Application Process

The US B1/B2 visa requires an in-person interview at the US Embassy or Consulate in China.1 The application process involves several steps that must be completed in order.

1. Complete DS-160 Online Application

Fill out the DS-160 form at ceac.state.gov.6 This comprehensive form requires information about your travel plans, employment history, education, family, and previous travel. Upload a compliant digital photograph meeting US specifications. List all social media accounts used in the past 5 years and disclose any relatives in the United States.1

2. Pay the Visa Fee

Pay the $185 MRV fee online or at designated bank branches in China.2 Keep your payment receipt as you will need the receipt number to schedule your interview. The fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.2 Note that an additional $250 Visa Integrity Fee applies upon approval starting October 2025.

3. Schedule Interview Appointment

After paying the fee, schedule your interview through the US visa appointment website.3 Interviews are conducted at the US Embassy in Beijing and Consulates in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenyang, and Chengdu.3 Wait times vary significantly by location, ranging from 1 to 3 months.

4. Attend Visa Interview

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time. Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, appointment letter, fee receipt, and supporting documents.1 The interview typically lasts 3-5 minutes and is conducted in English or Mandarin. Your fingerprints will be collected electronically.3

5. Receive Decision

Most applicants receive a decision immediately after the interview.3 If approved, your passport with the visa will be available for pickup or courier delivery within 3-5 business days.

Fees

The MRV fee payment is valid for one year from the date of payment.2 If you do not schedule and attend your interview within this period, you will need to pay again.

EVUS Requirement for Chinese Citizens

Chinese citizens with 10-year B1/B2 visas must enroll in the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) before traveling to the United States.5 This is a unique requirement that applies only to Chinese passport holders.

How EVUS works:

1. Visit evus.gov before your trip
2. Create an enrollment and enter biographical information
3. Pay the $30 fee
4. Receive approval (usually within minutes, sometimes up to 72 hours)
5. Enrollment is valid for 2 years or until your passport or visa expires

Airlines will verify your EVUS status before allowing you to board flights to the US.5 Without valid EVUS enrollment, you will be denied boarding even with a valid visa.

When to update EVUS:

• When you get a new passport
• When your enrollment expires after 2 years
• If any of your personal information changes

What You Need to Prove

Under Section 214(b) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act, all visa applicants are presumed to have immigrant intent.4 You must overcome this presumption by demonstrating:

• Strong ties to China that would compel you to return after your visit
• Sufficient financial resources to cover all expenses without working in the US
• Clear purpose of travel with a realistic itinerary
• Intent to depart at the end of your authorized stay

The burden of proof is entirely on the applicant. The consular officer must be convinced you will return to China.4

Processing Times

Interview wait times vary significantly by location and time of year.3 During peak seasons, waits can be longer.

Current approximate wait times from Chinese locations:

• Beijing: 1 month
• Shanghai: 3 months
• Guangzhou: 1-2 months
• Shenyang: 1-2 months
• Chengdu: 1-2 months

Once you complete your interview, decisions are typically issued the same day.3 Approved visas are placed in passports and returned within 3-5 business days via the delivery method you selected.

After Your Visa is Approved

Your B1/B2 visa will be stamped in your passport. Chinese citizens typically receive visas valid for 10 years with multiple entries. However, visa validity does not determine how long you can stay.

Before traveling, you must:

1. Enroll in EVUS at evus.gov and receive approval5
2. Keep your EVUS confirmation accessible
3. Ensure your passport remains valid for the duration of your trip

At the US port of entry, the Customs and Border Protection officer will:

• Review your passport, visa, and EVUS status
• Ask about your trip purpose and plans
• Determine your authorized period of stay (typically up to 6 months)
• Stamp your passport with the admission date and status

Keep your I-94 arrival record (available online at i94.cbp.dhs.gov) as proof of legal entry and authorized stay period.

If Your Visa is Refused

The most common refusal is under Section 214(b), meaning the officer was not convinced you have sufficient ties to China or that you intend to return.4 This is not a permanent ban.

If refused, you can:

1. Reapply with stronger documentation addressing the concerns
2. Wait for changed circumstances such as new employment, marriage, or property ownership
3. Consult an immigration attorney for complex situations

Each new application requires paying the fee again and scheduling a fresh interview.4 Previous refusals remain on your record but do not automatically result in future denials if your circumstances have improved.

Interview Locations in China

Schedule your appointment at the location in your consular district based on your residence registration (hukou) or where you are currently living.3