The United States Embassy is changing its non-immigrant visa application system effective April 1, 2007. The change will enable applicants outside of Kathmandu to submit their applications from five Nabil Bank branches across Nepal, thus eliminating the need to travel to the capital, a press release from American Center in Kathmandu stated on Tuesday.

 

Applicants in Kathmandu, also using the new system, can continue to apply from the Nabil Bank, the release said.

 

Beginning April 1, all applicants for non-immigrant visas ( including tourists and students) 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 release said.

 

Instead of traveling to Kathmandu early, as has been the case, applicants residing outside Kathmandu can now submit their application for a visa appointment at one of the five Nabil Bank branches throughout Nepal.

 

The release stated that early visa application is recommended. Besides introducing the new EVAF forms for non-immigrant visa applicants, the Embassy 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.

 

(Xinhua News Agency March 14, 2007)