What is EVUS: the update for China 10-year visas
Direct answer: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) says EVUS is the online system for nationals of China holding a 10-year B1/B2, B1, or B2 visa to periodically update basic biographic information before traveling to the U.S. Since November 29, 2016, such travelers must have a valid EVUS enrollment — in addition to a valid visa — to get a boarding pass or enter. Only 10-year visas need it; a 1-year visa does not. Most enrollments return in minutes, but can take up to 72 hours, so enroll in advance.
Source: CBP EVUS FAQ
Who needs EVUS, and when
CBP says EVUS applies to all nationals of the People's Republic of China holding a 10-year B1/B2, B1, or B2 (visitor) visa — with no age exemptions. Holders of a 1-year visa do not need EVUS. EVUS is separate from the visa application, and enrollment requires no new photo or fingerprints.
An enrollment is generally valid for two years, or until the passport or visa expires (whichever comes first); because the U.S. requires at least six months of passport validity, an EVUS enrollment expires six months before the passport does. After getting a new passport, or after two years, you re-enroll before traveling again.
- Chinese passport + 10-year B visa → needed; 1-year visa → not needed.
- Valid two years / until the passport or visa expires (ends 6 months before passport expiry).
- Re-enroll before travel after a new passport or after two years.
Source: CBP EVUS FAQ
How to enroll, what you need, and the fee
CBP says you need your Chinese passport (with the 10-year B visa) and internet access; the official site is evus.gov (mobile-friendly). The form asks for name, birth date, emergency contact, passport information, other biographic and employment information, and travel-eligibility questions; the site is in English and Mandarin, but answers must be in English. A friend, relative, or travel professional may submit on your behalf, but you are responsible for the accuracy. A successful enrollment sends no confirmation email or text — check it via 'Check Existing Enrollment' on evus.gov.
EVUS now charges a fee (it was free from 2016). Under HR-1 (the One Big Beautiful Bill Act), the EVUS enrollment fee is $30 as of September 30, 2025, rising to $30.75 as of January 1, 2026; one payment can cover a group of up to 50 people, and it must be paid via evus.gov within 7 days of submitting the enrollment. (Note: CBP's EVUS FAQ page has not been updated and still says no fee yet — that text is outdated; rely on the amount shown on evus.gov when you enroll.)
- Official site: evus.gov (avoid paid third-party lookalike sites).
- Provide name/birth date/passport/employment info; answer in English.
- Go by the fee shown on evus.gov at enrollment (don't rely on a fixed figure).
Source: CBP EVUS FAQ · evus.gov
What happens without it, and the link to entry
CBP says travelers subject to EVUS who do not have a valid enrollment cannot get a boarding pass or enter through a land port of entry, which can delay travel. Most enrollments return within minutes, but some take up to 72 hours — don't wait until you're at the airport.
Also be clear: regardless of a visa, EVUS, or other authorization, every traveler must demonstrate admissibility to a CBP officer at the port of entry. Neither a visa nor an EVUS enrollment guarantees admission; CBP decides at the port of entry.
- No valid EVUS → no boarding pass / no land-border entry.
- Usually minutes, up to 72 hours — enroll early.
- EVUS is not entry; CBP decides admission at the port.
Source: CBP EVUS FAQ
Keep practice in its proper boundary
EVUS is a pre-travel information update, separate from interview practice. VisaIsle only offers B1/B2 mock-interview practice; it does not file or complete EVUS for you and cannot speed up or affect its result. For EVUS, rely on the official CBP page and evus.gov.
Source: CBP EVUS FAQ
Official sources
Updated 2026-07-20