The US Embassy is changing its non-immigrant visa application system effective 1st April.

Robert Farquhar of the US Embassy and representative of Nabil Bank Barsa Shrestha (left to right) speaking at a press conference organised in Kathmandu to announce the changed application procedure for US non-immigrant visa, Tuesday, March 13 07. nepalnews.com/rh

A press release issued by the US Embassy said the change would enable applicants outside of Kathmandu to submit their applications from five branches of Nabil Bank in Biratnagar, Birgunj, Butwal, Pokhara, and Nepalgunj, thus eliminating the need to travel to the capital.

This will significantly ease the application process, the embassy said.

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

The embassy further said all applicants for non-immigrant visas would be required to submit Electronic Visa Application Forms (EVAF) when applying for an interview appointment through Nabil Bank from April 1, adding, “Typed or handwritten applications will no longer be accepted.”

The Embassy also urged all visa applicants other than students to apply at least 30-60 days before 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 waiting time for all visa appointments will likely increase.

Students should apply as early as possible, up to 120 days ahead of the reporting date listed on the I-20,” the statement further added.