EVUS: U.S. Electronic Visa Update System
Register your trip with EVUS
Apply online for the EVUS registration to update your U.S. visa details
The U.S. EVUS registration is an obligatory requirement for People’s Republic of China passport holders. It works alongside a B1/B2 Visa to grant entry into the United States.
You can apply for your B1/B2 Visa then register with EVUS with USA Visa Update.
What Is EVUS?
EVUS stands for Electronic Visa Update System. EVUS is an automated system implemented by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The Electronic Visa Update System determines eligibility to travel to the United States on a 10-year B1/B2 visa.
The EVUS registration is mandatory for individuals who hold a 10-year B1/B2 Visa. A B1 visa is intended for business purposes, and a B2 visa is for tourism or leisure purposes.
The purpose of EVUS is to contribute to border security by identifying travelers before they go to the U.S.
Reminder: You need to already have a B1/B2 visa before registering with EVUS.
How long is an EVUS update valid for?
An approved EVUS update is valid for a 2-year period or until your passport or visa expires, whichever occurs first. An EVUS holder can travel to the United States multiple times and for short-term periods.
The EVUS should be valid upon arrival in the United States. If the EVUS expires while you're in the United States, there should be no problem leaving the country.
Who Can Apply for EVUS?
EVUS is mandatory for People’s Republic of China passport holders with a 10-year B1/B2 Visa.
The EVUS system may be extended to other countries in the future, however for now it’s specifically for Chinese passport holders.
How Does EVUS Affect Travelers from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau?
All citizens of the People’s Republic of China who hold a Chinese passport must register with EVUS to update the details of their visa before traveling to the United States.
This includes travelers from Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan.
Travelers using other travel documents, including Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR, may continue to travel to the U.S. as they currently do. Citizens from Taiwan traveling with a passport issued by Taiwan may apply for the ESTA Visa Waiver.
EVUS is specifically for holders of a 10-year B1/B2 visa issued to People’s Republic of China passport holders. If you have a different type of U.S. visa, other rules and procedures apply.
Do Dual Citizens Need the EVUS?
When you fill in the EVUS enrollment, there is a section that will ask you to provide information about a different nationality or citizenship. You should fill in the information according to your personal and unique situation. Answers to all questions should always be truthful.
However, in the section Travel Document Details, the country of passport should be China. If you hold a different passport other requirements to travel to the United States might apply.
Register With EVUS to Travel to the United States
Before you can register with EVUS you’ll need to have an approved B1/B2 Visa. You can easily apply for your visa with USA Visa Update.
An EVUS enrollment is fairly simple.
You can enroll with EVUS at any time before arriving in the United States. However, we advise you to submit your EVUS enrollment at least 72 hours prior to departure to avoid any potential delays.
If you need an EVUS urgently, you can select priority processing on the payment page and receive an EVUS in 1 hour.
Once EVUS has been approved, it can be used to enter the U.S. on multiple trips or until the passport or visa expires, whichever occurs first.
What Is the EVUS Enrollment Number?
Once you begin the EVUS application process, you will be assigned an enrollment number that will serve you to check your status.
You can check the status of your EVUS enrollment and its validity period at any time once you begin the enrollment.
What Is the Difference Between EVUS and a Visa?
A valid EVUS registration is not the same as a B1/B2 Visa.
A B1/B2 Visa grants entry into the U.S. for a certain length of time and travel purpose, while EVUS works with a B1/B2 Visa to verify the visa’s details.
Do I need to apply for EVUS if I already have a visa?
Yes. Your B1/B2 Visa is not valid for entry until you’ve successfully registered with EVUS.
If you try to enter the U.S. with a B1/B2 Visa without an EVUS registration, your entry will be denied.
Different Types of U.S. Visitor Visas
The table below summarizes the key information about B1/B2 American visas and the ESTA visa waiver.
-
B1 Visa
- Purpose: B1 Visa
- Activities Allowed: Settling an estate, Conducting research, Negotiating contracts, Short-term training, Interviewing/ hiring, Consulting/ meeting business associates, Participating as a lecturer/speaker, Attending conferences/ conventions
- Duration of Stay: Up to 6 months
- Validity: 1-10 years
- Available for Chinese citizens?: Yes
- Additional Notes: No paid activity allowed, For work, a different visa is required
-
B2 Visa
- Purpose:Tourism or Medical
- Activities Allowed:Tourism/vacations, Visiting friends/relatives, Receiving medical treatment, Engaging in social activities
- Duration of Stay:Usually 6 months, up to 1 year
- Validity:1-10 years
- Available for Chinese citizens?:Yes
- Additional Notes:Possible to extend for 6-month visas with proper documentation
-
B1/B2 Visa
- Purpose:Business, Tourism, Medical
- Activities Allowed:Combination of B1 and B2 activities
- Duration of Stay:Up to 6 months, extendable to 1 year
- Validity:1-10 years
- Available for Chinese citizens?:Yes
-
ESTA (Visa Waiver)
- Purpose:Tourism, Business, Transit
- Activities Allowed: Short visits for tourism, business, or transit
- Duration of Stay:Up to 90 days per visit, valid for 2 years
- Validity:2 years
- Available for Chinese citizens?:No
- Additional Notes:For citizens of specific countries, Not a visa, but a visa waiver, Multiple entries allowed, Total stay not to exceed 90 days in any 180-day period
FAQ
Here you can find answers to common questions about EVUS.
Do I need a visa to register with EVUS? Toggle faqs
Yes, you must have a valid B1/B2 visa for the U.S. so you can register your visa details with EVUS. This visa must be issued to a People’s Republic of China passport holder.
Do I need an EVUS if I’m only in transit through the U.S.? Toggle faqs
If you are a Chinese citizen, and you will only be in transit through the United States on your way to another country, then yes, you still have to enroll with EVUS.
Do children need to register with EVUS? Toggle faqs
Yes. All Chinese nationals holding a 10-year B1/B2 visa must have a valid EVUS registration, including children and infants. The enrollment can be completed by a parent or legal guardian on behalf of the minor.
Can I travel if my EVUS will expire soon? Toggle faqs
You can travel as long as your EVUS registration is still valid on the date you arrive in the United States. However, if it is close to expiring, it’s safer to submit a new EVUS update before your trip to avoid any issues.
After I enroll with EVUS, can I be refused entry into the U.S.? Toggle faqs
The U.S. authorities reserve the right to deny travelers entry into the U.S.
There’s no type of visa or travel authorization that guarantees entry into the United States, including EVUS.
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