--- title: United States visa for citizens of China description: "Citizens of China need a visa for the United States: apply online for an eVisa, then give biometrics in person. Stay up to 180 days. Fee: $185. Processing: 7–30 days. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/united-states/china lastModified: 2026-08-16 --- # United States visa for citizens of China Citizens of China need a visa for the United States: apply online for an eVisa, then give biometrics in person. *Not yet verified · last checked 2026-08-16. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.* > 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. Official application site: https://www.ustraveldocs.com/cn/ ## 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 - **Valid Chinese passport** (Identity): Must have at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay. - **DS-160 confirmation page** (Identity): Complete online application form and print confirmation barcode page. - **Visa application fee receipt** (Financial): Pay non-refundable fee of USD 185 (CNY equivalent) at designated bank. - **Photograph** (Identity): 5x5 cm color photo, white background, taken within last 6 months. - **Passport-sized photo (DS-160 upload)** (Identity): Digital photo meeting specifications uploaded with DS-160. - **Invitation letter (if applicable)** (Supporting, optional): From US host or organization specifying purpose and duration of visit. - **Evidence of ties to China** (Supporting, optional): Employment letter, property deeds, family ties to demonstrate intention to return. - **Travel itinerary** (Travel, optional): Flight and hotel reservations, not required but helpful. - **Financial documents** (Financial, optional): Bank statements, pay stubs, or tax returns proving sufficient funds. - **Sealed medical records / vaccination (if applying for medical treatment)** (Supporting, optional): Only for medical visa cases. - **Previous US visas / passports** (Identity, optional): If you have had a US visa before, bring old passport. - **SEVIS fee receipt (for F/J/M visas)** (Financial, optional): Only for student/exchange visitor visa categories. - **Sponsorship letter (if relying on sponsor)** (Financial, optional): If sponsored, letter from sponsor plus their financial proof. - **Biometric appointment confirmation** (Supporting): 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. ## FAQs ### 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](https://www.ustraveldocs.com/cn/) ## More - [United States visa for every passport](/visa/united-states) - [Every destination for China passport holders](/visa/passport/china)