Quick facts about Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)

What is Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)

It is a mandatory for Chinese citizens holding a 10-year B1/B2, B1 or B2 (visitor) visa to update their basic biographic information periodically to keep themselves at ease while traveling to the United States. The process is in addition to having a valid visa and so the EVUS enrollment needs to be completed. This online system is called EVUS.

What are the questions required to be filled on the EVUS form

Usually one needs to provide his or her name, passport information, employment information, biographical information, date of birth and emergency contact number. Some other questions related to travel eligibility.

Can friend or family submit EVUS enrollment

Yes, friend, family member, relative or travel industry professional can submit the EVUS enrollment on behalf of the traveler but need to take full responsibility for the accuracy and truthfulness of the submitted information.

Can EVUS enrollment be possible just ahead of taking flight

Yes, EVUS visa enrollment can be processed at any time. It just takes 2 minutes for the system to respond to the submitted information. However, it is suggested to make it done couple of days before the flying date as sometimes the system can even take up to 72 hours to respond.

Travelers from which other countries require EVUS enrollment

Those travelers who are residents of Hong Kong, Taiwan or Macao and has a Chinese (PRC) passport needs the EVUS enrollment to enter the United States. However, those who have passports issued by the Hong Kong (HKSAR), Macao (MSAR) and Taiwan does not require EVUS registration.

More countries could be included in future and probably Venezuela, Mexico and Columbia.

In what circumstances the EVUS enrollment may stand unsuccessful

The first one could be an administrative error like if complete information is not submitted on the EVUS form. Under such situation travelers are suggested to check the official website of CBP or call its helpline number at 00-1-202-325-0180. Though the Call Center is opened 24/7 but it remains closed on US federal holidays. One can also send an email to evus@cbp.dhs.gov to get question answered.
It is here to note that the US Embassies and US Consulates may not help or resolve issue in this regard and also there is no facility of re-enrolling onces an unsuccessful message is received.

Does the EVUS is a way to refuse Chinese travelers

No, it is just to update biographic and admissibility information of Chinese travelers to US on a periodic basis, usually after every two years.

Is it mandatory to know English to submit the EVUS form

No, the form is also made available in Mandarin Chinese. Even the Call Center executives can attend calls in Mandarin Chinese language.

How the airline knows about EVUS successful enrollment beforing giving a boarding pass

The airlines receive such details from their internal networks.

Will the EVUS system to affect Chinese nationals in Canada

The EVUS system is strictly for those travelers who have passport issued by the Peoples Republic of China and carries a 10-year B1/B2, B1 or B2 visa.

Is the website of CBP secured

Yes, the CBP is secured and private. Preventive measures are taken to avoid unauthorized access to the submitted information.

What software is required to submit an EVUS form

No special software is required. All major internet browsers are supported.

What a traveler need to do if the information has not been changed

Traveler need to review information and ensure those still stands accurate. For the next two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first, the enrollment remains valid.

Do travelers receive a text or email confirmation after successful submission of EVUS

No text or email confirmation is sent. One can check by clicking on the Check Existing Enrollment button on the official website, www.evus.gov.

Why the EVUS submission required by Chinese nationals

Chinese nationals are considered a risk of remaining in the US following expiry of the status. The US government has plans to start the same process for couple of other countries including Venezuela, Columbia and Mexico. People from these countries have the tendency and intention to live in the US forever.