U.S. Embassy in Beijing Extends the Term of Validity for F-1/F-2, J-1/J-2, and M1/M2 Visas

Posted on Jun 14, 2005

The Embassy of the United States of America in Beijing is pleased to announce that beginning June 20, 2005, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in China, as well as U.S. embassies and consulates around the world, will begin issuing to qualified Chinese citizen applicants student visas (F-1/F-2), exchange visas (J-1/J-2), and vocational training visas (M1/M2) valid for 12 months with multiple entries. The previous maximum validity of U.S. visas for these purposes was six months, two entries.

On a reciprocal basis, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has similarly agreed beginning June 20 to issue to American citizens visiting China for student, academic exchange and vocational training purposes visas valid for 12 months and for multiple entries. While China and the U.S. will as a general rule issue maximum validity visas to each others’ qualified citizens, on a case by case basis each side may limit the period of validity and number of entries as required by their respective laws and regulations.

The Embassy believes this extension of visa reciprocity for students, following a similar expansion agreement in January 2005 on business and tourist visas, will significantly enhance mutual understanding between China and the United States. The longer validity will mean student travelers will not have to renew their visas so frequently, saving time and money and facilitating holiday visits home and emergency travel. This agreement is a sign of the United States’ continuing interest in attracting talented students from China and elsewhere to American campuses.

We are also pleased to announce that the volume of student applications and visas issued in 2005 has so far shown a marked increase compared to 2004.

• In May 2004, the U.S. Embassy and the four consulates in China issued 1518 F-1 (student) visas and 309 J-1 (exchange visitor) visas.
• In May 2005, the U.S. Embassy and the four consulates in China issued 2314 F-1 (student) visas and 617 J-1 (exchange visitor) visas.