With the establishment of the the new 10-year B1/2, B-1, and B-2 tourist and business visas for Nationals of the People’s Republic of China, a landmark moment in diplomatic relations between the U.S. and China has been achieved. In anticipation of the more than 2.7 million Chinese nationals expected to participate in the 10-year visa program, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced the planned development and establishment of the Electronic Visa Update System, or EVUS.
Expected to go live in November, EVUS is part of a mutual agreement between the U.S. and China to enhance border security between the two countries coinciding with the issuing of new 10-year tourist and business visas. EVUS is expected to help facilitate legitimate travel, while enhancing the overall security of the program. Visa holders should anticipate a nominal fee to be charged for enrolling in EVUS, as a means of financing the project.
EVUS is similar to a process that is used with travelers from 38 other countries before entering the United States, and asks that visa holders submit basic biographical information such as name, address, birthdate, and visa number via an online form every two years, or whenever they obtain a new passport. The EVUS website will be available in both English and Mandarin, but the questions must be answered in English. Visa holders who do not update their information in EVUS will not be allowed to enter into or travel within the United States. B1/2, B- 1, and B-2 visa holders already in the U.S. prior to the launch of EVUS will be required to enroll in the program if they wish to use their visas.
As with much of immigration law, the rules of EVUS are complex and can be difficult to understand. GoffWilson has been solely focused on immigration and nationality law since 1982. For over 30 years, we have been helping foreign companies and individuals come to and operate in the United States, and specializing in helping foreigners navigate the intricacies of U.S. immigration law. The new B1/2, B-1, and B-2 visas represent a monumental moment between the United States and China, as well as an incredible opportunity for Chinese Nationals to come to the U.S. Don’t let the complexities of the law stand in your way. If you have any questions about EVUS or the new B1/2, B-1, or B-2 visa, contact us
here—we’d be glad to help.