At a Glance
Nepal is not an E-2 treaty country, so Nepali investors and founders usually look to EB-5, the L-1, EB-1A, the National Interest Waiver and the O-1A.
Those same routes are also the main alternatives to the H-1B lottery for Nepali professionals and founders.
Samper Law advises Nepali clients nationwide in Nepali, Hindi and English, with Lidice Samper, Esq. leading the legal strategy and Gerardo Kloss working alongside her on structure and source of funds.
Is Nepal an E-2 Treaty Country?
No.
Nepal does not appear on the State Department list of treaty countries, so Nepali nationals cannot obtain an E-1 or E-2 visa on a Nepali passport.
Nepal generally does not recognize dual citizenship, so the practical routes are EB-5, L-1, EB-1A, the NIW and the O-1A.
State Department treaty country list | Accurate as of October 22, 2026
Comparing Your U.S. Routes
| Route | What it is | When it fits | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| EB-5 Immigrant Investor | Green card based on a qualifying investment in a U.S. enterprise that creates at least 10 full time jobs, directly or through a regional center. | You want a green card and can document a lawful source for the full investment, including how the funds lawfully left Nepal. | Open; outbound transfer rules apply |
| L-1 Intracompany Transfer | Visa for managers, executives and specialized knowledge staff of a foreign company opening or expanding a related U.S. office. | You have worked for the foreign company for at least one continuous year in the last three, and it will keep operating abroad. | Open; a primary H-1B alternative |
| EB-1A Extraordinary Ability | Self petitioned green card for individuals with sustained national or international acclaim. No employer or job offer is required. | Your record already meets at least three of the ten regulatory criteria and shows you are among the small percentage at the top of your field. | Open |
| EB-2 National Interest Waiver | Green card that waives the job offer and labor certification when your proposed work has substantial merit and national importance. | You hold an advanced degree or exceptional ability and have a credible plan for work that benefits the United States. | Open |
| O-1A Extraordinary Ability | Nonimmigrant visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in business, science, education or athletics. | You are a founder or executive with a documented record such as significant funding, press, awards, judging or high compensation. | Open; no lottery or annual cap |
Source of Funds From Nepal
Every dollar of the investment has to be traced to a lawful source, and the way funds leave Nepal is part of that record. For Nepali investors it usually includes the following.
Banking records
Statements for each account that held the funds, with the records of the sale, salary, business income, gift or loan that produced them.
Tax filings
Income tax returns filed with the Inland Revenue Department, and the registered deed from the land revenue office for any property sale.
Currency transfer documentation
Nepal's foreign exchange rules generally restrict residents from investing abroad, so an outbound transfer for a U.S. investment usually requires Nepal Rastra Bank approval or must come from funds already lawfully held outside Nepal. Keep the approval, the bank advice and the SWIFT record.
The general EB-5 and E-2 paper trail, from origin of funds to the U.S. account, is set out in EB-5 Source of Funds: Build the Paper Trail Before You Wire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Nepali citizen get an E-2 visa?
No. Nepal is not on the State Department treaty country list, so Nepali nationals are not eligible for E-1 or E-2 visas on a Nepali passport.
What are the alternatives to the H-1B for Nepali nationals?
The L-1 for employees of a related company abroad, the O-1A for individuals with extraordinary ability, and the EB-1A and NIW green card petitions, which do not require an employer sponsor.
Can I send EB-5 investment funds from Nepal?
Outbound investment by Nepali residents is generally restricted and usually requires Nepal Rastra Bank approval. Funds earned and held abroad follow a different path. We map the transfer before any money moves.
Which green card can I file without an employer?
The EB-1A and the EB-2 National Interest Waiver are self petitions, so neither needs an employer or job offer. EB-5 is also self sponsored through the investment.
Does Samper Law work in Nepali?
Yes. Consultations and client communication are available in Nepali, Hindi and English.
ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. General information only; not legal advice and does not create an attorney client relationship. Treaty status and agency policy can change; confirm with counsel before you invest. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.