Electronic Visa Update System Goes Into Effect for Certain Chinese Visitors

DHS has established and has now implemented the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) for certain Chinese nationals. For now, the EVUS program only applies to unrestricted, maximum validity B visas, often issued for 10 years, contained in a passport issued by the People’s Republic of China. The program collects biographical information from nonimmigrants of certain countries, by requiring visa holders to enter their information into an online EVUS portal every two years. The information is then scanned for security clearance. If there have been no changes to a nonimmigrant’s ability to legally be admitted to the United States, they will be notified of their EVUS compliance online and will be allowed to travel to the U.S. on their nonimmigrant visa. The program was initiated to address the fact that the nonimmigrants who hold visas valid for five, seven, and even ten years may become inadmissible for some reason during their time abroad, unbeknownst to the United States. EVUS compliance does not guarantee entry into the United States, but a failure to comply with the EVUS program will result in being denied entry. This program is still in its infancy and is being tested for accuracy and efficiency. Its success will determine if it is implemented in additional countries and visas.