Reminder – New Visa Update System Takes Effect for Chinese Nationals Beginning November 29
November 22, 2016
Country / Territory
Effective November 29, Chinese nationals with a B-1/B-2, B-1 or B-2 visitor visa valid for 10 years must be enrolled in the new Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) before traveling to the United States for business or tourism.
EVUS is open for early enrollment according to the following mandatory enrollment schedule:
- Chinese nationals with a 10-year B-1 or B-2 visa issued before November 29 must enroll in EVUS by December 14, 2016, or earlier if planning to travel to the United States before that date.
- Chinese nationals issued a B-1/B-2 visa on or after November 29, 2016 must enroll upon receiving the visa and before travelling to the United States.
Those with a Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR or Taiwan passport are not subject to EVUS registration.
To enroll, visit www.evus.gov and enter the requested passport, visa and other biographic information. Third parties may complete the process on behalf of an individual or group, but each individual remains personally responsible for the truthfulness and accuracy of the information submitted on his or her behalf.
The system adjudicates most enrollments in a few minutes, but can take up to 72 hours. If enrollment is successful, CBP will issue a notification of compliance valid for two years or until the passport or visa expires, whichever occurs first. Enrollment does not guarantee admission to the United States, but allows enrollees to board a carrier or apply for admission at the U.S. border.
After initial enrollment, changes in name or answers to any of the eligibility questions in the system requires an updated enrollment. Failure to enroll or re-enroll will result in an automatic provisional visa revocation. A visa may be reinstated upon successful enrollment in the system.
What This Means for Foreign Nationals
All Chinese nationals planning business travel to the United States on or after November 29 must enroll their visas in advance of travel date to minimize the risk of delays.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions about the EVUS, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
