United States and China Extend Visa Validity for Business Visitors, Tourists and Students

A new reciprocal visa agreement between the United States and China means longer visa validity and fewer renewals for business visitors, students, exchange visitors, tourists, relatives and private matter visitors. The agreement is effective immediately for both countries. 

Chinese businesspersons and tourists will be eligible for multiple-entry B-1/B-2 visas valid for up to ten years. Chinese students, exchange visitors and their dependents will be eligible for multiple-entry F, M or J visas valid for up to five years or the duration of their educational or exchange program. 

U.S. citizens will be eligible for Chinese business (M) and tourist (L) visas, as well as short-term visas to visit relatives (Q2) and private matter visas (S2) valid for up ten years and multiple entries, and qualified U.S. students may receive student residency permits valid for up to five years, depending on the duration of the educational program. 

The U.S.-China agreement does not increase the validity of visas that have already been issued. Existing business, tourist, student and exchange visitor visas will be valid only until the expiration date printed on the current visa. To obtain a visa with longer validity, holders of valid or recently-expired visas will need to reapply. 

What This Means for Employers and Employees 

U.S. and Chinese businesspersons who regularly travel between the two countries will benefit from longer visa validity and will no longer have to apply for new visas each year. Students and exchange visitors will be able to travel to their home countries and reenter more easily during their educational and exchange programs. However, the extension of visa validity does not change the duration of a traveler's authorized stay in each country. 

If you have any questions about the U.S. or Chinese visa application process, please contact your designated Fragomen professional.

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