You get admitted to a US college, receive an I-20 form, and get a visa interview in Kathmandu. After graduating you can work for 1 year (3 years for STEM degrees) on OPT.
What you need
Form I-20 from your school
Proof of funds for the first year (shown on your I-20)
SEVIS fee US$350 and visa fee US$185 (a new US$250 'visa integrity fee' became law in 2025 — check whether it is being charged when you apply)
A DS-160 form and an interview at the US Embassy in Kathmandu
Your social media accounts set to public (required since 2025)
Nepal NOC before you fly
Step by step
Apply to schools (many offer scholarships or assistantships for master's/PhD).
Accept an offer and receive your I-20.
Pay the SEVIS fee, fill in DS-160, pay the visa fee and book the interview.
Interview: explain clearly what you'll study, who pays, and your plans.
Get NOC, fly no more than 30 days before your start date.