USA Documentation Checklist
Complete guide to required documents for US visas and immigration processes. Track your progress and ensure you have everything needed for a successful application.
Progress Overview
Step 1: Required Documents for University Admission & I-20 Issuance
To apply to a U.S. university and receive your I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status), prepare the following documents:
All documents must be original or certified copies
Academic Documents
RequiredSEE / +2 to the most recent academic level - Mark Sheets, Character Certificates, Provisional Certificates, Migration, and Transcripts
Must be original or certified copies
English Proficiency Test
RequiredIELTS / TOEFL / PTE / Duolingo / MOI / SAT / GRE / GMAT
Scores must be valid at time of application
Passport (valid)
RequiredPassport with sufficient validity period
Must be valid for entire study period
Recommendation Letters
RequiredFrom 2-3 academic or professional references
Should be on official letterhead
Bank Certificate
RequiredShowing available funds of NPR 50-60 Lakhs or equivalent in USD
Must be recent (within 3 months)
University Application Fee
RequiredTypically $10-$20
Non-refundable
Initial Deposit for I-20 Issuance
RequiredBetween $100-$500 (depending on the university)
Required for I-20 issuance
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
RequiredA well-written essay outlining your academic and career goals
Should be unique and compelling
Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)
RequiredDetailed resume showing academic and professional background
Should be up-to-date and well-formatted
Step 2: Receive the I-20 (Processing Time: 2-4 Weeks)
Once accepted, the university will send your I-20. After receiving it:
Keep the original I-20 safe
Fill DS-160 Form
RequiredOnline U.S. Visa Application
Complete online at ceac.state.gov
Book a U.S. Embassy Interview Appointment
RequiredSchedule visa interview at U.S. Embassy/Consulate
Book as soon as possible
Visa Application Fee
RequiredUSD 185
Non-refundable
Pay SEVIS Fee
RequiredUSD 350 (mandatory for F1 visa applicants)
Pay online at fmjfee.com
Step 3: Prepare for the Interview
Research about your chosen university, program, and city. Attend Mock Interviews to build confidence. Review your academic profile, SOP, and financial documents.
Practice common interview questions
Step 4: Visa Interview – Required Documents
Bring the following documents to your U.S. Embassy interview:
Organize all documents in a folder
Passport Photo
RequiredA recent 2x2-inch passport-sized photo
Must meet US visa photo requirements
Signed I-20 Form
RequiredOriginal I-20 signed by student and school official
Must be original, not a copy
Academic Documents
RequiredTranscripts and certificates (SEE/10 to latest)
Must be original or certified copies
English Proficiency Test Score
RequiredIELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, etc.
Original score report required
DS-160 Confirmation Page
RequiredPrintout of DS-160 confirmation page
Must be printed and signed
Visa Interview Appointment Confirmation
RequiredPrintout of interview appointment confirmation
Must be printed
SEVIS Fee Payment Confirmation
RequiredPrintout of SEVIS fee payment confirmation
Must be printed
Gap Certificate
If applicable, explaining any gaps in education
Required only if there are gaps in education
Step 5: Visa Collection
Collect your Passport with the U.S. Visa from the designated location
Check visa details carefully
Step 6: No Objection Certificate (NOC)
Apply online: noc.moest.gov.np, Pay the fee: NPR 2000
Collect the NOC and verify your details carefully
Step 7: Obtain Police Report
Visit your local police office to get a Police Clearance Certificate
Required for background check
Step 8: Vaccination
Get all required vaccinations as per university/CDC guidelines
Must be up-to-date
Step 9: Pay the Tuition Fee
Payment Methods: Bank Draft or Bank Transfer
Keep payment confirmation
Step 10: Arrange Housing
Book on-campus or off-campus accommodation as advised by your university
Book as early as possible
Step 11: Course Registration
Register for your courses online using your student portal or university system
Complete before orientation
Step 12: Book Your Flight
Book your air ticket based on the university's recommended arrival dates
Check airport pick-up services if available
Step 13: Shopping & Currency Exchange
Buy essentials for travel and Exchange local currency for USD
Get some cash for initial expenses
Step 14: Travel to the USA
Keep all original documents in your hand luggage. Arrive at least a few days before orientation starts. Be ready for U.S. Customs and Border Protection questions upon arrival
Keep all important documents easily accessible
Important Notes
- All documents should be original or certified copies
- Non-English documents must be translated by a certified translator
- Check current visa requirements as they may change
- Processing times may vary - apply well in advance
- Keep copies of all submitted documents for your records