Frequently Asked Questions

This guide answers some of the most frequently asked questions about U.S. non-immigrant visas. For additional information please visit the Department of State's web site at www.travel.state.gov, or call the Visa Information Call Center at 4008-872-333 or (021) 3881-4611 if calling from within China or (86-21) 3881-4611 if calling from overseas. Please note that charges for domestic or international long-distance calls are solely the responsibility of the caller.

FAQ for the Online DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application. 

General Questions---Click to see the answers to the following questions.

• What is a visa?
• Where should I apply?
• How long before my planned travel date should I apply for a visa?
• How can I request an emergency interview appointment?
• Who can cancel my U.S. visa? 
• Can a third-country national apply in China?
• What if I have problems with my PIN number?
• Can my wife and I apply for visas together on the same day if I was refused before while she was not?
• Duration of Stay: How long can I stay in the United States?
• What does the word “Entries” and the letter “M” mean on the visa? 
• What procedures need I go through upon arrival at the U.S. port of entry?

• I have a current visa in an expired passport and a new passport, can I travel to U.S.?

• What does the validity of a visa mean? 

Visa Issuance & Refusal---Click to see the answers to the following questions. 

• How do you decide whether or not to issue a visa?
• Why does the U.S. have such strict visa laws?
• What are strong ties?
• Why do all the refused applicants get the same letter of explanation as to why they were refused?
• Why are the visa interviews so short?
• During the interview, I told the officer I would return to China after a short stay in the US. Why didn't the officer believe me?
• Is a refusal under Section 214(b) permanent?
• How long do refused applicants have to wait before reapplying?
• I have a letter (or fax) I would like the officer to read to better understand my situation and my strong ties to China. Can I send it to you so you can read it in advance of my interview?
• I brought all my documents, but my application was refused anyway. What else should I bring?
• What can I do if I have a complaint about the manner in which my case has been handled?

Student Visa Questions---Click to see the answers to the following questions.

• I have been accepted by a U.S. school and issued an I-20.  Isn't that enough for a student visa issuance?
• Must applicants take tests such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, and GMAT, in order to obtain a student visa?
• I am the only son in my family and I need to return to care for my parents. Isn’t that sufficient ties to compel me to return to China?
• What if I have more questions on U.S. student visas?
• When do I need to apply for my student visa?

Can My American Friend Help?--- Click to see the answers to the following questions. 

• I have letters of guarantee that I will return to China. Why isn't that considered to be enough proof that I actually will return?
• If I am refused a visa, would it help to have a high ranking official or an American contact the embassy?

Misrepresentations---Click to see the answers to the following questions.

• Should I use a travel agent or other advisor to help me apply?
• Is it better to say that I am going for business instead of tourism or to see relatives?
• Shouldn't I conceal the fact that I have applied to immigrate, and that I have a prior visa refusal?