China passport → United States

United States visa for citizens of China

eVisa + biometricsB1/B2 Visitor Visa (10-year multiple-entry for most, 1-month single-entry for CCP members and families)

Citizens of China need a visa for the United States: apply online for an eVisa, then give biometrics in person.

Official application site

Not yet verified

Our latest check could not confirm these details against an official source, or found a conflict. Treat them as a starting point and confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you book.

Last checked 2026-08-16. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	eVisa + biometrics · B1/B2 Visitor Visa (10-year multiple-entry for most, 1-month single-entry for CCP members and families)
How to apply	Apply online, then a biometrics appointment
Maximum stay	Up to 180 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Processing time	7–30 days
Government fee	$185
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Required
Onward or return ticket	Not required
Proof of funds	Not explicitly required but may be requested

How to apply

1
Determine visa type
Most applicants use B1/B2 (business/tourism). Verify eligibility.
2
Complete DS-160 online
Fill out Form DS-160 on the Consular Electronic Application Center website.
3
Pay visa fee
Pay USD 185 fee via CITIC Bank, Alipay, or bank transfer; keep receipt.
4
Schedule interview appointment
Book an appointment at the US Embassy or Consulate in your jurisdiction.
5
Attend biometrics (varies by location)
Provide fingerprints and photograph at a designated Visa Application Center (VAC) if required.
6
Attend visa interview
Carry all documents to the interview; answer questions truthfully.
7
Passport collection / delivery
After approval, passport with visa will be returned via pickup or courier.
8
Check visa details
Verify annotation: 10-year multiple-entry (most), 1-month single-entry (CCP members).
9
Travel to the United States
Enter before visa expiry; max stay usually 180 days per entry per CBP officer discretion.
10
Adhere to visa conditions
Do not overstay; respect B1/B2 limitations (no paid work or study).

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid Chinese passport
Must have at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay.
DS-160 confirmation page
Complete online application form and print confirmation barcode page.
Photograph
5x5 cm color photo, white background, taken within last 6 months.
Passport-sized photo (DS-160 upload)
Digital photo meeting specifications uploaded with DS-160.
Previous US visas / passports
Optional
If you have had a US visa before, bring old passport.

Travel

Travel itinerary
Optional
Flight and hotel reservations, not required but helpful.

Financial

Visa application fee receipt
Pay non-refundable fee of USD 185 (CNY equivalent) at designated bank.
Financial documents
Optional
Bank statements, pay stubs, or tax returns proving sufficient funds.
SEVIS fee receipt (for F/J/M visas)
Optional
Only for student/exchange visitor visa categories.
Sponsorship letter (if relying on sponsor)
Optional
If sponsored, letter from sponsor plus their financial proof.

Supporting

Invitation letter (if applicable)
Optional
From US host or organization specifying purpose and duration of visit.
Evidence of ties to China
Optional
Employment letter, property deeds, family ties to demonstrate intention to return.
Sealed medical records / vaccination (if applying for medical treatment)
Optional
Only for medical visa cases.
Biometric appointment confirmation
Schedule and attend appointment at a US Visa Application Center.

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: Not specified but typically recommended to show sufficient funds for trip

Bank statements (3-6 months)
Pay stubs
Tax returns
Sponsor's financial documents if applicable

Financial strength is assessed holistically; no fixed minimum balance required.

Good to know

Visa interview is mandatory for most applicants aged 14-79; limited Interview Waiver (dropbox) possible for renewals within 48 months.
Chinese Communist Party members and their immediate family receive only a 1-month single-entry visa despite the standard 10-year multiple-entry.
Processing times may vary; apply well in advance (at least 3 months) due to high demand and appointment availability.
Biometric collection (fingerprints) is required for applicants aged 14+ at a VAC or at the interview location.
The US does not offer a true eVisa; the visitor visa (B1/B2) follows a consular process with an in-person interview. This corridor is classified as evisa due to extensive online DS-160 submission, but physical appearance is required.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient ties to China (risk of overstay)

Provide strong evidence of employment, property, family, and travel history.

Incomplete or inconsistent DS-160 information

Review entries carefully; ensure consistency with supporting documents.

Previous immigration violations or visa overstays

Be honest; demonstrate changed circumstances and strong ties.

Failure to demonstrate purpose of visit

Provide clear itinerary, invitation letters, and explain trip purpose comprehensively.

FAQ

Do citizens of China need a visa for the United States?

Citizens of China need a visa for the United States: apply online for an eVisa, then give biometrics in person. Visa type: B1/B2 Visitor Visa (10-year multiple-entry for most, 1-month single-entry for CCP members and families).

How long can citizens of China stay in the United States?

Up to 180 days.

How much does the United States visa cost for citizens of China?

Government fee: $185.

How long does United States visa processing take?

Typically 7–30 days.

What documents do citizens of China need for the United States?

Valid Chinese passport; DS-160 confirmation page; Visa application fee receipt; Photograph; Passport-sized photo (DS-160 upload); Biometric appointment confirmation; and 8 more depending on your situation.

How long must my passport be valid for the United States?

At least 6 months.

Where do I apply?

On the official site: https://www.ustraveldocs.com/cn/

Sources

ustraveldocs.com

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