A publication of the American National Standards Institute







United States Visa System

Information for Experts from the People’s Republic of China
Attending Meetings of the ISO and IEC Held in the United States








March 2005
American National Standards Institute


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More information: American Embassy in Beijing
http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/visa
Page 2

FOREWORD

This document has been developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in response to
concerns that technical experts from the People’s Republic of China have been denied entry visas to the
United States for attendance at technical committee meetings of the International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) or the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It is intended to assist
meeting sponsors and Technical Committee leaders in their communication with potential meeting
participants from outside the U.S. on visa processing requirements and to give readers a better
understanding of the process, care and time needed for Chinese experts or business guests to make a
successful visa application. Also included are links to various Embassy or Consulate resources that will
simplify the job of communicating correct and useful information related to obtaining a visa.

The information resources that follow include materials compiled from the American Embassy in Beijing
and from the U.S. Department of State. Certain of the tips that are offered are taken from interviews with
a U.S. Foreign Commercial Service officer who was formerly posted to China and who has significant
personal experience with business visas from that nation. Information is current as of January 2005.

Certain elements of this document may also be applicable to other businesses, organizations, educational
institutions and government agencies that wish to invite delegates from the Peoples’s Republic of China to
meetings and/or conferences that are being held in the U.S.


More information: American Embassy in Beijing
http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/visa
Page 3

Table of Contents

Section

Page
1
Introduction

4
2
U.S. Visa Types for Business Travel

5
3
Applying for a B-Type Visa
6
3.1
Documentation
7
3.2
Submitting a Visa Application
9
3.2.1
Scheduling an Interview via the Visa Information Call Center

10
3.2.2
Non-Appointment Interviews via the Beijing Business Visa Program
10
3.2.3
Non-Appointment Interviews via the Chengdu Expedited Visa
Appointment Program
11
3.3
Applicant’s Interview with a Consular Officer
12
3.3.1
Submitting Personal Commentary on Visa Cases
13
3.4
Timing Issues
14
3.5
Visa Application Procedure (Summary)
15
4
Issuing Invitations to Chinese Nationals to Attend IEC or ISO Meetings
Hosted in the U.S.
16
5
Visa Facilitation Initiatives
18
6
Business Passports
20
App. A
U.S. Nonimmigrant Visa Classifications
21


More information: American Embassy in Beijing
http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/visa
Page 4

United States Visa System
Information for Experts from the People’s Republic of China
Attending Meetings of the ISO and IEC Held in the United States


1.
Introduction
All individuals who apply at a Consulate or Embassy abroad for a United States entry or re-entry visa are
screened before the visa is issued, regardless of nationality. The U.S. has strict visa laws because it is an
open society. Unlike many other countries, the nation does not impose internal controls such as registration
with local authorities on its visitors. Yet, in order to enjoy the privilege of unencumbered travel in the U.S.,
certain requirements must be met.

In particular, a foreign traveler has a responsibility to prove that he or she is going to return home from
travel abroad before a visitor visa will be issued. U.S. consular officers are required by law to view every
visa applicant as an intending immigrant until the applicant proves otherwise. Section 214(b) of the U.S.
Immigration and Naturalization Act states: “Every alien shall presumed to be an immigrant until he
establishes to the satisfaction of the consular officer, at the time of application for admission, that he is
entitled to a nonimmigrant status.” Though the actual approval rate for first time visa applicants processed
during 2004 through the U.S. Embassy in Beijing remains near 70%, most of those visa applications that
were denied were refused under the terms of Section 214(b).


More information: American Embassy in Beijing
http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/visa
Page 5

2
U.S. Visa Types for Business Travel

The United States issues two types of visas: Immigrant and Nonimmigrant.

Within the nonimmigrant classification, multiple types of visa classes exist. “B” type visa referrals are
appropriate for standardization experts from the People’s Republic of China who are invited to the U.S. to
participate in either a meeting of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) or the International
Organization for Standardization (ISO), or for those who are invited by U.S. firms as temporary visitors for
business.

Visa Class – Type “B”
Purpose of Travel
B1
Temporary visitor for business
B2
Temporary visitor for pleasure
B1/B2
Temporary visitor for business or pleasure


[NOTE: For a complete list of visa classes, please see Annex A of this document.]

The B1 visa is intended for temporary business travel. This includes such travel as for the purpose of
negotiating contracts, attending exhibitions and conferences, short-term training, and consultations with
suppliers and customers. The B1 visa is not valid for employment in the U.S.

The B2 visa is intended for tourist activities, such as sightseeing, visiting friends and relatives, obtaining
medical treatment, and attending non-vocational conferences and meetings. Visitors are not permitted to
accept employment during their stay in the U.S. B2 visas are valid for one entry within three months of the
issuance date.

In some instances, a consular officer may elect to issue a B1 visa jointly with a B2 visa type. Generally, a
B1/B2 visa means that while in the U.S. as a business visitor, an individual may attend meetings, and
participate in them fully, conduct research, and engage in other business negotations. Some B1/B2 visas are
annotated to note a specific purpose of the trip to the U.S.

NOTE: Effective January 15, 2005, qualifying Chinese nationals will receive B1 or B2 type visas that are
valid for twelve (12) months and multiple entries. The previous maximum validity for U.S. visas issued for
these purposes was only six months. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs will issue visas reciprocally
to U.S. citizens visiting China. This agreement is intended to help to ease the burden for businesses that
have Chinese clients and staff visiting their facilities on multiple occasions during the course of a year.


More information: American Embassy in Beijing
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Page 6

3
Applying for a B-Type Visa
After the events of September 11, 2001, the U.S. Department of State introduced changes that have
lengthened the visa application process. For example, in addition to the usual Nonimmigrant Visa
Application (form DS-156), all nonimmigrant visa applicants over the age of 16 must also complete and
submit the Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application (form DS-157). This form is required of all
applicants, regardless of nationality and regardless of where the applicant applies.

The consular post will conduct an initial review of the application and related documentation and clarify
any outstanding questions during a subsequent interview.1 In general, an applicant must be able to
demonstrate his or her intention to enter the United States for a temporary period and solely for the purpose
of tourism and/or short-term business. The applicant must also provide evidence of financial ability to
cover his or her travel expenses to/from and stay in the United States. Finally, he or she must demonstrate
sufficiently strong social, economic, and other ties to compel the applicant to return to China after the
temporary and lawful visit to the U.S.

In addition to the documentation listed below, please be advised that, since March 2004, the U.S. Embassy
in Beijing has been collecting biometric identifiers such as fingerprints from all nonimmigrant visa
applicants. This is related to the U.S. implementation of requirements for machine-readable passports,
newer “biometric” passports that contain an identifying marker such as a fingerprint scan, and U.S. visas
that contain a biometric indicator. A massive new database, the US-VISIT entry and exit control system,
has also been introduced at major American border crossings. These measures help to increase the security
of travel documents and help to ensure that the document holder is a legitimate traveler.


1 A nonimmigrant visa applicant who has previously traveled to the U.S. using a B-type visa that (1) expired less than one year ago
and (2) who is applying for the same type of visa, may drop his/her visa application and application fee receipt at a U.S. Consulate for
adjudication. The consular officer reserves the right to require such applicants to appear for a subsequent interview if there are
questions unanswered by the application and supporting documentation.


More information: American Embassy in Beijing
http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/visa
Page 7

3.1
Documentation
Applicants are encouraged to exercise care when completing the requested paperwork. Issues that may
cause problems or delays in the visa application process include:
ƒ The applicant has not spelled his/her name consistently on all documents (passport, visa application,
supporting documentation). This can cause delays and confusion. The name given on the visa
application and supporting documentation should be exactly the same as the name listed on the
passport.
ƒ The applicant has not read and followed the tips and guidance on the website of the U.S. consular post
having jurisdiction over the visa application; this can cause delays or denial.
ƒ The consular post cannot understand the kind of work the person is doing and officers cannot assess
the risk/benefit of granting the person a visa. A security clearance will likely be requested if the field is
unclear.
ƒ The applicant is from a country considered to pose a risk or is working in a field that is considered
“sensitive” in some way, or if the Consular Lookout (CLASS) system turns up a “hit” on his/her name.
The consular officers may tell the individual that a Security Advisory Opinion2 (SAO) is needed. The
consular post will send the applicant away telling him/her that the Security Advisory Opinion will take
an undetermined period of time and he/she will be notified when it has been completed.

B1 Visa (Temporary Visitor for Business)
Applicants are advised to bring the following documentation:

a) Two completed DS-156, Nonimmigrant Visa Application, application forms – one in English and one
in Chinese
b) Two completed DS-157, Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application, application forms – one in
English and one in Chinese – submited by all nonimmigrant visa applicants over the age of 16
c) Two color passport-sized photographs taken within the past six months (size: 2” / 50 mm square; full
face with head centered in the frame; taken against a white or off-white background)
d) A passport, which must be valid for more than six months (an alien presenting a passport valid for six
months or less would be inadmissible at a port of entry)

2 A Security Advisory Opinion (SAO) is a request from a consular post to the Department of State in Washington, D.C. to initiate the
process of requesting clearances from various government agencies and databases including the Federal Bureau of Investigation,
Central Intelligence Agency, Drug Enforcement Agency, Department of Commerce, Office of Foreign Asset Control, Interpol, the
national criminal and law enforcement databases, and others.
In January 2005, the State Department issued an updated Technology Alert List (TAL) to overseas consular officials on
sensitive technology relating to the development of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction. The previous TAL guide resulted
in too many Chinese applicants being rejected even though their technology interests appeared to be of a non-sensitive nature.


More information: American Embassy in Beijing
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Page 8

e) Application fee receipt. (All applicants for nonimmigrant visas must pay a non-refundable application
fee of RMB 8303 (approximately US$100) payable at the designated branches of the CITIC Bank.
Both copies of the CITIC Bank fee receipt must be included with all visa applications.)
f) A completed family biographic data form
g) A letter of invitation from the U.S. company stating the purpose and length of the trip (this letter
should also indicate who will bear financial responsibility for the trip)
h) Documentation establishing the sponsoring company’s bona fides, such as company registration and
licenses, letters of credit, and evidence of past and existing business activities
i) Documentation establishing the applicant’s company’s relationship with the inviting company, such as
past correspondence, contracts, bills of lading, etc.
j) Documentation establishing your personal status, such as marriage certificates, letters confirming
employment, bank statements, pay slips, proof of home ownership, proof of prior travel outside China,
copies of relatives’ visas that have traveled to the U.S. and proof of the relative’s current status in the
U.S., etc.

B2 Visa (Temporary Visitor for Pleasure)
Applicants are advised to bring items (a) through (f) as described above, as well as:

g) A letter of invitation from friends or relatives in the U.S., or a letter confirming participation in a tour
group or conference
h) Documents demonstrating your ability and intention, or that of friends or relatives in the U.S., to
support your travel and other expenses. Documents can include marriage certificates, letters
confirming employment, bank statements, pay slips, proof of home ownership, proof of prior travel
outside China, copies of relatives’ visas that have traveled to the U.S. and proof of the relative’s
current status in the U.S., etc.


3 In most locations, CITIC Industrial Bank charges a non-refundable service fee of RMB200. The fee may be slightly higher in certain
locations. For more information about submitting visa applications at a local branch of CITIC Industrial Bank, please see their website
(http://www.ecitic.com/citicib/index.jsp).



More information: American Embassy in Beijing
http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/visa
Page 9

3.2
Submitting a Visa Application
Visa applications should be submitted to the U.S. consular post geographically closest to the applicants
home or work.

Consular District Municipalities and Provinces
Internet Address



Beijing
(U.S. Embassy)
Beijing, Tianjin, Xinjiang,
Qinghai, Gansu, Shaanxi,
Ningxia, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia,
Hebei, Henan, Shandong, Hubei,
Hunan or Jiangxi

http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/visa

Visa Information Call Center: 4008-872-333

Chengdu

Chongqing, Guizhou, Sichuan,
Tibet, Yunnan
http://www.usembassy-
china.org.cn/chengdu/cons/visa_types.html

Visa Information Call Center: 4008-872-333

Guangzhou

Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi,
Hainan
http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/guangzhou/iv/

Visa Information Call Center: 4008-872-333

Shanghai

Anhui, Jiangsu, Shanghai,
Zhejiang
http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/shanghai/visa/

Visa Information Call Center: 4008-872-333

Shenyang

Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning
http://www.usembassy-
china.org.cn/shenyang/cons/visa.html

Visa Information Call Center: 4008-872-333



Hong Kong
Hong Kong and Macau
http://www.usconsulate.org.hk/consular/visa.htm

Visa Information Call Center: 4008-872-333




More information: American Embassy in Beijing
http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/visa
Page 10

3.2.1
Scheduling an Interview via the Visa Information Call Center


Within China:
4008-872-333
Overseas:
(86-21) 3881-4611

International toll charges are solely the responsibility of the caller

In March 2004, the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing and at the U.S. Consulates in
Mainland China
implemented
a Visa
Information Call Center
(http://www.usembassy-
china.org.cn/visa/cal.html) designed to provide callers with easy access and accurate and timely
information regarding the visa process and improve customer service for visa applicants. All nonimmigrant
visa appointments will be made through the Visa Information Call Center.

Services are offered in Mandarin, Cantonese, English, the Fuzhou dialect and the Taishan dialect. Pre-
recorded visa information is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Live operators are available from
07:00 to 19:00, Monday through Friday and 08:00 to 17:00, Saturday.

This is a user-pays service and the charge is 54 RMB (approximately US$7) for twelve (12) minutes or 36
RMB (approximately US$4) for eight (8) minutes. Any unused minutes can be reused at a later time or
transferred to another party. Currently, there are three methods of payment: CITIC pre-paid PIN card,
credit or debit cards.

NOTE: Some credit card users may need to first register with their bank for a program called “pay
internet” which enables credit card holders to make purchases over the phone.

3.2.2
Non-Appointment Interviews via the Beijing Business Visa Program
The productive relationships that many consular posts enjoy with local American Chambers of Commerce
(AmCham) – and similar organizations – help to facilitate the full and timely attention given to visa
applications submitted by legitimate foreign business travelers, especially those involved in trade,
negotiations and other dealings with U.S. companies. As an example, Beijing’s Business Visa Program has
more than 400 participating companies. Applicants from those companies can apply to a consular officer at
the U.S. Embassy in Beijing – without an appointment – any morning between 10:00 and noon, once the
AmCham has notified the Embassy of the applicant’s intention to apply.


More information: American Embassy in Beijing
http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/visa
Page 11

3.2.3
Non-Appointment Interviews via the Chengdu Expedited Visa Appointment Program
In anticipation of a growing need for business travel, the U.S. Consulate in Chengdu launched in December
2004 a new Expedited Visa Appointment Program for business visa applicants from qualifying American
Chamber of Commerce company employees. The program allows a visa applicant to come to the Chengdu
Consulate without having to make an appointment through the China-wide call center.

Interested companies are encouraged to contact the Sichuan American Chamber of Commerce directly
(amcham@amcham-sichuan.org) to express interest in joining this program and to request an expedited
appointment letter. With this letter, an applicant may appear at the Chengdu Consulate from 08:30 to 10:30
or at 13:00 from Monday to Thursday for an appointment-free visa interview. All other requirements for an
application, fee receipt and supporting documents to indicate the purpose of the trip and strong ties to
China apply. Approved applicants will receive their visas after 16:00 the same day.

Only direct employees of companies holding membership in the Sichuan AmCham and that have
significant business interests in the U.S. may apply for a visa under the program (no distributors, customers,
family members, etc. are allowed).

More information: American Embassy in Beijing
http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/visa
Page 12

3.3
Applicant’s Interview with a Consular Officer
Applicants are encouraged to arrive at the Embassy or Consulate well before the scheduled appointment
time. Business attire is recommended. For security reasons, cellular phones, cameras, beepers, briefcases,
luggage and handbags will not be allowed during the interview, nor can anyone accompany an applicant to
his or her personal interview.

During the interview the consular officer will question the applicant about his or her planned activity in the
U.S. It is at this initial stage that clear and concise information about the purpose of the travel abroad
should be explained and any supporting documentation submitted for review by the consular officer.

For example, delegates to an ISO or IEC technical committee or subcommittee meeting being hosted in the
U.S. might wish to bring invitation letters, as well as copies of official meeting documents, such as calling
notices, meeting logistical information (venue, hotel information, etc.) and draft agendas to the interview.
[NOTE: See Section 4 of this document for additional information.]

Verbal answers must match the information in the invitation letter or any other supporting documentation
that had been presented to the consular officer. Problems arise if applicants mislead or appear to mislead
the interviewing officer as to their intent in visiting the U.S., which can happen when it appears they cannot
answer simple questions about their trips. Once it appears that a falsification has occured, the consular
officer will question other information supplied by the applicant.

Throughout the interview, the applicant needs to keep in mind that, even more important than explaining
why they have been invited to go to the United States, they need to persuasively demonstrate why it is they
will come back to China. This can be demonstrated by proving ties in China that would compel them to
leave the U.S. at the end of the temporary stay. This might include a high-status job and substantial
income; national prominence in their field; ownership of a house, apartment or a car; close family
relationships or dependents such as children or an elderly parent; a sizeable bank account, and so on. Well-
organized documentation to prove such ties to China should be available and ready to present if requested
by the consular officer.

The interview will be short (typically one to three minutes in duration). Consular officers handle thousands
of applications every year and are experienced in making swift decisions. They will quickly review the
application form(s) and supporting documents in order to narrow the range in which questions may need to
be asked. Much of the necessary information required to make a decision is already supplied on the
application form itself and in the invitation letter, so there is usually no need for the officer to ask more
than a few additional questions.


More information: American Embassy in Beijing
http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/visa
Page 13

While consular officers are trained to look at each application individually and consider professional, social,
cultural and other factors, with younger applicants consular officers try to look at the applicant’s specific
intentions, family situations and long-range plans and prospects within his or her country of residence.
Especially with younger applicants, the reason for most refusals is not the documents but the applicant’s
current overall situation was not adequate to overcome the presumption that he or she is an intending
immigrant.

NOTE: An applicant that has been previously denied may reapply for a nonimmigrant visa at any time. If
new information has become available which was not presented to the interviewing officer at the time of
the first application, or if the applicant’s overall circumstances have changed significantly since the last
application, a visa may be approved.


3.3.1
Submitting Personal Commentary on Visa Cases
Three times per week, the visa section of the U.S. Embassy in Beijing opens its doors to American citizens
for the discussion of specific visa cases. Interested representatives must come prepared for the discussion
by having the full name(s), passport number(s), and scheduled interview date(s) for each applicant.

The open period operates on a first come-first served basis from 16:00 to 17:00 every Monday, Wednesday,
and Friday. All American citizens present by 16:00 will have an opportunity to speak to an officer that
day; anyone arriving after that will only be seen if time permits. Only American citizens are allowed to take
advantage of this opportunity, not citizens of any other countries or legal permanent residents of the U.S.

Any U.S. organization wishing to comment on a specific visa application but that is unable to reach the
Embassy directly may send a communication via telefax (+86-10-6532-3178) to the Chief of the Visa
Section, U.S. Embassy in Beijing. [NOTE: In January 2005, the Chief of the Visa Section is Mr.
Thurmond Borden.]

The State Department has also established a U.S.-China Business Visa Initiative to assist businesses
seeking visas for clients and partners by providing a dedicated email (businessvisa@state.gov) and
telephone link (+1.202.663.3198) to visa officials in Washington, DC responsible for China.

More information on doing business in China may be found by visiting the U.S. Foreign and Commercial
Service website http://www.buyusa.gov/china/en/.

More information: American Embassy in Beijing
http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/visa
Page 14

3.4
Timing Issues
Applications should be submitted far enough in advance of the scheduled travel, but no so far that the visa
cannot be used before its expiration. The expiration date of the visa notes the last day a traveler may use
the visa to apply to enter the United States. The expiration date is not the last day the traveler is allowed to
remain in the U.S.

Every time a traveler plans to travel to the U.S, he/she must assure that his or her passport is valid for at
least six months from the time he/she plans to depart the U.S. A traveler may travel with two passports –
one expired passport with a valid visa and a new passport. Applicants are also encouraged to allow
sufficient time for such actions as obtaining a passport from the Chinese government.


More information: American Embassy in Beijing
http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/visa
Page 15

3.5
Visa Application Procedure (Summary)


Pay the non-refundable application fee
Collect two receipts from the CITIC Industrial Bank

Ø

Make an appointment for interview
Waiting times vary case by case but may extend longer than two or three months;
it is recommended to apply as soon as possible

Ø

Prepare all paperwork
Attach a recent photo to form DS-156; if necessary, complete form DS-157

Ø

Bring all the documents to interview on the scheduled appointment date

Ø
Upon approval, visas will generally be issued shortly following completion of the interview
or a claim ticket identifying the date and time the visa will be ready will be provided


More information: American Embassy in Beijing
http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/visa
Page 16


4
Issuing Invitations to Chinese Nationals to Attend IEC or ISO Meetings Hosted in the U.S.

Organizations hosting a meeting of ISO or IEC in the United States, or who wish to invite Chinese business
partners or customers to the U.S. for meetings, contract negotiations, equipment inspection purchase or
other business related activities, can provide supporting documents for consideration during the visa
application process.

An invitation letter written on behalf of an applicant can become an essential component of the package
provided by the applicant for review by the consular officer during the interview process. In all cases, the
letter must be neat, accurate, and credible, and signed by a representative of the official host of the meeting
that is being held in the United States:

ƒ For meetings of the IEC, a representative of the U.S. National Committee of the IEC (USNC/IEC) will
prepare the invitation letter.

ƒ For meetings of the ISO, a representative of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) will
prepare the invitation letter.

Delegates who request an invitation letter from the USNC/IEC or from ANSI are requested to provide the
following information:

ƒ Name (as shown on the passport)
ƒ Passport number
ƒ Date of birth
ƒ Employer and title
ƒ Contact information (address; telephone; telefax and e-mail address)

The invitation letter will include contact information (telephone, telefax and e-mail address) for the
appropriate USNC/IEC or ANSI contact person should the interviewing officer has further questions. If
available, relevant meeting documents – such as a draft agenda – will also be included.

The requesting delegate will receive a signed copy of the invitation letter via telefax or hard-copy mail
(airmail) and an un-signed copy via e-mail.



More information: American Embassy in Beijing
http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/visa
Page 17

Each applicant or group of applicants must present his/her/their own application materials. If a particular
document has not been given to the applicant(s) to present to the officer at the time of interview, assume
the officer has not seen it.



More information: American Embassy in Beijing
http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/visa
Page 18

5
Visa Facilitation Initiatives

Public outreach continues to be the key component of the U.S. State Department’s efforts to facilitate
business travel and educate the American and international business community about the visa process.
The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs (CA) has introduced some significant changes to
help facilitate travel and make the visa process more transparent. For instance, interagency discussions
recently yielded a much-improved Visas Mantis SAO (Security Advisory Opinion) process; processing
times have shortened considerably, and the process is more predictable. Also, the amount of visa data
published on State Department websites has been increased.

In an October 20, 2004, memorandum from then-Secretary of State Colin Powell to Special Embassy Posts
on the subject of facilitating business travel, the former Secretary expressed his commitment to ensure that
posts have the resources necessary to achieve his goal of “Secure Borders, Open Doors” and highlighted
some of the most common and effective facilitation initiatives in place worldwide:

Formal Facilitation Programs
Many posts have established formal facilitation programs that enroll major companies and permit their
employees to obtain expedited appointments, and/or expedited processing on the day of the interview.
Typically, companies must meet strictly established criteria in order to be enrolled, and must adhere to
strict standards to stay in the program. Site visits are often critical to determine a company’s eligibility.
While membership in these programs commonly is limited to companies that are members of host
country’s American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), many posts enroll non-AmCham companies as
well. Variations of membership include only allowing participation by employees of companies that have
been members of AmCham for at least one year, or limiting it to individuals applying for visas for business
purposes, as opposed to those applying to visit the U.S. for tourism. Common characteristics of formal
programs include:

ƒ Collecting examples of each company’s letterhead and the signatures of authorized company
representatives for comparison purposes. Some posts make available to officers at their desktop an
electronic database of member companies’ profiles, including scanned images of its letterhead and
signatures.

ƒ Allocating a specific number of visa appointments daily to businesspeople applying through the
program. One mechanism to trigger expedited appointments is assigning companies specific codes, and
requiring applicants to indicate such codes when scheduling an appointment. Posts allowing walk-ins
usually require applicants to present a letter issued by an authorized representative of their company.

More information: American Embassy in Beijing
http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/visa
Page 19


Group Appointments
Many posts expedite appointments for groups and/or schedule group appointments, and establish specific
time blocks when business groups may appear for interview.

Time Block Set-Asides
Specific time blocks may be set aside weekly to allow certain categories of applicants to appear without an
interview. Categories may include all petition-based applicants, applicants with B visa referrals, individuals
traveling on U.S. Government (USG)-sponsored trips, government and military officials of a certain rank,
and more.

Business Facilitation Units
Many posts assign specific officers and/or establish business facilitation units to serve as a point of contact
for the business community. This may include establishment of special e-mail addresses and/or phone
numbers to address questions from the business community and dispense information on the visa process.

Training
Regular business visa training for consular officers addresses a country’s economic conditions, provides
information on the structure of the country’s business community, and discusses business-interviewing
techniques. The training usually is coordinated by the consular and economic or commercial sections, and
may also include representation from the front office and public diplomacy section.



Recognizing that certain posts’ ability to facilitate business travel is impacted by larger foreign policy
issues, all CA posts were encouraged to employ one or more of the initiatives described above while
retaining the flexibility to accommodate urgent requests for appointments when appropriate.




More information: American Embassy in Beijing
http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/visa
Page 20


6
Business Passports

A Chinese national who wishes to travel with a business passport (i.e., a passport issued through his or her
company and with only a two-year validity), will be required to follow somewhat different procedures than
described in this document.

In general, most Chinese companies will develop a visit plan for the next calendar year no later than
December 31 of the preceeding year. An expert who wishes to attend a meeting or event abroad and travel
on a business passport should submit his or her request in the visit plan being considered by his or her
company. The company’s visit plan will then be submitted to the relevant authority for consideration and
approval. This authority might be a Ministry, City Government or Industry Association that has been
authorized by the Central government to conduct foreign affair matters.

Upon approval of the company’s plan, this authority will be responsible for assisting individual applicants
with preparations for their visit(s) abroad. This assistance will include an explanatory letter to the U.S.
Embassy that clearly indicates who will bear the traveler’s expenses while in the U.S., who is sending the
expert, who invited the expert and for what purpose.

The competent authority will submit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the entire visa application package
(as prepared by the traveler), including the other required documents described earlier in this text. The
Ministry of Foreign Affairs will send all documents concerned to the U.S. Embassy and will advise the
employee of the interview date. If the visa application is approved, the Ministry will collect the approved
visa from the U.S. Embassy on behalf of the Chinese applicant.

Experts who are interested in learning more about this procedure are encouraged to contact the relevant
department within their own company.


More information: American Embassy in Beijing
http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/visa
Page 21

Appendix A

U.S. Nonimmigrant Visa Classifications

Visa Class
Purpose of Travel
A1
Head of State or Government, Ambassador, public minister, career
diplomatic or consular officer assigned to the U.S., and members of
immediate family
A2
Foreign government officials on official business or employees of
diplomatic or consular missions in the U.S., and members of immediate
family
A3
Attendant, servant, or personal employee of A1 and A2 classes, and
members of immediate family
B1
Temporary visitor for business
B2
Temporary visitor for pleasure
B1/B2
Temporary visitor for business or pleasure
C1
Alien in transit through the U.S.
C2
Alien in transit to the United Nations Headquarters District under Section
11.(3), (4), or (5) of the Headquarters Agreement with the United Nations
C3
Foreign government officials, members of immediate family, attendant,
servant, or personal employee in transit
C1/D
Crew member/crew-list
E1
Treaty trader, spouse and children
E2
Treaty investor, spouse and children
F1
Student (academic or language training program)
F2
Dependent of F1
G1
Principal resident representative of recognized foreign member
government to an international organization, his/her staff, and members of
immediate family on long-term assignment
G2
Other representative of recognized foreign member government to an
international organization, and members of immediate family on
temporary assignment
G3
Representative of non-recognized foreign member government to an
international organization, and members of immediate family
G4
International organization officer or employee and members of immediate
family
G5
Attendant, servant, or personal employee of G1, G2, G3, or G4 class and
members of immediate family

More information: American Embassy in Beijing
http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/visa
Page 22

Appendix A
(continued)

H1B(petition-based) Temporary worker in a specialty occupation
H1C(petition-based) Registered nurses
H2A(petition-based) Temporary worker performing agricultural services unavailable in the
United States
H2B(petition-based) Temporary worker performing non-agricultural services unavailable in the
United States
H3(petition-based)
Industrial trainee
H4(petition-based) Dependent of H1, H2 or H3
I
Representative of foreign information media and dependents
J1
Exchange visitor
J2
Dependent of J1
L1(petition-based)
Intra-company transferee (executive, managerial, and specialized
personnel continuing employment with an international firm or
corporation)
L2(petition-based) Dependent of L1
M1
Vocational student
M2
Dependent of M1
O1(petition-based) Aliens with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business or
athletics
O2(petition-based) Aliens accompanying and assisting the above in a professional capacity
O3(petition-based) Dependent of O1 or O2
P1(petition-based) Athletes and entertainers for a specific competition or performance
P2(petition-based) Athletes and entertainers participating in reciprocal exchange program
P3(petition-based) Artists and entertainers performing under a program that is culturally
unique
P4(petition-based) Dependent of P1, P2 or P3
Q(petition-based)
International cultural exchange visitor
R1
Religious worker
R2
Dependent of R1
TN
Canadian or Mexican citizen working in a professional capacity under the
North American Trade Agreement
TD
Spouse or child of TN