Wednesday, November 24, 2010

“They just want to make sure you’re pretty (and wealthy) enough!”

Needed materials to apply for a tourist visa
  • A passport size photo of yourself
  • A filled out application
  • Money
Needed materials to apply for a cell phone:
  • A passport size photo of yourself
  • Photocopy of passport and current visa
  • Both thumbprints
  • The names of your father and grandfather
  • Your permanent and residential addresses
  • Your occupation
  • Money
Needed materials to extend your tourist visa
  • A passport sized photo of yourself
  • A filled out extension application form
  • Attached documents proving the date that you will leave Nepal or the reason for your extension
  • Money
  • Extra money for the “immediate pick-up fee.”
Needed materials to apply for university admission and consequent student visa
  • Two passport sized photos of yourself
  • A Nepali bank statement proving that you do indeed have money
  • Two original admission applications
  • A no-objection letter from the US Embassy
  • A letter of admission to the university
  • Money
Needed materials to apply for a Nepali bank account
  • A passport sized photo of yourself
  • Copies of your employee ID card and a letter from your boss, stating that you do indeed work for this organization or company
  • A copy of your passport and current visa
  • Your occupation
  • Your current and permanent addresses
  • The source of your money, to make sure its obtained by legal means
  • Your father and grandfather’s name
  • A declared beneficiary—in case you die, they know to whom to give your money
  • A map with the location of your current residence marked
  • A promise to bring a photocopy of your renewed visa when this one runs out, and if you move, a new map marking your new residence
  • Money, of course
At least no one asked me for my SSN!