China to United States tourist visa
Complete US B1/B2 visitor visa requirements, fees, processing times, and EVUS enrollment for Chinese citizens. Updated December 2025.
- Visa
- United States Tourist Visa
- Fee
- $185
- Processing time
- 1–3 months
- Length of stay
- Up to 6 months
Required documents
- Valid Passport — Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States
- DS-160 Application Form — Complete the online nonimmigrant visa application form
- Digital Photograph — Recent passport-style photograph meeting US visa requirements
- Visa Fee Payment — Pay the $185 Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee
- Interview Appointment — Schedule and attend visa interview at US Embassy or Consulate in China
- Financial Documents — Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your trip expenses
- Employment Evidence — Documentation proving your employment status and income
- Ties to China — Evidence demonstrating strong reasons to return to China
- EVUS Enrollment — Electronic Visa Update System enrollment required before travel
How to apply
- Visit evus.gov before your trip — Visit evus.gov before your trip
- Create an enrollment and enter — Create an enrollment and enter biographical information
- Pay the $30 fee — Pay the $30 fee
- Receive approval (usually within minutes, — Receive approval (usually within minutes, sometimes up to 72 hours)
- Enrollment is valid for 2 — Enrollment is valid for 2 years or until your passport or visa expires
- When you get a new — When you get a new passport
Common questions
- How long can I stay in the US on a B1/B2 visa?
- The maximum stay is determined by the Customs and Border Protection officer at your port of entry, typically up to 6 months. Your visa validity and permitted stay are different. A 10-year visa does not mean you can stay 10 years.
- What is EVUS and why do Chinese citizens need it?
- EVUS (Electronic Visa Update System) is mandatory for Chinese citizens with 10-year B1/B2 visas. You must enroll at evus.gov and pay $30 before each trip to the US. Enrollment is valid for 2 years or until your visa or passport expires, whichever comes first.
- Can I work on a US tourist visa?
- No, the B1/B2 visa does not permit any form of paid employment in the United States. Working on a tourist visa is illegal and can result in deportation and future visa ineligibility.
- How long does the US visa process take from China?
- Interview wait times vary by location and season. Beijing currently has approximately 1 month wait, while Shanghai may have 3 months. Once you attend your interview, decisions are typically issued the same day. Passport return takes 3–5 business days.
- What is the US tourist visa fee for Chinese citizens in 2025?
- The Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee is $185 USD, paid when scheduling your interview. Upon approval, a new Visa Integrity Fee of $250 applies (effective October 2025). Additionally, EVUS enrollment costs $30 per trip.
- Do I need to book flights before the visa interview?
- No, do not book non-refundable travel until your visa is approved. Having tentative travel plans is helpful for the interview, but confirmed bookings are not required.