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
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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