In Fiscal Year 2024, over 14,000 Nepali students received U.S. student visas, more than doubling the number from the previous year. In August alone, 1,450 Nepali students were granted U.S. visas, along with 68 of their dependents who received F-2 category visas, according to the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs. The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu issued 1,226 of these F-1 visas, with additional visas issued at other U.S. embassies.
July saw a record number of 1,788 Nepali students receiving F visas, the highest monthly total for the fiscal year, although this number decreased slightly in August. Over the first 11 months of the fiscal year, 12,438 Nepali students were granted F visas, with the total surpassing 14,000 by September. June also set a record with 1,700 student visas issued, the highest in nine months.
From January to May 2024, the number of Nepali students receiving visas steadily increased, with 1,508 visas issued in May alone. The first three months of the fiscal year (October to December 2023) saw 2,896 student visas granted, with 508 in October, 784 in November, and 1,604 in December. Additionally, 111 dependents received F-2 visas during this period.
In comparison, Fiscal Year 2023 saw 6,203 Nepali students receiving U.S. visas, highlighting a significant increase in 2024. Data from the Department of Homeland Security shows that 10,220 Nepali students and exchange visitors entered the U.S. in Fiscal Year 2023, including those returning with previously issued visas. This number was counted based on the number of I-94s issued.
As the number of Nepali students in the U.S. continues to rise, there is growing concern about the mental health challenges they face. Academic and financial pressures are contributing to increased mental health issues among these students, sparking discussions within the Nepali community about how to address these problems.
One student, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed the difficulty of balancing academic demands with financial obligations: “The mental and financial pressure is immense. It’s hard to find a job and pay college fees. Family expectations add to the stress. Even when we find a job, employers often don’t pay proper wages.”
Another student shared their struggles post-graduation, highlighting the challenges of maintaining their immigration status: “After completing my studies, it’s very hard to find a job to maintain my immigration status. My family doesn’t want to go back to Nepal and wants to settle in the USA, but pursuing immigration status here is challenging after graduation.”
“The pressure to succeed is immense. Juggling studies, financial obligations, and cultural adjustments can be overwhelming,” said a Nepali student pursuing a graduate degree in the U.S. “Many of us are silently struggling with mental health, and it’s becoming a serious issue within our community.”
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Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
