US and China Extend Visa Validity Period

Beginning on November 12, 2014, the US and China will increase validity of short-term business and tourist visas (B-1 and B-2 visas). They will also increase validity terms for student and exchange visas (F, M, J visas).

Qualified Chinese applicants may now be issued multiple-entry visas for up to 10 years for B-1 or B-2 visas. Chinese students and exchange visitors and their dependents may now obtain multiple entry F, M, or J visas. These will be valid for up to five years, or for the length of their programs.

US citizens will be eligible for multiple-entry visitor visas valid for up to 10 years. Qualified US students may receive student residency permits valid up to five years, depending on the length of their educational program.

This new policy will save US and Chinese citizens the inconvenience and expense of additional visa applications. Businesses in each country will benefit from increased travel, investment, and business development opportunities between China and the US. Longer visa validity periods will also enable students and exchange visitors to more easily return to home countries during school and work holidays.

The US Mission in China is now taking measures to handle a potential increase in visa workload. They intend to keep US visa processing times as short as they have been over the past several years.