CBP to Launch Electronic Visa Update System for Nonimmigrants; Chinese Nationals Holding 10-Year Visitor Visas Are the First Group Affected
October 6, 2016

Country / Territory
Designated classes of nonimmigrant visa holders will soon be required to enroll in the new Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) before traveling to the United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced. Foreign nationals traveling on a passport issued by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and a U.S. B-1/B-2, B-1 or B-2 visitor visa valid for 10 years will be the first group required to register for travel that takes place on or after November 29, 2016.
EVUS is not yet in operation, but CBP expects to begin early enrollment later this month. When the system is operational, affected Chinese travelers will need to enroll in the system, pay an $8 fee and update their biographic information in order to enter the United States for business or tourism. Enrollment remains valid for two years, or until the traveler’s passport or visa expires, whichever occurs first. Those who fail to enroll in EVUS will not be issued an airline boarding pass or admitted at a U.S. land border, and could have their visa revoked.
In the initial phase of EVUS, only those traveling on a PRC passport with a 10-year B-1/B-2, B-1 or B-2 visa will be required to enroll. Those with a Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR or Taiwan passport are not affected by the new requirement. However, a forthcoming Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulation is expected to give the agency the authority to require additional classes of nonimmigrants to register in the system before travel to the United States.
What the EVUS Requirement Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals
Though no action is required now, Chinese nationals planning travel to the United States for business or tourism on or after November 29, 2016 must be prepared to register in EVUS when the new requirement takes effect. Those who currently hold a 10-year U.S. visitor visa must register in EVUS in order to travel to the United States on or after November 29. Those issued a 10-year visitor visa on November 29 or later must register in EVUS before their first trip to the United States on that visa.
Fragomen is closely monitoring the rollout of EVUS and will issue updates as developments occur. This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
Country / Territory
Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions
UK Managing Partner Nadine Goldfoot reflects on how the UK’s immigration system might adapt to better support business and short-term mobility.

Video
Learn the key requirements for digital nomad visas and find out which countries you can apply to as a remote worker or freelancer.

Media mentions
Practice Leader Olga Nechita provides practical guidance on navigating UK immigration routes, settlement options and key considerations for applicants.

Video
Senior Business Immigration Consultant Missy Mae Makil discusses the new DOLE rules for employing foreign nationals in the Philippines.

Media mentions
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines how the UK’s new Immigration White Paper could affect talent mobility and growth in the life sciences sector.

Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses recent changes in Saudi Arabia's commercial regulations, their impact on international businesses and how they support Vision 2030.

Awards
Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries received the “Partnership with an International Charity” award at the 10th Annual Better Society Awards.

Blog post
Corporate Services Director Elena Caron outlines essential information and updates regarding obtaining a freelance licence in the UAE, highlighting key requirements and benefits for freelancers.

Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik discussed how UK employers can prepare for immigration reforms by reviewing policies and aligning mobility with workforce planning.

Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit discusses how the UK’s Immigration White Paper presents both challenges and opportunities, highlighting the need for a system reset to address immigration issues effectively.

Media mentions
Immigration Manager Virginie Todesco highlights how Luxembourg’s clear immigration system and strategic reforms attract global talent and employers.

Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner noted that higher H-1B fees may have led employers to be more selective, though demand remains strong.

Media mentions
UK Managing Partner Nadine Goldfoot reflects on how the UK’s immigration system might adapt to better support business and short-term mobility.

Video
Learn the key requirements for digital nomad visas and find out which countries you can apply to as a remote worker or freelancer.

Media mentions
Practice Leader Olga Nechita provides practical guidance on navigating UK immigration routes, settlement options and key considerations for applicants.

Video
Senior Business Immigration Consultant Missy Mae Makil discusses the new DOLE rules for employing foreign nationals in the Philippines.

Media mentions
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines how the UK’s new Immigration White Paper could affect talent mobility and growth in the life sciences sector.

Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses recent changes in Saudi Arabia's commercial regulations, their impact on international businesses and how they support Vision 2030.

Awards
Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries received the “Partnership with an International Charity” award at the 10th Annual Better Society Awards.

Blog post
Corporate Services Director Elena Caron outlines essential information and updates regarding obtaining a freelance licence in the UAE, highlighting key requirements and benefits for freelancers.

Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik discussed how UK employers can prepare for immigration reforms by reviewing policies and aligning mobility with workforce planning.

Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit discusses how the UK’s Immigration White Paper presents both challenges and opportunities, highlighting the need for a system reset to address immigration issues effectively.

Media mentions
Immigration Manager Virginie Todesco highlights how Luxembourg’s clear immigration system and strategic reforms attract global talent and employers.

Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner noted that higher H-1B fees may have led employers to be more selective, though demand remains strong.