Ms. Michele T. Bond

It should not take people much time to complete EVUS enrollments before they go to the United States, and the fee is probably no more than a cup of Starbucks coffee, said Ms. Michele T. Bond, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Consular Affairs of the United States during her trip in Shanghai on April 16, 2016.

Beginning in November 2016, Chinese nationals holding 10-year visas B1/B2, B1 and B2 visas will be required to complete EVUS enrollments prior to their first travel to the United States and at least once every two years. A nominal fee will be charged at the time of the enrollment and subsequent updates. It is just to cover the cost of maintaining the program, said Ms. Bond.

EVUS, the Electronic Visa Update System is a newly-established platform under development designed to enhance border security in accordance with the bilateral arrangement with China to issue 10-year validity tourist and business visas.

"The information that is requested in the enrollment of EVUS is very straightforward and just makes sure that we have the most current information", said Ms. Bond. And most travelers will quickly receive the notification of entry permit.

Travelers will be asked to update or verify the fields like name, address, date of birth, passport number and other basic biographic information. Visa holders do not need to do anything until the platform is officially launched in November 2016.

The US embassy and consulates in China have issued 2.7 million 10-year visas to Chinese travelers since the announcement of the policy in November 2014.

Travelers are advised to check the website for the latest information about EVUS: www.cbp.gov/EVUS

When asked the question about EB5 visa, Ms. Bond said that there is more Chinese who get EB5 visa than any other countries. She emphasized that EB5 is not the only way to invest in the United State. Most Chinese investors are using B visas. They don’t necessary move to the United States and live there. And there is not any possible change to the EB5 visa, said Ms. Bond.