From today (November 12), the United States and China have agreed to reciprocally extend visas for short-term business travellers, tourists and students.

This new agreement is expected to significantly improve travel for citizens between both countries, as well as trade.

Chinese applicants who qualify for a B-category non-immigrant visa (NIV) may now be issued multiple-entry visas for up to 10 years for business and tourist travel. Qualified Chinese students and exchange visitors and their dependents who qualify for F, M, or J-category visas are now eligible for multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years or the length of their programme.

US citizens eligible for Chinese short-term business and tourist visas should also receive multiple-entry visas valid for up to 10 years, while qualified US students may receive student residency permits valid up to five years, depending on the length of their educational programme.

President Barack Obama shakes hands with staff and their families during a meet and greet invitation at the US Embassy in Beijing yesterday. (Official White House Photograph credit: Pete Souza).

 

 

INCREASED TRAVEL BENEFITS
According to the US Department of State (DOS), the reciprocal extension of visa validity to 10 years for short-term business and tourist travel between China and the United States will increase travel and exchanges, enhance mutual understanding between both countries and benefit their economies by increasing the ease of trade and investment. [Ten years is the longest visa validity possible under US law].

The DOS adds that this new arrangement will also be more convenient and less costly for travellers. Prior to this, Chinese and American business travelers and tourists had to apply annually if visiting the United States or China each year.

Until now, many Chinese students leaving the United States for short visits abroad have also been required to apply for new visas. Under the new arrangement, Chinese students will not be required to obtain new visas prior to returning to the United States to study.

Chinese nationals now comprise the largest group of foreign students in the United States. Mission China processed more than 316,000 student and exchange visitor visa applications in FY2014, a 12% increase over the previous fiscal year.

Student visas issued to Chinese nationals accounted for 16% of all types of US visas issued in China. Student and exchange visitor visas issued to Chinese applicants represent 30% of all such visas issued worldwide.

TOP IMAGE: President Barack Obama is presented with a bouquet of flowers by a young Chinese girl upon his arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport yesterday (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza).