EVUS and the I-94 (10-year B1/B2 Chinese passport holders)

What EVUS actually is

Introduced in 2016, EVUS applies to mainland Chinese passport holders with a 10-year B1, B2, or B1/B2 U.S. visa. The rationale: because the visa is valid so long, CBP wants updated traveler information before each entry.

• Official site: evus.gov (only). Watch out for lookalike scam sites.
• Fee: currently free (a fee has been discussed historically; check the official site).
• Validity: 2 years, or until the passport or visa expires — whichever comes first.
• Re-enroll triggers: new passport, new visa, name / gender change, material employment change.

EVUS is not a visa, and not ESTA

• Not a visa: the visa is still the consulate-issued foil in your passport. EVUS is supplemental self-reported info.
• Not ESTA: ESTA is for VWP nationals (mainland China is not in VWP). Two entirely separate systems.
• Does not change the I-94: after admission the I-94 shows COA = B1/B2, with the standard Admit Until Date set by CBP (usually up to 6 months).

When to re-enroll

1. Prior EVUS is past 2 years or about to expire.
2. You have a new passport (even if the old visa was transferred).
3. You have a new 10-year B1/B2 visa.
4. Name, gender, or nationality changed.
5. Significant employment change (new employer, new industry).

Complete EVUS at least 72 hours before departure to leave room for occasional manual review.

How EVUS connects to the I-94

1. Before boarding — the airline checks EVUS validity; no valid EVUS = no boarding.
2. At the U.S. port — CBP reviews visa, purpose of travel, and decides admission.
3. On admission — I-94 is created (COA = B1/B2, Admit Until Date usually up to 6 months).
4. After entry — EVUS status is irrelevant to your authorized stay; you follow the Admit Until Date.

Common misconceptions

• "EVUS is an extended visa." No — the visa's validity is set by the consulate.
• "If EVUS expires I must leave the U.S. now." No — it only affects the next entry.
• "EVUS-approved = admission guaranteed." No — CBP can still refuse at the port.
• "F-1, H-1B, L-1 also need EVUS." They do not — EVUS only covers 10-year B1/B2 Chinese passports.
• "With EVUS I can stay past 6 months." No — the Admit Until Date is the only limit.

This site provides general information only.