🇨🇳China

🇺🇸United StatesCN-US

China to United States visa requirements

Q: What is EVUS and do I need it?

EVUS is a periodic online enrolment for Chinese citizens holding 10-year B-1/B-2 visas. You must keep it current at evus.gov before each U.S. trip. The current official EVUS fee is US$30.75.

Q: Can I apply via the dropbox or interview waiver?

Eligibility was sharply narrowed from September 2, 2025. Most applicants need an in-person interview. Renewals within 12 months of expiration may still qualify if other conditions are met.

Q: Which consular post should I choose?

Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenyang, and Wuhan accept B-1/B-2 applicants. Chengdu has been closed since 2020. You may choose any post, but processing speeds vary.

Q: Can I work remotely from the U.S. on B-1/B-2?

Paid employment in the United States is not allowed on B-1/B-2. Limited business activity (meetings, conferences) is permitted under B-1.

Yes, Chinese citizens need a B-1/B-2 visitor visa, plus EVUS for 10-year visas. Chinese ordinary passport holders need a B-1/B-2 visitor visa before travelling to the United States for tourism, family visits, or short business meetings. Under the U.S.-China reciprocity agreement, B-1/B-2 visas may be issued for up to 10 years with multiple entries, but holders of 10-year visas must also enrol in EVUS and keep it current. CBP decides each stay length at the port of entry.

VISA REQUIREDTOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-06-19

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-06-19

Visa type

B-1/B-2 visitor visa

Maximum stay

CBP decides at entry, often up to 6 months

per entry

Entries

Multiple

from issue date

Visa fee

US$185

consular fee only

Processing time

Appointment-dependent

standard track

Validity

Up to 10 years

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Complete DS-160

Submit the DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application and save the barcode confirmation page for the interview.

· online· required

/02

Pay MRV and schedule

Create a profile on ustraveldocs.com/cn, pay the US$185 MRV fee, and book the consular interview at Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenyang, or Wuhan.

· US$185· interview required for most

/03

Attend the interview

Bring passport, DS-160 confirmation, appointment letter, and supporting documents. Answer questions on purpose, ties, and funding clearly and consistently.

· consular officer· 214(b) standard

/04

Receive passport and visa

If approved, the passport is returned by courier or pickup. Verify visa class, validity, and number of entries before travel.

· post-interview· track online

/05

Enrol in EVUS before travel

Holders of a 10-year B-1/B-2 visa must complete EVUS at evus.gov before each U.S. trip. Re-enrol every two years or when a new passport or visa is issued.

· evus.gov· required for 10-year visas

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items

Personalized checklist

China -> United States · B-1/B-2 visitor visa

0 / 13 complete

Visa typeTravel date

Deadline reminderAdd a date before export

RequiredChinese passport

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

Valid at least 6 months beyond intended stay

RequiredDS-160 confirmation page

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

Barcode must match the appointment profile

RequiredAppointment confirmation

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

Consular interview slot at the assigned post

RequiredMRV fee receipt

Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances

US$185 non-refundable

RequiredRecent visa photo

Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route

Bring one printed 51x51mm photo as backup

RequiredEmployment or business proof

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

Employer letter, salary records, business licence, or social security records

ConditionalFunds and tax evidence

Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances

Bank statements, property records, tax filings, sponsor proof if applicable

RequiredTravel plan

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

Itinerary, hotel, host invitation, or conference letter

RequiredHome ties evidence

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

Family, property in China, ongoing employment, or business obligations

ConditionalPrior visa or refusal history

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

Old passports, prior U.S. visas, and refusal records if any

RequiredOfficial application form or online application

Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed

Use the current form from the official or designated application channel.

RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary

Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it

Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.

RecommendedTravel medical insurance

Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates

Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.

Official sourcesU.S. State Department — Visitor Visa (no visible page date)U.S. State Department — Fees for Visa Services (no visible page date)U.S. State Department — China reciprocity table (no visible page date)

Application link included: U.S. State Department — Visitor Visa (no visible page date)

Open link

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

MRV application feeUS$185Non-refundable, State Department

Visa issuance reciprocity feeUS$0China reciprocity, B-1/B-2

EVUS enrolmentUS$30.75Current official EVUS fee; required for Chinese passport holders with 10-year B visas

Courier or pickupVariesSet in the scheduling profile

Total estimateUS$185 — US$260+incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Appointment wait

Days to weeks

Wait times vary by post. Beijing and Shanghai are typically longest; check the scheduling portal before booking flights.

Passport return

5-12 business days

Typical after approval, but not guaranteed.

Administrative processing

Weeks or longer

Some cases trigger additional review after the interview (often technology-related fields).

Interview waiver

Limited

Tightened in September 2025. Available only for renewals within 12 months of prior visa expiration, applicant aged 18+ at prior issuance, never refused, and no other ineligibility.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Insufficient ties to China

The officer is not satisfied you will leave the United States after a temporary visit. Stable employment, property, and family in China weigh heavily.

High

/02

Unclear or implausible purpose

Vague itineraries, mismatched travel plans, or weak event details often trigger 214(b) refusal.

High

/03

Funding mismatch

Trip cost does not align with income, savings, or sponsor evidence.

Medium

/04

DS-160 inconsistencies

Employment, travel history, family, or prior refusal answers conflict with supporting documents or interview responses.

Medium

/05

Prior immigration issues

Past overstays, unauthorized work, or misrepresentation are serious red flags.

Medium

/06

Sensitive field or affiliation concerns

Some study or work fields may receive additional administrative processing.

Medium

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

CBP inspection

A visa lets you request admission. CBP decides the actual period of stay and records it in your I-94.

/02

Customs

Declare food, agricultural items, and cash over USD 10,000. Missing declarations can cause fines or seizure.

/03

Connectivity

Airport SIMs are expensive; eSIMs or prepaid plans bought online often work better for short trips.

/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024

2026-06-19

Reviewed by Claude Code

Second-pass review: re-verified the evidence chain against official sources; key facts confirmed and checked-date refreshed.

2026-06-19 · major

China to United States route re-verified

Confirmed Chinese ordinary passport holders still need a B-1/B-2 visitor visa, MRV remains US$185, 10-year B visa holders need EVUS with a current US$30.75 fee, and the September 2025 interview-waiver narrowing remains current.

2025-09-02 · major

Interview waiver eligibility narrowed

State Department restricted dropbox renewals effective 2 September 2025; the 18 September 2025 update confirms B-1/B-2 renewals within 12 months of prior visa expiration may remain eligible if other conditions are met.

/09 — The questions