Once the system is available, any traveler who plans to travel to the United States after November 29, 2016 must have a valid EVUS enrollment before traveling, including before arriving at the airport. Travelers should not wait until the last minute to enroll. An enrollment is valid for two years from the date of approval or until the traveler obtains a new passport, whichever comes first. This means that travelers may repeatedly travel to the United States within those two years without having to enroll again. Beginning on November 29, 2016, travelers are encouraged to check the status of their application or enrollment on the EVUS website prior to departing for the airport.
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Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) Frequently Asked Questions
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General
What is the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)?
EVUS is the online system used by nationals of China holding a 10-year B1/B2, B1 or B2 (visitor) visa periodically to update basic biographic information to facilitate their travel to the United States. In addition to a valid visa, such travelers will be required to complete an EVUS enrollment to be admitted into the United States.
Last published: February 25, 2016
Tags: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)Travel
How much will an EVUS enrollment cost?
The fee to enroll in EVUS is $8 or approximately 53 RMB. The fee is used to cover the cost of running the system.
Last published: September 27, 2016
Tags: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)Travel
On what date will an EVUS enrollment become mandatory?
On November 29, 2016, all individuals carrying maximum validity (10-year) B1/B2, B1, and B2 visas in passports issued by the People’s Republic of China must have a valid EVUS enrollment in order to travel to the United States. Travelers who are subject to EVUS requirements but do not have valid enrollments will not be able to obtain a boarding pass or enter through a land port of entry.
Last published: September 27, 2016
Tags: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)Travel
When will EVUS begin to accept enrollments?
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) expects to begin accepting early EVUS enrollments on a voluntary basis in mid-October, before enrollments become mandatory on November 29, 2016. CBP and the U.S. Embassy will issue an announcement when the system is active. At that time, all individuals carrying maximum validity (10-year) B1/B2, B1, and B2 visas in passports issued by the People’s Republic of China may enroll in EVUS to ensure that they do not experience any inconvenience on or after November 29, 2016. Travelers are encouraged to check
www.cbp.gov/EVUS for more information.
Last published: September 27, 2016
Tags: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)Travel
How do travelers use EVUS?
As of now, there is nothing Chinese travelers need to do. Beginning on November 29, 2016, Chinese travelers will need to go online and update their information in order to comply with EVUS requirements.
As the system is developed and the launch date gets closer, the U.S. Government will ensure that information about the EVUS process is readily available. More information will be provided regarding how to make entry into the United States as easy as possible.
Last published: September 27, 2016
Tags: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)Travel
Can someone else update information in EVUS on a traveler’s behalf?
Yes, a friend, relative, travel industry professional, or another third party may submit the required information to EVUS on a traveler’s behalf. A third party may also pay related fees on behalf of the traveler. However, the traveler is responsible for the truthfulness and accuracy of all information submitted on his or her behalf.
Last published: February 25, 2016
Tags: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)Travel
Will EVUS enrollment be required for admittance into the United States?
Starting on November 29, 2016, yes. The Governments of the United States and China entered into an arrangement on a reciprocal basis, to issue visitor visas with 10-year validity. The arrangement recognized that travelers would be required to periodically complete an online form updating their biographical information. Completing this form will help facilitate the admission of Chinese travelers into the United States.
Last published: September 27, 2016
Tags: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)Travel
Do other countries have this requirement?
This requirement is new. The U.S. Government expects that this requirement may be applied to additional countries in the future.
Last published: February 25, 2016
Tags: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)Travel
Will this affect current visa holders, new applicants, or both?
Both. Applicants who are holding valid 10-year B1/B2, B1 or B2 visas issued before November 29, 2016 will have to enroll in EVUS to use their visas any time after the launch of the program. Applicants who receive 10-year B1/B2, B1 or B2 visas from November 29, 2016 onwards will have to enroll before their initial trip to the United States. Enrollment for all applicants will remain valid for two years or until the traveler’s visa or passport expire, whichever comes first. The visa holders will then have to update their information before traveling to the U.S. again.
Last published: September 27, 2016
Tags: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)Travel
I just received a 10-year B1/B2 visa a few months ago. Will I need to obtain a new visa after I enroll in EVUS?
No, your visa remains valid. However, you will be unable to travel to the United States after November 29, 2016 unless you have also enrolled in EVUS. Enrollment in EVUS is separate from the visa application process.
Last published: September 27, 2016
Tags: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)Travel
What is a B1, B2, or B1/B2 visa? How can I find out what visa type I have?
B category visas are visas for general business and tourist travel to the United States. Your Visa Class, or category, appears in the upper right-hand portion of your visa.
Last published: February 25, 2016
Tags: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)Travel
Where will travelers be able to find more information about EVUS?
The most up to date information will be found on
www.cbp.gov/EVUS. Please monitor this website for the most current information.
Last published: March 3, 2016
Tags: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)Travel
Completing EVUS Form
Who will need to comply with EVUS requirements?
All nationals of The People’s Republic of China holding valid 10-year B1/B2, B1 or B2 visas who travel to the United States on a passport issued by the People’s Republic of China must comply with EVUS requirements beginning on November 29, 2016.
Last published: September 27, 2016
Tags: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)Travel
How will this affect travelers from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau?
Anyone from these regions traveling on a Peoples Republic of China passport with a 10-year B1/B2, B1 or B2 visa will be required to enroll in EVUS. Travelers using other travel documents, including Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, and Taiwan passports may continue to travel to the U.S. as they currently do.
Last published: February 25, 2016
Tags: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)Travel
How will this affect Chinese nationals living in Canada who for many years have qualified for 10-year visas as landed immigrants of Canada?
Anyone traveling on a Peoples Republic of China passport with a 10-year B1/B2, B1 or B2 visa will be required to enroll in EVUS, regardless of current residence.
Last published: February 25, 2016
Tags: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)Travel
What information does a traveler need to comply with EVUS?
Each EVUS enrollment must contain the visa holder’s name, birth date, and passport information as well as other biographical and employment information.
Last published: February 25, 2016
Tags: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)Travel
Will the EVUS website be translated?
Yes, the website will be available in both English and Mandarin Chinese. However, all 10-year B1/B2, B1 or B2 visa holders must answer the EVUS questions in English.
Last published: February 25, 2016
Tags: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)Travel
How often does the traveler have to update information in EVUS?
An information update is referred to as an enrollment. Enrollments generally last for two years or when the traveler’s visa or passport expires, whichever comes first. Chinese holders of 10-year B1/B2, B1 or B2 visas will need to update their information before they intend to travel to the United States (if a two-year enrollment has expired), or when they get a new passport.
Last published: February 25, 2016
Tags: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)Travel
Will the website be secure and private?
Yes. The website is operated by the U.S. government and employs technology to prevent unauthorized access to the information entered and viewed. Information submitted by travelers through the EVUS website is subject to the same strict controls that have been established for similar traveler screening programs as governed by U.S. laws and regulations.
Last published: February 25, 2016
Tags: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)Travel
Will an EVUS enrollment require a new photograph, and/or a photo different from that submitted for the visa application?
No. EVUS will not require the traveler to submit a photograph or fingerprints. This update will require the traveler to answer a series of questions about himself/herself, and his/her job, background and travel history/destination.
Last published: September 27, 2016
Tags: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)Travel
Are the EVUS enrollment questions the same as those on the DS-160 visa application?
Most of the information required is already part of the DS-160 visa application, though there are some differences, and questions may be worded slightly differently than the visa application.
Last published: September 27, 2016
Tags: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)Travel
Will third party agents be able to check the status of EVUS enrollment for travelers?
Yes. Third parties will be able to check the EVUS status for individual travelers and for an entire group of travelers. Third parties will also be able to review completed applications, update unpaid or approved applications, submit payment for applicants, and view payment receipts. The traveler is responsible for the truthfulness and accuracy of all information submitted on his or her behalf.
Last published: September 27, 2016
Tags: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)Travel
If mistakes are made on an EVUS enrollment, can the enrollment be updated, or does a new enrollment need to be completed? Will any fee be charged separately from the initial EVUS fee?
An EVUS enrollment can be updated at any time by completing a new enrollment. This means that the EVUS fee must be paid each time a traveler wishes to submit updated information. The fee is necessary and used to cover the cost of running the system.
Last published: September 27, 2016
Tags: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)Travel
What happens if a traveler doesn’t comply with EVUS requirements?
Travelers who carry a valid 10-year B1/B2, B1 or B2 visa in a People’s Republic of China passport, but who have not complied with EVUS requirements may be delayed in their travel plans.
Last published: February 25, 2016
Tags: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)Travel
Travel Planning
Has U.S. Customs and Border Protection reminded travelers of EVUS enrollment requirements?
Yes. CBP sent e-mails to all holders of 10-year, B1/B2, B1 and B2 visas in July 2016, using the e-mail addresses that visa holders listed on their DS-160 visa applications. In addition, many (but not all) visa-holders subject to the EVUS requirement have an annotation printed on their visa. Even if you do not have an annotation printed on your visa, if you have a 10-year B1, B2, or B1/B2 visa in a People’s Republic of China passport you must enroll in EVUS in order to travel to the United States beginning on November 29, 2016.
Last published: September 27, 2016
Tags: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)Travel
Are there age-based exemptions for EVUS enrollment?
No. All travelers, regardless of age, possessing a 10-year B1/B2, B1, or B2 visa in a People’s Republic of China passport require a valid EVUS enrollment to travel to the United States.
Last published: September 27, 2016
Tags: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)Travel
Are current visas still valid?
Yes, current B1/B2, B1 or B2 visas are still valid for travel to the United States. Travelers do not need to complete an online EVUS form before November 29, 2016. EVUS registration is a separate process than applying for a visa.
Last published: September 27, 2016
Tags: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)Travel
Do I need to complete a form or pay an additional fee today in order to travel to the United States?
No. Travelers do not need to complete an online EVUS form or pay a related fee before November 29, 2016.
Last published: September 27, 2016
Tags: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)Travel
Question and Answer Supplement
Do I have to update EVUS after November if I receive my visa in October 2016?
Yes. Starting on November 29, 2016, U.S. immigration regulations will require that all People’s Republic of China passport holders carrying 10-year B1/B2, B1, or B2 visas must have a valid EVUS enrollment before traveling to the United States. It does not matter when your visa was issued. Once the system is able to accept enrollments, you will be able to enroll at any time prior to your departure.
Last published: September 27, 2016
Tags: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)Travel
Can I update my personal information right before I travel to the United States? If I don’t have a plan to travel to the United States within two years, do I still need to update it?
Once the system is available, any traveler who plans to travel to the United States after November 29, 2016 must have a valid EVUS enrollment before traveling, including before arriving at the airport. Travelers should not wait until the last minute to enroll. An enrollment is valid for two years from the date of approval or until the traveler obtains a new passport, whichever comes first. This means that travelers may repeatedly travel to the United States within those two years without having to enroll again. Beginning on November 29, 2016, travelers are encouraged to check the status of their application or enrollment on the EVUS website prior to departing for the airport.
Last published: September 27, 2016
Tags: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)Travel
I have a one-year U.S. visa. Do I need to update my information and pay for EVUS? Is EVUS only for people who have the 10-year U.S. visa?
EVUS only applies to People’s Republic of China passport holders carrying 10-year B1/B2, B1, or B2 visas. If you hold a People’s Republic of China passport, but your visa is valid for only one year, you do not have to enroll in EVUS.
Last published: May 16, 2016
Tags: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)Travel
After I update EVUS can I be refused entry into the U.S.?
All visitors to the United States, regardless of whether they have a visa, an EVUS, or some other travel authorization, must demonstrate their admissibility to the United States to a CBP officer upon arrival at a port of entry. Neither a visa nor EVUS enrollment guarantees admission into the United States. These rules have not changed.
Last published: May 16, 2016
Tags: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)Travel
If I have a 10-year B1/B2, B1, or B2 visa in both my official and my personal passports, do I need to enroll in EVUS twice?
Yes, an EVUS enrollment is tied to the individual visa. This means that you must separately enroll in EVUS for each 10-year visa in each of your People’s Republic of China passports.
Last published: May 16, 2016
Tags: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)Travel
What does EVUS have to do with the 10-year visa?
In November 2014, the Governments of the United States and China entered into an arrangement on a reciprocal basis to issue 10-year visitor and business travel visas (B1/B2, B1, and B2). That same arrangement recognized that travelers would be required periodically to complete an online form updating the information they used to apply for the visa. EVUS was developed to allow travelers to provide the most current information – including name, passport number, address, and employment – to immigration officials before traveling to the United States.
Last published: May 16, 2016
Tags: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)Travel
My passport has expired. Do I need to enroll in EVUS as soon as I get a new passport or can I do that before my next trip?
If you have a new passport, you will need to enroll in EVUS before your next trip to the United States. We recommend you enroll at least one week before you are scheduled to leave for the United States.
Last published: May 16, 2016
Tags: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)Travel
What if my information has not changed? Do I still need to enroll in EVUS?
Yes. You will be able to review your information to make sure it is still accurate, and should follow instructions in the EVUS system to make sure you have a current EVUS enrollment. If your information remain accurate, your EVUS enrollment is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Last published: May 16, 2016
Tags: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)Travel
What if I changed my information? Does this mean my EVUS will be automatically refused?
No. We encourage you to keep your information up-to-date to facilitate your entry into the United States.
Last published: May 16, 2016
Tags: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)Travel
Last published: September 27, 2016
Tags: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)Travel
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