US changes visa system

The American Center in Nepal has said US embassy is going to change its non-immigrant visa application system to be effective from April 1, 2007.

Issuing a press release, the Center said the change will enable applicants outside of Kathmandu to submit their applications from five Nabil Bank branches across Nepal eliminating the need to travel to the capital.

According to the release, using the new system applicants in Kathmandu can continue to apply from the Nabil Bank, Maharajgunj. Beginning April 1, all 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.

The EVAF forms are available online at http://evisaforms.state.gov. They must be printed using a laser printer or a high quality ink jet printer and all printed pages must be included with your application. If the reader is not able to recognize the barcodes on the first and the third page of your application forms, the application cannot be accepted, the release said.

The release added that the Consular Section, located in the Yak & Yeti Hotel complex, will only provide emergency appointments when it is truly warranted. The Embassy cannot provide expedited appointments for non-emergencies, such as conferences, graduations, trade shows, or for students who apply at the last minute. Applicants should allow themselves plenty of time by applying for a visa as early as possible, says the release.