration has the final authority in granting the visa.

What are the documents required to obtain a Student Visa in Nepal?

To obtain a Student Visa in Nepal, foreign students need to submit the following documents to the Department of Immigration:

  1. Two sets of visa application forms with photographs affixed
  2. Valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining
  3. Admission letter from the recognized educational institution in Nepal
  4. Recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology
  5. Financial documents proving ability to cover expenses in Nepal (as specified in Rule 7(2) of Immigration Regulation):
    • For self-funded students: Bank statements or scholarship proof showing ability to spend at least 3,000 USD per year
    • For family members: Proof of ability to spend at least 2,000 USD per year
  6. Photocopy of latest visa for Nepal
  7. Academic certificates and transcripts from previous institutions
  8. Police clearance certificate from home country (issued within the last 6 months)
  9. Medical certificate declaring the applicant free from contagious diseases
  10. Two recent passport-sized photographs
  11. Completed visa application form

For students pursuing technical subjects or research:

  • Research proposal or detailed study plan
  • Approval letter from relevant government body for the research/study

Additional documents may be required based on individual circumstances or specific program requirements. All documents in foreign languages must be accompanied by official Nepali or English translations.

What are the government fees for obtaining a Student Visa?

The government fees for obtaining a Student Visa in Nepal are set forth in Schedule 9 of the Immigration Regulation 1994 (as amended). The current fee structure is as follows:

  1. For students studying under degree programs and their dependent family members:
    • NPR equivalent of USD 20 per month
  2. For students studying under non-degree programs and their dependent family members:
    • NPR equivalent of USD 50 per month
  3. For issuing a 30-day entry visa for students at the time of arrival:
    • USD 30 or equivalent convertible foreign currency

Additional fees apply for multiple-entry facilities:

  • Single re-entry: Additional USD 20
  • Multiple re-entry: Additional USD 60

The fees are payable in Nepalese Rupees at the prevailing exchange rate set by Nepal Rastra Bank on the day of payment. The total fee is calculated based on the duration of stay requested.

Special provisions for certain nationalities:

  • Students from Bangladesh, Maldives, and Bhutan may have different fee structures based on reciprocal agreements
  • Students from Sri Lanka and Pakistan may be exempt from visa fees, but their family members are charged NPR equivalent of USD 10 per month

It’s important to note that these fees are subject to change, and applicants should verify the current rates with the Department of Immigration at the time of application.

What is the approximate time taken to obtain a Student Visa?

The time taken to obtain a Student Visa in Nepal can vary depending on several factors. However, based on the Immigration Procedures 2008, the general timelines are as follows:

  1. Recommendation from Ministry of Education: 7-10 working days
  2. Processing at Department of Immigration:
    • If application is submitted by 1 PM: Decision on the same day
    • If application is submitted after 1 PM: Decision by 12 PM the next day
  3. Total time from application submission to visa issuance: 2-3 working days

This timeline assumes all required documents are in order and no additional verification is needed. Complex cases or applications requiring additional scrutiny may take longer.

Factors that can affect the processing time include:

  • Completeness and accuracy of submitted documents
  • Verification of financial documents
  • Background checks
  • Volume of applications during peak periods

It’s important to note that obtaining the necessary documents like admission letters and ministry recommendations can take several weeks before the actual visa application process begins. Students should plan to start the process well in advance of their intended program start date.

What is the time validity of a Student Visa?

The time validity of a Student Visa in Nepal is governed by Rule 7(3) of the Immigration Regulation 1994, which stipulates:

  1. Student Visas are generally issued for one year at a time.
  2. For students pursuing technical subjects, the visa may be granted at one time for up to the period of the educational degree being pursued.
  3. For research students, the visa validity is tied to the duration of their approved research project.
  4. The visa can be extended annually based on the student’s academic progress and continued enrollment.
  5. The maximum duration of a Student Visa is typically aligned with the length of the academic program, which can range from 1 to 5 years for most degree programs.
  6. The visa validity cannot exceed the validity of the student’s passport.
  7. For students from SAARC countries, special provisions may apply based on reciprocal agreements.

It’s important to note that while the visa may be issued for a certain period, students are required to maintain active enrollment and make satisfactory academic progress to maintain their visa status. Failure to do so may result in visa cancellation.

Can a Student Visa be renewed?

Yes, a Student Visa for Nepal can be renewed. The renewal process is outlined in the Immigration Regulation 1994 and the Immigration Procedures 2008. Key points regarding Student Visa renewal are:

  1. Student Visas can be extended annually for the duration of the academic program.
  2. Renewal is subject to satisfactory academic progress and continued enrollment.
  3. The Department of Immigration has the authority to renew Student Visas.
  4. Students must apply for renewal before their current visa expires.
  5. Renewal applications require updated documents from the educational institution and the Ministry of Education.
  6. The renewal process is similar to the initial visa application, but may be streamlined for continuing students.
  7. Fees for renewal are the same as for the initial visa issuance.
  8. The Director General of the Department of Immigration has the authority to decide on visa renewals.

Students should initiate the renewal process at least 15 days before their current visa expires to ensure continuous legal status in Nepal. Failure to renew the visa in time may result in fines or other penalties.

What is the procedure of renewing a Student Visa in Nepal?

The procedure for renewing a Student Visa in Nepal involves the following steps:

  1. Gather necessary documents from the educational institution
  2. Submit renewal application to the Department of Immigration
  3. Pay the prescribed renewal fees
  4. Undergo verification process
  5. Receive the renewed visa if approved

Detailed Procedure:

  1. Obtain a letter from the educational institution confirming continued enrollment and satisfactory academic progress
  2. Fill out the visa renewal application form
  3. Gather all required documents (detailed in the next section)
  4. Submit the application and documents to the Department of Immigration
  5. Pay the renewal fees at the designated bank
  6. Attend an interview with immigration officials if required
  7. Wait for the application to be processed (usually 1-2 working days)
  8. Collect the renewed visa from the Department of Immigration

The renewal should be initiated at least 15 days before the current visa expires. The Department of Immigration may request additional documents or information during the renewal process. Students must maintain valid immigration status throughout their stay in Nepal.

What are the documents required for Student Visa renewal?

For renewing a Student Visa in Nepal, the following documents are typically required:

  1. Completed visa renewal application form
  2. Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
  3. Two recent passport-sized photographs
  4. Letter from the educational institution confirming:
    • Continued enrollment
    • Satisfactory academic progress
    • Expected completion date of the program
  5. Updated financial documents showing ability to cover expenses in Nepal:
    • Bank statements or scholarship proof
    • For self-funded students: Evidence of funds equivalent to at least 3,000 USD per year
    • For family members: Evidence of funds equivalent to at least 2,000 USD per year
  6. Proof of payment of visa renewal fees
  7. Photocopy of current Student Visa and passport information page
  8. Academic transcripts or progress reports for the completed study period
  9. Recommendation letter from the academic supervisor (for research students)
  10. Proof of address in Nepal (rental agreement or letter from landlord)
  11. Tax clearance certificate (if applicable)
  12. Completed visa extension form (available at the Department of Immigration)

Additional documents may be required based on individual circumstances or changes in study programs. All documents should be originals or certified copies, with official translations if not in English or Nepali.

Students should verify the most current document requirements with the Department of Immigration, as these may be subject to change.

What are the government fees for Student Visa renewal?

The government fees for Student Visa renewal in Nepal are the same as those for the initial visa issuance. According to Schedule 9 of the Immigration Regulation 1994 (as amended), the fees are:

  1. For students studying under degree programs and their dependent family members:
    • NPR equivalent of USD 20 per month
  2. For students studying under non-degree programs and their dependent family members:
    • NPR equivalent of USD 50 per month
  3. Additional fees for re-entry facilities:
    • Single re-entry: USD 20
    • Multiple re-entry: USD 60

The fees are calculated based on the duration of the renewal period requested. Payment must be made in Nepalese Rupees at the prevailing exchange rate set by Nepal Rastra Bank on the day of payment.

Special provisions for students from certain SAARC countries:

  • Different fee structures may apply based on reciprocal agreements
  • Students from Sri Lanka and Pakistan may be exempt from visa fees, but their family members are charged NPR equivalent of USD 10 per month

It’s important to note that these fees are subject to change, and students should verify the current rates with the Department of Immigration at the time of renewal.

What is the time taken for Student Visa renewal?

The time taken for Student Visa renewal in Nepal is generally shorter than the initial visa application process. According to the Immigration Procedures 2008, the timeline for renewal is as follows:

  1. If the renewal application is submitted by 1 PM on a working day, the decision is typically made on the same day.
  2. If the application is submitted after 1 PM, the decision is usually made by 12 PM the next working day.
  3. The total processing time from submission of a complete application to visa issuance is typically 1-2 working days.

This timeline assumes that all required documents are in order and no additional verification is needed. Factors that may extend the processing time include:

  • Incomplete or inconsistent documentation
  • Need for additional verification or interviews
  • High volume of applications during peak periods
  • Changes in the student’s academic status or program

Students are advised to initiate the renewal process at least 15 days before their current visa expires to allow for any unforeseen delays. This also ensures compliance with immigration regulations, as staying in Nepal with an expired visa can result in fines or other penalties.

What are the laws governing Student Visas in Nepal?

The laws governing Student Visas in Nepal are primarily based on the following legal instruments:

  1. Immigration Act, 1992 (2049 BS)
    • Provides the basic framework for immigration control and visa issuance
    • Defines the authority of immigration officials and penalties for violations
  2. Immigration Regulation, 1994 (2051 BS)
    • Details the specific provisions for different visa categories, including Student Visas
    • Rule 7 specifically addresses Student Visas, including eligibility, duration, and renewal procedures
  3. Immigration Procedures, 2008 (2065 BS)
    • Outlines the operational procedures for visa application, issuance, and renewal
    • Specifies document requirements and processing timelines
  4. Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act, 2019 (2075 BS)
    • Relevant for students involved in research or technology transfer activities
    • May impact visa requirements for certain types of academic projects
  5. Labor Act, 2017 (2074 BS)
    • Governs any part-time work permissions for students
    • Sets limitations on employment activities for student visa holders
  6. Education Act, 1971 (2028 BS) and its amendments
    • Provides the framework for the education system and foreign student enrollment
    • Influences the types of educational programs eligible for student visas

These laws collectively establish the legal basis for:

  • Eligibility criteria for Student Visas
  • Application and renewal procedures
  • Rights and restrictions of visa holders
  • Compliance requirements for educational institutions
  • Penalties for visa violations

The Department of Immigration, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is the primary agency responsible for implementing these laws with respect to Student Visas. The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology also plays a crucial role in the process by providing recommendations for visa issuance.

It’s important to note that these laws and regulations are subject to amendments and updates. Students and educational institutions should stay informed about any changes that may affect visa requirements or procedures.

Also Read: Tourist Visa for Nepal Business Visa for Nepal Work Visa for Nepal

Conclusion

The Student Visa process in Nepal is a structured system designed to facilitate the entry and stay of foreign students while maintaining necessary immigration controls. Key points to remember:

  1. Student Visas are mandatory for foreign nationals studying in Nepal, as stipulated by the Immigration Act 1992 and Immigration Regulation 1994.
  2. The process involves multiple government agencies, with the Department of Immigration as the final authority for visa issuance and renewal.
  3. Visas are typically issued for one year, renewable annually, with the possibility of longer durations for certain technical programs.
  4. Proper documentation, including proof of admission, financial capability, and Ministry of Education recommendation, is crucial for successful visa applications and renewals.
  5. Fees and procedures are subject to change, so applicants should always verify current requirements with the Department of Immigration.
  6. Students must maintain active enrollment and satisfactory academic progress to keep their visa status valid.
  7. Timely renewal of visas is essential to avoid legal complications and ensure continuous legal stay in Nepal.
  8. The laws governing Student Visas are designed to balance the promotion of international education with the need for proper immigration control.

While the process may seem complex, it ensures that international students can pursue their academic goals in Nepal within a legal framework. The system aims to support Nepal’s educational institutions in attracting international talent while maintaining national security and immigration integrity.

Students are advised to start the application process well in advance of their intended program start date and maintain open communication with their educational institutions and relevant government offices throughout their stay in Nepal. Compliance with visa regulations and timely renewals will ensure a smooth and legal academic experience in Nepal.

FAQs

How can I get a student Visa for Nepal?

To obtain a Student Visa for Nepal: 1) Gain admission to a Nepali institution. 2) Enter Nepal on a tourist visa. 3) Get Ministry of Education recommendation. 4) Apply at Department of Immigration with required documents. 5) Pay visa fees. 6) Undergo verification. 7) Receive visa if approved.

How long does the process take?

The Student Visa process typically takes 2-3 weeks. This includes 7-10 days for Ministry of Education recommendation and 2-3 days for Department of Immigration processing. Actual time may vary based on document completeness and verification requirements. Start the process well before program commencement.

How many months long the student visa last?

Student Visas in Nepal are usually issued for one year initially, renewable annually. For technical courses, visas may be granted for the full program duration. The maximum validity aligns with the academic program length, typically 1-5 years, subject to satisfactory progress and continued enrollment.

What are the steps for a Student Visa for Nepal?

Steps for a Nepal Student Visa: 1) Get admission to a Nepali institution. 2) Enter Nepal on tourist visa. 3) Obtain Ministry of Education recommendation. 4) Apply at Immigration Department. 5) Submit required documents. 6) Pay fees. 7) Undergo verification. 8) Receive visa if approved. 9) Renew annually if needed.

What is required for a Student Visa to enter Nepal?

Requirements for a Nepal Student Visa include: admission letter, Ministry of Education recommendation, valid passport, visa application form, photographs, financial proof (minimum USD 3000/year), academic certificates, medical certificate, and police clearance. Specific research approvals may be needed for certain programs. Verify current requirements with the Department of Immigration.