US and China Extend Validity Period of Visas for Business Visitors, Tourists and Students.

Maggio Kattar
US _China visa validity period extended

Beginning November 12, 2014, the validity period of multiple entry visas will be extended for B-1/ B-2 business visitors and tourists and F-1/ J-1 students for Chinese nationals travelling to the United States. As this is a reciprocal agreement, U.S. nationals travelling to China for business visits, tourism or education will receive the same extension.

For business visitors and tourists, the visa validity period will be 10 years from the date of issuance. For students, the validity period will be five years, or the period of their approved course of study.

This extension does not impact the period for which the individual will be admitted to stay in the US or China.

Admission periods are determined at the port-of-entry based upon the required length of stay to complete their visit. For example, if they are entering the United States to attend two weeks of meetings, the admission period would generally be two weeks for that stay. Importantly, however, this extension will remove the need to apply for a new visa each time the individual travels to the US or China, making such travel easier.

This extension does not impact work authorization

Individuals entering the US on a B visa for as a visitor for business or pleasure are, with limited exception, not work authorized. Chinese nationals studying in the US on an F or J visa may be work authorized in certain circumstances, but this change has no impact on their eligibility for work authorization.

More information can be found at the Department of State website.

OF NOTE: The Chinese government also issued a statement that effective immediately, the Visa Office of the Chinese Embassy is accepting 10 year multiple entry visa applications from U.S. nationals for tourism, business, short term visit to relatives, and private matter purposes, as well as 5 year multiple entry visa applications for study purposes. The requirements continue to be the same, and the U.S. passport should be valid for at least one year.