Before you pay a consultancy
Most of these checks take a few minutes and cost nothing. A firm that deserves your money will not mind any of them.
Last verified · how we check
General information, not legal or migration advice. We are not a consultancy and cannot say whether any one firm or plan is right for you.
1. Check who they are
- Ask to see the approval document. The PIE News advises students to verify renewal and ask for documents (thepienews.com, checked 2026-11-07), and police give the same advice: check registration before paying (kathmandupost.com, checked 2026-11-07).
- Match the full name and number on that document against the list. A similar name is not the same company.
- Ask where they stand this year. The list here is for 2082/83, and firms must apply again under the 2083 regulation. Ask to see their application or new licence.
- If in doubt, ask the ministry. Renewals are handled by its Educational Consultancy and Certification Section (collegenp.com, checked 2026-11-07).
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No exact match on this list. That alone proves nothing. It could be a spelling difference, a licence from a province, or a renewal record disrupted last year. Ask them for the approval document, and confirm it with the ministry before you pay. How to check.
A similar name is not the same company. Match the full name and the approval number against the document they show you.
2. Get the money part in writing
- Work out the real total with the cost calculator, so you know what the fees should look like.
- Ask for the full fee list. Reports on the new rules say firms must publish their fees (english.nepalnews.com, checked 2026-11-07) (edusanjal.com, checked 2026-11-07).
- Do not pay in cash. Reports say cash is barred and receipts are required (english.nepalnews.com, checked 2026-11-07). Pay in a way that leaves a record.
- Get a receipt for every payment, with the firm's full name on it, and keep it.
- Ask what you get back if the visa is refused, and have it written down before you pay. Refused refunds are one of the common complaints (english.nepalnews.com, checked 2026-11-07).
- Count the costs nobody can refund. Australia's visa application fee is A$2,500 and is not returned if you are refused (kathmandupost.com, checked 2026-11-07).
3. Refuse these
- A guaranteed visa. Only the destination country decides. Visa guarantees are a listed abuse (english.nepalnews.com, checked 2026-11-07).
- Handing over your passport to keep. Confiscated passports are another (english.nepalnews.com, checked 2026-11-07).
- Any document you did not earn. Fabricated offer letters are a known abuse (english.nepalnews.com, checked 2026-11-07), and it is your name on the application.
- "Pay today or lose your place." Pressure leaves no time for these checks. Take the time anyway.
4. Check the college yourself
- Write to the college directly, using the address on its own official website, not one a firm gives you. Confirm your offer letter is real.
- Check it on the official list with our college check.
- Check that it is recognised in that country. For the UAE, NOCs now go only to institutions recognised by its Commission for Academic Accreditation (kathmandupost.com, checked 2026-11-07). See NOC for study abroad.
- Look at the visa numbers for your country and kind of course. Refusal rates differ a great deal by sector (oneplanetmigrationlaw.com.au, checked 2026-11-07). See visa refusals.
Five questions to ask at the desk
- May I see your approval document, and where you stand under the 2083 regulation?
- What is your full fee list, and may I have it in writing?
- What do I get back, and when, if my visa is refused?
- Do you get paid by the college as well as by me?
- How do I confirm this offer letter with the college myself?
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