Effective November 12, 2014, the US and the PRC will both increase the validity of business, tourist, student and exchange visitor visas issued to each other’s citizens.
Chinese business visitors and tourists may be issued multiple-entry B-1 and B-2 visas for up to 10 years. Students and exchange visitors and their accompanying family members will be eligible for F, M and J visas for multiple entry for up to 5 years or the length of their program.
US citizens going to China for short-term business and tourism will also receive multiple-entry F and L visas for up to 10 years, while American students may receive X student visa residence permits for up to 5 years, depending on the length of their program.
This change will facilitate business travel and decrease the time and cost that has been spent on more frequent visa renewals without any change in government processing fees. This change does not impact the length of authorized stay. Visas only authorize travel to another country and the immigration officer at the port of entry/airport inspection unit will determine the length of authorized stay.
