Visitor visa (B-1/B-2): Chinese citizen in China → United States
Chinese citizens need a US B-1/B-2 visitor visa — complete the DS-160 online, pay the fee, and attend an interview at the US embassy or consulate where you live.
US nonimmigrant visitor visa for tourism (B-2), business (B-1), or both — applied for at a US embassy or consulate.
- Validity
- Set by nationality under reciprocity — the B-1/B-2 is commonly issued for multiple entries over several years.
- Entries
- Single or multiple entry, depending on your nationality's reciprocity schedule.
- Max stay per visit
- Decided by a CBP officer at the port of entry for each visit (often up to 6 months).
When to start
Start 30 days–3 months before your travel date.
Most foreign citizens need a nonimmigrant visitor visa to enter the US temporarily — B-1 for business, B-2 for tourism, or B-1/B-2 for both.
Fill in Form DS-160 online, upload your photo, and print the confirmation page to bring to your interview.
Pay the non-refundable application fee — $185 for the most common nonimmigrant visa types (a visa issuance fee may also apply by nationality).
Book an interview at the US Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live; wait times vary, so apply early.
A consular officer interviews you to decide whether you qualify for the visitor visa.
What you'll need
- Valid passport — Passport valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States. ✓ verified
- Photo — A photo meeting the requirements, uploaded while completing the DS-160. ✓ verified
- DS-160 confirmation page — The printed DS-160 application confirmation page, brought to your interview. ✓ verified
Where you'll apply
Chinese citizens apply at the US Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over where they live; wait times for interview appointments vary, so apply early.
Fees
| Visa application fee (MRV) | USD 185 |
Gotchas to watch
- A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry and request permission to enter the United States; it does not guarantee entry.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States, and determine how long you can stay, for any particular visit.