Beginning November 29, 2016, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will begin implementing its Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) online program, which is designed to update basic and other biographic information of travelers (regardless of age) who are carrying maximum validity (10-year) B1/B2, B1, and B2 visas in their passports issued by the People’s Republic of China. After this date, Chinese travelers without valid EVUS enrollment will not be admitted into the United States even if they have valid visitor visas.
History
In 2014, the United States and China entered into a reciprocal arrangement, which extends each country’s visa validity for eligible students and visitors.
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.
Notes
- CBP expects to include additional countries in the future.
- CBP plans to begin accepting early enrollment on a voluntary basis beginning this month.
- EVUS is available at: www.cbp.gov/EVUS (not yet available as of this post).
- EVUS fee is $8 (or approximately 53 RMB) per submission of updated information.
- Anyone can submit information to EVUS on behalf of the traveler.
- CBP recommends enrollment at least one week before scheduled departure to the United States.
- EVUS enrollment is valid for two years or when the traveler’s visa or passport expires, whichever comes first.
- EVUS will not require the traveler to submit a photograph or fingerprints.
- Travelers subject to EVUS requirements are required to enroll whether or not there is new information.
