Significant Decline in Nepalis Overstaying on U.S. Visitor Visas

(Photo: Donna Burton)

The number of Nepalis overstaying on visitor visas in the US has significantly decreased. In fiscal year 2023, the total overstay rate was 4.19%, with in-country suspected overstays at 3.60%, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Out of 24,723 expected departures in 2023, 1,036 overstayed, with 890 staying as suspected in-country overstays and 146 as out-of-country overstays. This marks a decrease in both percentage and number compared to the previous year.

In fiscal year 2022, the total overstay rate was 12.31%, with suspected in-country overstays at 10.89%. Out of 14,699 expected departures, 1,809 overstayed, with 1,601 as in-country overstays and 208 as out-of-country overstays. In 2021, the total overstay rate was 8.5%, with suspected in-country overstays at 4.16%. Out of 3,507 expected departures, 298 overstayed, with 146 as in-country overstays and 152 as out-of-country overstays.



Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, 1,261 Nepalis overstayed in 2020, with a total overstay rate of 4.55%. Out of 27,712 expected departures, 717 were in-country overstays and 544 were out-of-country overstays. In 2019, the total overstay rate was 3.38%, with suspected in-country overstays at 2.49%. Out of 27,096 expected departures, 916 overstayed, with 674 as in-country overstays and 242 as out-of-country overstays.

In fiscal year 2018, the total overstay rate was 4.36%, with suspected in-country overstays at 3.57%. Out of 27,205 expected departures, 1,185 overstayed, with 970 as in-country overstays and 215 as out-of-country overstays. In 2017, the total overstay rate was 2.33%, with suspected in-country overstays at 1.86%. Out of 24,240 expected departures, 564 overstayed, with 450 as in-country overstays and 114 as out-of-country overstays.

In fiscal year 2016, the total overstay rate was 5.4%, with suspected in-country overstays at 4.2%. Out of 18,775 expected departures, 946 overstayed, with 789 as in-country overstays and 157 as out-of-country overstays. In 2015, the total overstay rate was 3.68%, with suspected in-country overstays at 3.21%. Out of 15,332 expected departures, 564 overstayed, with 492 as in-country overstays and 72 as out-of-country overstays.

In fiscal year 2014, the total overstay rate was 3.81%, with suspected in-country overstays at 3.48%. Out of 11,895 expected departures, 453 overstayed, with 414 as in-country overstays and 39 as out-of-country overstays. Overall, the trend shows a significant decrease in the number of Nepalis overstaying on visitor visas in the US.


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