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Q2 Visa: Are Visa Runs Still A Thing In 2023? - China Forum

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Q2 Visa: Are Visa Runs Still A Thing In 2023?

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If you're on a 10-year Q2 Visa, 180 days per entry with multiple (unlimited) entries and wish to stay in China long term WITHOUT a Residence Permit.

10 replies to this topic

Contact your local PSB office and ask for an extension of your Q2 visa. According to anecdotal information this should be possible.

Visa runs are still a thing but you run the risk that the immigration officer figures out that you live in China.

If I may ask, are you on a Q2 because of your spouse?

I am on a Q2 through my Chinese aunt's invitation. I wonder if I would be given the same extension.

There should be no difference because of who sent your invitation. In my case it was my father in law.

But I have no own experience with such an extension, just read somewhere that this should be possible but forgot where I read this.

Thanks for the input.

I wonder if this visa extension would be a one-off extension, or if it would extend my visa from 180 days to 1 year per entry.

I doubt it. It is usually for only 30 days. Also, it is usually to entend an expiring visa, not so much to extend the stay of a multiple entry visa.

Personally I would avoid to attempt a renewal as it might draw some unwanted attention on me.

That's what I was thinking.

Info on Q2 visa extension (up to 180 days) here:

http://english.beijing.gov.cn/mostrequested/visaextensionrenewalandreplacement/qvisa/202005/t20200520_1904090.html

"foreigners can apply for extending duration of stay for no more than 180 days longer."

"The accumulative total duration of stay must not exceed 1 year from the date of entry according to the renewal of Q2 visa."

Thanks for the tips!

I wonder how many days I will need to depart China to properly (and safely) reset my visa.

I have heard wide ranges from the same day to multiple days.

Re: "I wonder how many days I will need to depart China to properly (and safely) reset my visa."

I've heard of some who after passing through HK Entry Immigration immediately turn around and re-enter China. I, myself, have re-entered China a couple of times within hours of exiting to HK on the same day after doing some wandering around HK.

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Travel to China is heavily restricted, but not impossible: How to get there during COVID

• There are many steps if you want to travel to China, the first being that you need to obtain permission to enter.
• You'll need to prepare your physical application to mail to the consulate.
• Research feasible flights to China, considering your timeline and budget.

With the persistence of COVID-19, China has continued to enforce strict travel policies for United States visitors. The entire process, from obtaining a visa to PCR testing, can feel complicated. To navigate regulations and restrictions, here is a step-by-step guide of the experience traveling to China for humanitarian needs. 

Keep in mind: while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention categorized China as low-level of COVID-19 cases , the federal agency is continuing to urge travelers to remain up to date with vaccinations.

First, you need to obtain permission to enter China. In my case, my grandmother was hospitalized under critical health conditions.

You can apply for a visa by searching for and emailing your local consulate (such as one in New York, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., etc). For me, the New York consulate’s email address is [email protected] . You'll need to specify your reason for travel, such as needing to attend to a severely ill family member. 

apply for a health code here

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Depending on your situation, necessary documents can include proof of kinship to the invitee in China such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate, and hospital diagnosis documents such as an official seal from the hospital or a letter from a doctor. If there is no missing information and the details you provided are verified as true, another email will be sent in a couple of days for you to complete.

Second, prepare your physical application to mail to the consulate. To receive your visa, refer and adhere to the information requested in your communication with the consulate office. Be prepared to package these items in an envelope:

• An original passport with six months validity and at least one blank visa page
• One copy of the passport data page
• A visa application form and confirmation page
• Passport photo with these requirements
• Proof of residency, such as a copy of your driver’s license, or water or electricity bills
• Supplemental material requested by the consulate such as an invitation letter from your relative in China, hospital records and vaccination history
• A return envelope to mail the visa and passport back to you
• The envelope must be a U.S. Postal Service priority mail express envelope and prepaid with your name, address, and telephone number

The total visa fee will be around $150 for each passport holder and must be paid to the Chinese consulate by money order or check.

Ensure your application materials are prepared in order and adhere to the consulate's guidelines. The address of each consulate varies based on your location. It is essential to meet the criterion above to ensure the speed and potential of receiving your visa.

Third, wait five to ten days for your visa to arrive in the mail. In my experience, the process took a week. Research feasible flights to China, considering your timeline and budget. Sites like flychina.com list possible travel options. Keep in mind that transfer flights are unallowed – all flights must directly land in China. 

If you are fully vaccinated with non-inactivated vaccines including Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, partially vaccinated, or unvaccinated, follow the following guidelines set out by the Chinese consulate before boarding the plane:

• Take your first PCR test at your flight departure city up to seven days before boarding
• Starting from the date of your first nucleic test and remain in your departure city and monitor your health for seven days with a personal health monitoring form .
• Within 48 hours before departure, take a second PCR test and an antibody test at a designated facility in the departure city
• Submit all your test reports, monitoring forms, and letter of commitment on COVID-19 vaccination on the China Health Declaration Certificate website

For more details, visit the embassy site . The consulate will approve your report within 12 hours based on your test results.

At the airport, you will complete an online customer form. Along with your health declaration and other documents, you can board the plane and begin the flight to China. 

The stress of returning to a sick loved one can be distracting and frightening. But if you pay attention to the necessary steps outlined by the consulate, the process can be completed with ease. 

Michelle Liu is a writer based in Providence, Rhode Island. You can follow her on Twitter  @michelleliu83 .

  I.Visa Types and  Required Documents

  Annex 1  Important Tips for online COVA visa form filling

(1) Please carefully read the prompts and requirements of the COVA form system, and complete the entries of the visa application COVA online form step by step, making sure that the information is true, accurate and complete. Please note: Once the application form has been submitted, it cannot be modified in any way.

(2) The " location " option  for submitting the visa application should be in line with the consular jurisdiction.

(3) Basic personal information. Surname, given names, gender, date of birth, nationality, passport number, passport type, etc. must be exactly the same as those on the passport information page, otherwise your visa application will be returned.

(4) If you were born in China (including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan), please note:

1. Application form 1.1D The Chinese name (if applicable) must be entered in Chinese with the Chinese character input method, please do not fill in "Chinese", "Chinese", etc.

2. In the application form 1.6G, select "Yes" for "former nationality", and then select the nationality information.

3. Item 1.6H of the application form is required. If the applicant is applying for a Chinese visa for the first time, this entry will be automatically generated during the form filling process; but if the applicant has previously applied for a Chinese visa, this entry will not be displayed when filling in the online form, and the form must be printed out and supplemented by hand-written Chinese name and other information. This Item cannot be empty.

(5) Fill in the work experience and educational background

1. Please fill in the work experience in the past 5 years.

2. The “position” and “duty” of the application form 3.2D and 3.2E must be filled in completely.

3. Please fill in the highest diploma/degree in 4.1 , and the diploma/degree and major in 4.1B and 4.1C must be completed.

(6) Completely fill in each address

The address of the spouse in 5.5A of the application form must fill in the address of the current location, not the address of the place of birth. The address must be filled in completely, including street, city, state, and country.

(7) If you choose "not applicable" for any entry in the form, you need to state the reason for “not applicable”.

(8) Printing and signing. After completing the COVA online form filling, you must print out a full set of application forms, including the "Confirmation of Online Visa application" and "Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China" (depending on the individual filling situation, a total of 8 to 9 pages will be generated). All the pages of the forms must be printed to turn in, the signature and date on the Confirmation Page and the 8th page of Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China must be handwritten by the applicant him/herself. Visa applicant under the age of 18 is signed by their guardian, and meanwhile add a handwritten signature in the "For person filling in the application on the applicant’s behalf".

  Annex 2  Contents of S1, S2, Q1, Q2 Visa Invitation Letter

Inviter’s name XX, gender X, date of birth: XX, Chinese ID number XXX (or foreign passport number XX, Chinese permanent residence card number XX), current address in China is XX, contact phone number XX, email XX.

I hereby invite the following relatives to visit China for a short-term visit/long-term residence. He/She plans to go to China on XX, and stay in China for XX days.

Invitee information: name XX, gender X, date of birth XX, nationality XX, passport number XX, and the relative relationship with the inviter is XX.

Inviter's signature:        Date:

  Annex 3  Cont ents of M， F and L Visa Invitation Letter

(1) Personal information of the invitee: name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.

(2) Information about the invitee’s visit to China: reason for coming to China, date of arrival and departure, place of visit, relationship with the inviting unit or inviter, who will pay for the travel, etc.

(3) Inviting party information: inviting party name, address, tel e phone number, official seal, legal representative or inviter’s signature, date, etc. (the information must be included in the text of the invitation letter)

  Annex 4    Where You Stay Form  ( Download )

Please note: According to the v isa application requirements, if the applicant is not in the United States, he cannot apply for a visa to the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General in the United States.)

II.Process of Visa Application

The  consular jurisdiction   of the Embassy  of the People ’ s Republic of China   includes : Washington D . C . , Delaware, Idaho, Kentucky, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas, Puerto Rico.. Please confirm that the applicant lives in the above-mentioned states before submitting the visa application.

(1)Visa applicants   need to   log on   to   the website   “ China Online Visa Application (COVA) ”   to fill in the COVA   forms .

After completing the COVA forms as required, please   make sure to  print the full set of COVA forms (8-9 pages)  and  sign   on the Confirmation Page and the 8 th   page .   If the COVA forms   are   not prepared   as guided, the application will not be accepted.

(2)   The physical application documents   can be submitted to the Visa Office within the office hours   by the visa applicant or by an agent .

(3)  In addition to the printed   and   signed   COVA forms, visa applicants also need to prepare the physical   Required Documents (include   "A.Basic Documents"   and   "B.General Documents")    to   submit   on-site   to   the   Visa   Office. If the physical documents   do not meet the requirements   or not sufficient, the application may be returned, and the applicant   may need to fill in the COVA forms  again .

(4) Please check all the information on the visa is correct when picking up. If there is any inaccuracy, please tell the staff immediate ly in case inconvenience brought by the incorrect information. Credit card (Master or Visa card only), money order or cashier's check are accepted for on-site pick-up. 

III.  Processing Time and Fees

Regular service:  4 business days

Express service:  3 business days (urgent situation)

Note:  The above processing time is average and for reference only. Some applications may require longer processing time that a pick-up date cannot be confirmed until notified by the Visa Office.

For visa processing fees, please  click   here .  

IV.Address and Contact Information of the Visa office

Address of the Visa Office :

2201 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite110, Washington, D.C. 20007 U.S.A.

Office Hours:

9:30-14:30 (Monday to Friday, closed on weekends and holidays)

Email address: [email protected]

Phone number:

001-202-855-1555 (12:30-16:30, Monday to Friday, except for holidays)

Face mask is required upon entry.

• How to Apply
• In Your Country
• In a Third Country
• In Hong Kong
• Renewal & Extension
• Application Requirements
• China Visa Fees
• Mail Service
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• Holiday Schedule of PRC Embassies /Consulates
• Entries /Validity /Duration
• 10-year China Visa
• Tourist (L)
• Business (M)
• 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit
• 72-Hour Visa-Free Transit
• 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit
• Hong Kong Visa Policy
• Macau Visa Policy
• Chinese Residence Permit

8 Tips for Filling Out Chinese Visa Application Form

1. the application form must be filled out online..

Applicants need to fill out the application form on China Online Visa Application System , and then print it out. Double-sided printouts will not be accepted. Note that the applicants must sign it. Remember to select the right country and city where Chinese Embassies, Consulates, or China Visa Application Centers (CVASC) which hold consular jurisdiction over your residence.   

2. Major Purpose of Visit

Section 2.1A Types of visa and major purpose of your visit to China: Select the most suitable item and make sure it matches with your application documents. If your travel is for multiple purposes, just choose one major purpose.  

3. Duration of Stay

Section 2.2B Maximum duration of longest stay (days): For L, M, and F visas, the duration of stay is normally 30-60 days. For S2 and Q2 visa, it ranges from 30 to 120 days. Z, X, Q1, and S1 visas may allow a longer stay duration. Fill in the box according to your actual need.  

4. Intended Number of Entries

Section 2.2C Intended number of entries: Most applicants only need one entry valid for 3 months. Note that all Z, X1, S1, and Q1 visas are only issued as single entry. If you apply for an L, F, M, X2, S2, or Q2 visa, you may choose single-entry, double-entry, or multiple entries. Choose the one that best meets your needs. The final decision is left to the consular officer's discretion. Usually, the more entries, the higher the visa fee.  

5. Current Occupation

Section 3.1A Current Occupation & Section 3.3 Work experience: If you choose "Self-employed", do not leave Section 3.3 blank. You need to complete this section with the name of your business and specify the nature of it. If you are unemployed at present, provide information on your previous employer. If you are a housewife, you can fill in the box in Section 3.3 with None (Housewife).  

6. Intended Date of Arrival in China

Section 6.1A Intended date of arrival: Make sure that the date is not earlier than the date you are likely to receive the visa. If your flight itinerary will be submitted as the application document, ensure the date is consistent with it.  

7. Destinations

Section 6.1J, 6.1K, 6.1M, 6.1L, 6.1N: In this section, do not mention travel to Tibet and Xinjiang although you may go there. If you apply for a tourist visa , you need to provide addresses of hotels including provinces, cities, and streets. For this reason, you are advised to book refundable hotel rooms in advance. After you get the visa, it’s fine to change your itinerary and cancel the bookings.  

8. Other Information

In section 8 which acts as background check, you need to answer truthfully the questions regarding  overstaying , China visa rejection history, criminal records, diseases, etc. Honesty is important in answering these questions; otherwise you may encounter problems in the application process.

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PLANNING A TRIP TO CHINA? Start Here

China Visa Itinerary Without Flight or Hotel Reservations? (2024)

January 27, 2024 By Josh Summers

As of January 1, 2024, US travelers do NOT have to provide proof of flight and hotel bookings during the visa application process. Other former visa requirements (itinerary, invitation letter, etc.) have also been dropped for those applying for a Chinese visa. Here’s what you need to know about what has changed and why it’s gone.

In addition to waiving the requirement for round trip flight and hotel confirmation, which was confirmed by the China embassy in the US, China has also dropped the need to submit an itinerary or invitation letter (for the tourist visa, at least).

These are all great steps, but it’s important to note that you still need a visa to enter China for most countries (although there are some that visa-free countries).

My Recommendation

The process to apply for a China visa post-pandemic is confusing and continues to change every month. In order to ensure that everything gets done properly and within a reasonable amount of time, I always recommend you use a reputable visa service like Passport Visas Express.

Get 10% off using promo code TCC10 at checkout!

*Note* Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means that at no extra cost to you, I may be compensated if you choose to purchase an item listed below.

Requirements for a US Citizen to get a China Visa

During COVID, China enacted one of the strictest lockdowns of any country in the world. For more than a year, tourist and most travelers were unable to enter China and those that did were subject to crazy quarantine requirements.

Naturally, this had a negative impact on the tourism dollars entering the country and now that they’ve opened their borders they’re trying to do whatever they can to entice travelers to visit China.

Although the requirements are different for every country, as a US citizen you no longer need to pre-book flights and hotels before you know whether or not you’re even allowed to enter China, nor do you need to submit an itinerary or invitation letter.

Here’s what you do need:

• Passport: Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity and two blank pages. You will also need a photocopy of the bio page of your passport.
• COVA Visa Form: You will need to fill out the online COVA form here and print it out to sign. This form will be physically handed over during the visa application process.

There are different requirements for other visa types, so check the China consulate website for more details.

FAQ: China Visa Itinerary Requirements

Below are the most commonly asked questions in regards to needing flight and hotel reservations in order to apply for a Chinese visa. I also recommend you read my  complete guide to getting a Chinese visa .

For US citizens, as of January 1, 2024 it is no longer required to present a hotel booking during the China visa application process. The same applies for any flight bookings.

No, at this time there is no agreement between China and the US that allows for visa-free or visa-on-arrival. You will need to apply for a China visa prior to traveling.

It depends on your passport country. For US citizens, you must apply for a visa prior to your arrival at the airport. Some countries have visa-free or visa-on-arrival agreements with China, so check the China consulate in your country.

Tourist no longer need a letter of invitation to apply for a Chinese visa. There are other visas, such as a business visa, where this is still a requirement.

No. For US citizens, as of January 1, 2024, it is no longer a requirement to present a round-trip flight booking in order to apply for a China visa.

Final Thoughts on China’s Visa Itinerary Policy

Thankfully, China is simplifying the process of applying for a Chinese visa by dropping many of the required documents such as proof of round trip flights and hotels.

RELATED: How to Apply for a China Visa as a US Citizen

You still need to apply for a visa prior to travel if you’re a US citizen, though!

If you do not live near a consulate or if you but want professional visa assistance, I recommend using a visa service like Passport Visas Express  (get 10% off when you use the code TCC10 ). These services help you know what paperwork to prepare and will submit it on your behalf.

Further Reading & Resources

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About Josh Summers

Josh is the founder of TravelChinaCheaper.com who has been living in China with his family since 2006. Over that period of time he has traveled by plane, train, car, motorcycle and even camel to explore almost every corner of the country.

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China to Resume Issuing All Types of Visas for Foreigners

China will resume issuing all types of visas for foreigners, including the tourism visa, port visa, and multiple visa-exemption policies starting from March 15, 2023. It is the latest in a series of moves to reopen its border. Inbound travelers are advised to consult with their local China embassies or consulates for more detailed requirements and procedures.

UPDATE (September 20, 2023): In a bid to attract more international visitors, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) introduced a simplified visa application process on September 20, 2023. This revision primarily focuses on the visa application form and entails two significant changes. Firstly, applicants are now required to list their travel history from the past year instead of the previous five years. Secondly, the educational background section has been streamlined to only request the highest level of education achieved.

These adjustments, according to MFA spokesperson Mao Ning, are intended to reduce the time applicants spend on visa forms and enhance overall efficiency. The MFA reaffirmed its dedication to fostering people-to-people interactions between China and other countries, emphasizing China’s commitment to high-quality development and global engagement.

On March 13 and 14, multiple Chinese embassies released the Notice on Further Adjustment of Visa and Entry Policies for Foreigners to China, which spell out multiple important relaxations regarding visa issuance and entry of foreigners into China.

China visa resumption: What are the policy adjustments?

The adjustments include:

• Valid multi-year multiple entry visas issued before March 28, 2020 by the Chinese visa authorities abroad shall resume function. ( This will impact foreigners whose 10-year business or tourist visas are still valid. )
• Foreigners may apply for all types of visas (including those for tourism and medical treatment).
• Port visas shall once again be issued in line with the relevant laws and regulations.
• The visa-exemption policy for Hainan , visa-exemption cruise policy for Shanghai , visa-exemption policy for foreigners to visit Guangdong from Hong Kong and Macao , and visa-exemption policy for ASEAN tour groups to Guilin and Guangxi shall resume operation.

These adjustments to China’s visa issuance policy will be implemented as of 0:00 Beijing Time on March 15, 2023 .

How to understand these adjustments?

The visa relaxation is China’s most recent effort to reopen its border.

Under its zero-COVID policy, China had imposed strict travel restrictions on international arrivals starting March 28, 2020 to stop the spread of COVID-19 cases from abroad. The restrictions were in turn loosened and tightened in response to the changing situation of the pandemic worldwide. In addition to the reduced frequency of international passenger flights, China’s restrictions include limited visa availability (including a suspension of tourist visas) and strict COVID-19 testing and quarantine requirements before and after arrival in China.

Then in December 2022, China decided to shift from “zero-COVID” to “living with COVID”.

Following the downgrade of COVID-19 to a Class B infectious disease and  the removal of centralized quarantine for inbound travelers , China announced that it would  optimize immigration administration policies and measures  starting from January 8, 2023.  In particular, China resume d the issuance of passports for Chinese mainland residents, ordinary visas and residence permits for foreigners, as well as  tourist visa exemption  for short-term travelers.

After that, China re opened visa applications for most types of visas , as per announcements posted by some Chinese embassies. However, visa applications for tourism and medical treatment to China ha d still been on hold.

Now, with the latest policy adjustment, the restrictions on visa application for tourism and medical treatment will finally be removed. Foreigners will be able to travel to China more conveniently and for all kind s of purposes.

At the time of writing this article, not all Chinese embassies have published the Notice. Those that have released the Notice include but are not limited to the Chinese embassies in the Bahamas , Canada , Czech Republic ,   Dubai , France , Kuwait , Luxemburg , Malta , New Zealand , Panama , Thailand , the US , and the United Arabic Emirates (the UAE). Other embassies are expected to release the Notice soon.

Foreigners who plan to travel to China in the near future are suggested to consult with their local embassies or consulates for more information. Meanwhile, more details regarding the Chinese visa application process in 2023 can be found in our China Briefing article: 2023 Chinese Visa Application Guidelines.

This article was originally on March 14, 2023, and last updated on September 20, 2023.

China Briefing is written and produced by Dezan Shira & Associates . The practice assists foreign investors into China and has done so since 1992 through offices in Beijing, Tianjin, Dalian, Qingdao, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Suzhou, Guangzhou, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. Please contact the firm for assistance in China at [email protected] .

Dezan Shira & Associates has offices in Vietnam , Indonesia , Singapore , United States , Germany , Italy , India , and Russia , in addition to our trade research facilities along the Belt & Road Initiative . We also have partner firms assisting foreign investors in The Philippines , Malaysia , Thailand , Bangladesh .

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What every American traveling to China in 2024 needs to know

Posted by Mike Cairnduff | Updated December 14, 2023 | China blog , Travel

OK, so you’re American and you’re traveling to China.

Firstly, congratulations! That is so exciting.

Having spent loads of time in China myself, I’m pleased to be able to share my best tips with you so that you can feel more confident and organized.

These are all the main things you should consider before jumping on the plane.

Not from the US? You may still find this article helpful but I’d suggest referring to my mega China travel tips page for more details.

1. Don’t tip

Great meal in China? Don’t tip. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

My first tip – don’t tip.

The Chinese don’t tip, and neither should you. It might feel strange at first, but you’ll get used to it.

There are some exceptions to the rule, for instance if you receive amazing service at a luxury hotel, but generally you can keep your purse closed for your entire trip.

If you want to hear my personal stories about tipping in China, or you want more information about the exceptions, visit this page on China tipping .

2. Shop around for flights

Airfares have been higher than usual so try to get a good deal. Image by goffkein.pro on Shutterstock.

This might sound like common sense.

But with China-US relations at a sobering low, the number of direct flights between the two countries has not rebounded to pre-pandemic levels.

The result? Higher than normal airfares.

This is why it’s even more important to shop around for a good deal. I recommend bundled flight and hotel deals through Trip .

(In case you don’t know, Trip is one of the best travel companies for China because it started there and has a huge offering of hotels, flights, tours, and train tickets.)

3. Plan your flight route

Flights from the US to China vary in terms of the route, flight time and cost. Image by Max Lewandowski on Pexels.

Speaking of flights, will you be flying out of the west coast or east coast?

And which Chinese city will you be flying into?

China is a huge country like the United States, so this will dictate not only how long your flight is , but also the options you have for a possible stopover (which may make the flight cheaper).

If you’re heading to southern China and you’re on a budget, you might find it’s more economical to fly to Bangkok, Thailand and transfer there.

There are lots of options, so it pays to do your research.

4. Consider U.S. government travel advice

Make sure you’re aware of the travel advice. Image by Yamil Najul on Shutterstock.

Before you buy your flights, it’s worth knowing the U.S. government’s official stance on visiting China.

Of the four travel advisory levels, the People’s Republic of China is regarded as Level 3: “reconsider travel”.

The U.S. government says you should “reconsider travel to mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans, and the risk of wrongful detentions.”

I believe the United States is the only country in the world with such advice at the moment (correct me if I’m wrong, in the comments below).

Other countries, such as Canada and Australia, have a lower level of advice, which is to “exercise a high degree of caution”.

It’s such a shame that the USA and China aren’t getting along at the moment.

5. Get a VPN before you leave

You need a VPN if you want to use hotel Wi-Fi. Image by Privecstasy on Unsplash.

If you want to stay connected with all your loved ones in the United States, and keep using all the sites and apps you’re used to, you’ll need a VPN if you want to use Wi-Fi in China.

Censorship is extensive and the Chinese authorities are making it harder and harder for the VPN companies.

Of course, you can survive in China as an American without a VPN but life is much, much harder. Almost every major American social media and news site is banned, not to mention sites that make our lives easier like Google.

Refer to my page on the best VPN for China which only highlights the ones that work in China.

It’s worth pointing out that the Chinese government isn’t trying to make it hard for foreigners regarding internet access. The restrictions are in place to control what the locals see.

6. Allow enough time for your Chinese visa

Allow time to get your Chinese visa. Image by Toa55 on Shutterstock.

One of the downsides of being a US citizen traveling to China is the visa process .

Unless you live near one of the Chinese consulates (and you do a walk-in), you’ll need to pay an agent to handle this for you.

You cannot do visa applications by mail. It’s a pain in the butt, and makes your trip a little more complex and costly.

For walk-ins, consulates are located in:

• Washington DC (the embassy)
• Los Angeles
• San Francisco

There used to be one in Texas but it’s closed at the moment.

You can refer to the Chinese embassy’s US page for more info.

When using an agent, allow about a week for visa processing, provided you’ve submitted everything perfectly the first go.

If you need a visa agent, I recommend using a trusted one such as iVisa:

Remember not to buy your airfare until your visa has been issued and you’ve got your travel documents back.

7. Brace yourself for the steps and stairs

One tiny, tiny section of the Great Wall. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

A lot of Chinese tourist attractions have loads of steps and stairs. And I’m talking thousands.

There are no elevators at the natural attractions, either. So, if you’re very unfit and you want to see some of China’s best attractions, you might need to rethink your trip.

From my experience traveling around China the past couple of decades, here are the main culprits with an insane amount of stairs and steps:

• The Great Wall of China (sorry!)
• Longji Rice Terraces near Guilin
• Any mountain (it probably goes without saying) such as Huashan Mountain
• Zhangjiajie, the area that inspired the backdrop in the movie Avatar
• Giant Buddha in Leshan

And there are many more!

Oh, and if you’re in a wheelchair, you’re going to have an extremely hard time in China even in the major cities.

Getting through a temple or the Forbidden City would be impossible (as Chinese traditions involve stepping over the bottom of a doorway), let alone being able to get up and down sidewalks.

8. Ditch the credit cards

Cash or card? You won’t hear that expression in China. Image by Rann Vijay on Pexels.

In recent years, China has become a lot more advanced than the US when it comes to consumer payments.

You’ll never see a Chinese person pull out a plastic card from their wallet. Everyone pays for stuff using a phone app – either WeChat Pay or Alipay.

The good news? You can too!

If you’re comfortable submitting your personal details (including passport details) to WeChat or Alipay, you’ll be able to pay for everyday stuff in China.

Your only other real option is cash, and that’s a pain because Chinese ATMs only spit out 100 yuan notes.

Small vendors often don’t have change for large denominations. It doesn’t sound like a big deal, but trust me, cash is getting really hard to use in China.

Sign up for Alipay or WeChat Pay, or both, before you head off. If you only sign up for one, my personal preference is Alipay as I find it a lot easier to navigate.

And when you sign up, make sure all your personal details match up, or your application will be rejected.

Customer service for both apps is appalling (it’s practically non-existent), so don’t bother contacting them if you have any issues.

You can check out my China travel apps page for more apps that will make your trip easier.

9. Expect a different hotel experience

A typical Chinese hotel room in a big city. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

Hotels in China are OK, but they’re certainly not great (unless you’re staying in luxury).

When it comes to dealing with foreigners, Chinese hotel staff are generally helpful but quite shy and reserved. They’re afraid of making mistakes when speaking English.

From my experience staying at countless hotels across China, here are the main things an American traveling to China needs to know:

• Bottled water is provided daily because the tap water is unsafe to drink
• Most hotel rooms don’t have a minibar (but amazing Chinese food won’t be far away)
• Front desk staff can barely crack a smile
• Western breakfast is usually terrible (no fresh dairy, no cereal, bad coffee etc), so choose the buffet option if there is one
• If the Wi-Fi password isn’t printed anywhere, it’s probably 12345678 or 88888888
• Other guests can be noisy so bring earplugs
• Many rooms and hallways smell like cigarette smoke
• Toilet tissue is low quality and they don’t provide enough for two people.

I’ve also found that many Chinese hotels don’t understand what privacy means.

Even if you hang the ‘do not disturb’ sign on your door, you may find that hotel staff have entered the room to clean and so on. This has happened to me countless times.

I hope all of this doesn’t sound too negative. I’m just trying to give an honest appraisal so you know what to expect.

(I’ve written a whole article called What are Chinese people like? if you want to dig deeper into the Chinese psyche.)

10. Good luck with food

The so-called vegetarian dumplings which had prawn in them. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

Chinese food is delicious and so much better than the ‘fake’ Chinese food in the United States.

General Tso’s chicken? Errr, the Chinese have never heard of it!

If you’re part of a tour, then your guide will probably take your group to restaurants to eat. But if you go it alone, here’s my advice:

• Choose a restaurant with photos on the wall or menu, so you can point
• Use a translator on your phone, such as Google Translate (remember to get your VPN )
• Chinese people don’t understand allergies (they don’t exist in China) so if you’re allergic to something know exactly what you’re ordering
• Food will come out at any random order, so don’t expect the rice first
• Locals love spicy food so if you don’t want a scorching mouth, say “Bù yào là” or show them the Chinese characters (不要辣) on your phone.

This list is by no means exhaustive but hopefully it helps you a little!

And remember to get China travel insurance in case you get really sick from food or something else. Medical care isn’t cheap in China.

11. BYO toilet paper

A rare sight – a Chinese toilet with paper provided. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

And finally, the bathroom.

If you’re brave enough to use a Chinese squat toilet , then don’t forget to bring your own toilet paper. It’s not provided, except at hotels.

Similarly, you should BYO hand sanitizer because hand wash or soap isn’t provided in local loos.

It sounds funny to say it, but ‘holding on’ until you get back to your hotel is often your best option.

I hope you liked this special list with US citizens in mind. There’s some more general travel information below, otherwise check out my page on what not to do in China for more helpful advice. Have an amazing time in China!

Main image credit: Krakenimages.com on Shutterstock.

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Helpful resources.

Need help with your trip? Here are some helpful resources:

• See the China travel agency list if you’re looking to join tour groups
• Get a new U.S. passport if yours has less than six months on it
• Familiarize yourself with the food you cannot bring to China
• Don’t forget your China vaccinations especially if you’re going to rural areas or you’ll be around animals.

Assistance for U.S. citizens in China

Hopefully you won’t require consular services, but if you do then here are the contact details for the U.S. embassy in Beijing:

• Address: No. 55 An Jia Lou Road, Chaoyang, Beijing
• Phone: (+86) 10 8531 4000
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://china.usembassy-china.org.cn

There are also consulates in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Wuhan and Shenyang.

FAQ for Americans traveling to China

Are americans allowed to go to china right now.

They sure are. China is open and warmly welcomes American tourists.

Is China good for Americans?

Yes, China is good for Americans because it’s safe, there are lots of attractions, and things are cheap.

What should I know before traveling to China?

The main things are to get a VPN if you want to connect with the outside world via Wi-Fi, don’t tip anyone, download Alipay or WeChat for easy payments, and bring toilet tissue everywhere you go.

Is it safe to travel to China as an American?

Yes, China is safe for American citizens. Just remember to follow all local laws and you should be fine.

Is it safe to bring my phone to China?

Of course. In fact, you’ll need your phone to make payments in China, unless you only want to use cash which can be troublesome at small businesses.

Commercial relationship disclosure: The Helpful Panda has commercial arrangements with organizations that may appear on this page, such as affiliate links. See our terms for more info.

Mike Cairnduff

Mike has lived and worked in China, and has traveled extensively across the country. He loves Chinese food and has a keen interest in Chinese culture. You can follow him on X and LinkedIn .

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How to Visit China Without a Visa 2024 (Updated)

From December 1st, 2023 to November 30th, 2024, visitors from France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Singapore, and Malaysia can stay in China for up to 15 days without a visa for travel, business, transit, or visiting friends and family.

Starting March 14th, travelers from Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Switzerland can also enjoy this visa-free entry.

China's visa-free policies allow nationals of certain countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand to travel to China for stays ranging from 24 hours to 180 days without obtaining a visa if certain requirements are met.

If you want to plan a visa-free trip to China, just contact us.

Content Preview

• 1. 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policies
• 2. 72-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policies
• 3. 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policies

4. Visa-Free Policy in Hong Kong and Macau

5. 6-day pearl river delta visa exemptions, 6. 6-day visa exemption for asean tour groups to guilin, 7. 15-day visa-free policy for singaporean & bruneian citizens, 8. shanghai 15-day visa-free policy for cruise groups, 9. hainan 30-day visa-free access, 10. apec business travel card holders, 11. holders of aliens' residence permits, 1. 144-hour visa-free transit policies: beijing, shanghai, guangdong....

Valid for : Travelers from 53 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand

Cities that can be visited : Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, Qinhuangdao; Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing; Shenyang, Dalian, Qingdao; Chengdu; Xiamen, Kunming; Wuhan; Guangdong; Chongqing; Xi'an; and Ningbo.

One visa-free zone per transit : You can only visit the cities and their surrounding area covered by one policy zone before international transit, such as Shanghai and its surrounding area including Hangzhou and Suzhou or Beijing and its surrounding area including Tianjin. You can't travel from one visa-free zone to another: for example, Beijing to Shanghai visa-free travel is not allowed.

How to apply : You just need to apply for a temporary entry permit at your entry airport.

Key Requirement : You will need to be transiting via China to a third region or country. Find out more requirements on 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit policy .

Will My Route Qualify for China 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit?

Quick test: will my route qualify for china 72/144-hour visa-free transit.

1. I will depart from (only applies to direct or connected flight):

2. I will arrive in China at [city], [airport / railway station / port].

3. My arrival date is...

4. I will leave for [country/region] from China (the bounding destination on the air ticket):

5. My departure date is...

6. My nationality is...

8. I have Chinese visa refusal stamps in my passport.

You qualify to enjoy China's 72-hour visa-free policy.

You qualify to enjoy China's 144-hour visa-free policy.

You don't qualify to enjoy China's 72-hour or 144-hour visa-free policy.

Reason you don't qualify:

• You must be in transit to a third country or region.
• You must leave the city area (prefecture or municipality) after the 72/144 hours (the 72/144-hour limit is calculated starting from 00:00 on the day after arrival, i.e. 24:00 on the arrival date).
• Your passport must be valid for more than 3 months at the time of entry into China.
• Your passport nationality is not eligible for the 72/144-hour visa exemption program.
• You have Chinese visa refusal stamps in your passport.

For example, with a New York – Beijing (transit) – Frankfurt itinerary, you can visit Beijing visa-free, staying for up to 6 days.

An "essential" Beijing trip takes about 3–4 days, including its must-sees like the Forbidden City and Great Wall. Check out our 4-Day Beijing Private Tour .

New York – Beijing – New York doesn't meet the visa-free transit policy requirements, because the policy requires that you must transit from China to a third region or country.

However, you can take advantage of the convenience of Hong Kong and Macau, which are considered as separate regions in the policy. The itinerary New York – Beijing – Hong Kong – New York or New York – Hong Kong – Beijing – New York is doable visa-free.

Transiting in e.g. Hong Kong, you could even access two visa-free zones and return home, e.g. USA–Beijing–HK–Shanghai–USA visa-free!

Just contact us to plan a visa-free tour. We have been providing visa-free tour services for many clients since the introduction of such policies. For any questions/problems throughout your trip, our travel consultants provide 24/7 support.

Here are some appealing China tours that you can experience with the 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit :

• 5-Day 5-Day Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou Bullet Train Tour
• 4-Day Shanghai, Hangzhou, Water Town Culture Tour
• 4-Day Beijing Highlights and Great Wall Night Tour
• 3-Day Chengdu Giant Panda, Giant Buddha, and Ancient Town Tour

2. 72-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy: Guilin, Harbin, Changsha

Valid for : passport holders from 51 countries or regions, including the USA, the UK, Singapore, Canada, Australia, and Germany

Cities that can be visited : Guilin, Harbin, and Changsha

How to apply : You just need to apply for a temporary entry permit at the entry airport.

The transit requirement : You need to be going via China to a third region or country. Click to learn more about 72-Hour Visa-Free Transit .

Recommended Visa-Free Tours

• 3-Day Essence of Guilin
• 1-Day Harbin Ice and Snow Fairyland Tour

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

3. The 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy

Valid for : Almost all foreign tourists

Cities that can be visited : This policy applies to most major cities in China with an international airport, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Nanjing, and Tianjin.

How to apply : You just need to apply for a temporary entry permit at the airport.

Key requirement : You need to be going via China to a third region or country.

• 1-Day Beijing Highlights Tour
• 1-Day Shanghai Layover Tour

For most visitors, a visa is not required if traveling to Hong Kong and/or Macau.

Hong Kong : The former colony continues its liberal entry policies established by the British government. Citizens of about 160 countries can obtain visa-free entry for durations that range from 180 days to 7 days. For more detailed information, see Hong Kong's visa policy .

Macau : This territory's policies are more restrictive than those of Hong Kong. British nationals can stay for 6 months. Citizens of about 38 countries including those of the EU, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel, and South Korea can stay for 90 days. For more, see Macau's visa policy .

For even greater travel opportunities, you can also plan a visa-free trip to the Chinese Mainland from Hong Kong or Macau by taking advantage of the visa-free policies mentioned earlier or the one below.

Recommended Visa-Free Tours from Hong Kong/Macau

• 5-Day Yangtze River Delta Bullet Train Tour
• 4-Day Beijing Private Tour

Just contact us to plan a trip from Hong Kong/Macau.

Valid for : international visitors traveling from Hong Kong and/or Macau

Cities that can be visited : those of the conurbation surrounding the Pearl River Delta including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, Zhaoqing, Huizhou, and Shantou.

How to apply : You will need to go with a registered travel agency, such as ours. The permitted tour group size ranges from three to 40 people including the guide.

• 4-Day Essence of Guangzhou and Shenzhen Tour
• 3-Day Kaiping and Foshan Tour

Valid for : ASEAN member citizens, including those of Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Singapore, Myanmar, Brunei, and the Philippines.

City that can be visited : Guilin

How to apply : You will need to join a group tour with a registered travel agency.

Recommended Tours

• 5-Day Guilin Off-the-Beaten-Path Tour
• 6-Day Guilin, Longsheng, & Yangshuo Relaxation
• 4-Day Guilin Scenic and Ethnic Discovery

Starting from July 26, Singaporean & Bruneian citizens holding ordinary passports can enjoy a 15-day visa-free policy for visiting China for business, tourism, family visit, and transit purposes.

• 8-Day Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La Tour
• 8-Day Xinjiang Tour with Ili (Best for Summer)
• 8-Day North Xinjiang Tour with Kanas (Best for Autumn and Winter)

Valid for : Foreign tourist groups entering China via a Shanghai cruise

Cities that can be visited : You are not only allowed to visit Shanghai but also many other coastal municipalities (Beijing and Tianjin) and provinces (Liaoning, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan).

Requirements : You must arrive and depart on the same cruise and be received by a Chinese travel agent at the Shanghai Cruise Terminal (or Wusong Passenger Center).

Valid for : Ordinary passport holders from 59 countries including the USA, the UK, Canada, and Australia.

Cities that can be visited : Hainan Island

Requirements : Groups and individual tourists must book their tour through an accredited travel agency that's approved by China's National Travel Administration and registered in Hainan Province.

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travel Card holders can simply enter China with the card without applying for a visa.

Travelers who hold a valid APEC business travel card can stay in China for up to 60 days.

No visa is required for those who hold aliens' permanent residence certificates issued by the People's Republic of China Public Security Bureau (PSB).

Foreigners visiting China for study, employment, or working as resident correspondents must apply for Aliens' Residence Permits with the PSB within a month of arrival in China.

Popular Visa-Free Tours

If you want to enjoy a hassle-free tour that maximizes limited time in China, just contact us . The following itineraries, and any other ideas you may have, can be customized by us to fit your length of stay and other needs:

• 1-Day Beijing Great Wall Layover Tour : Visit the magnificent Mutianyu Great Wall
• 11-Day China Classic Tour
• 9-Day Beyond the Golden Triangle
• 2-Week Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Shanghai Educational Family Vacation
• 2-Week Riches of China
• How to Plan Your First Trip to China 2024/2025 — 7 Easy Steps
• 15 Best Places to Visit in China (2024)
• How to Plan a 10-Day Itinerary in China (Best 5 Options)
• 2-Week China Itineraries: Where to Go & Routes (2024)
• China Weather in January 2024: Enjoy Less-Crowded Traveling
• China Weather in February 2024: Places to Go, Costs, and Crowds
• China Weather in March 2024: Destinations, Crowds, and Costs
• China Weather in April 2024: Where to Go (Smart Pre-Season Pick)
• China Weather in May 2024: Where to Go, Crowds, and Costs
• China Weather in June 2024: How to Benefit from the Rainy Season
• China Weather in July 2024: How to Avoid Heat and Crowds
• China Weather in August 2024: Weather Tips & Where to Go
• China Weather in September 2024: Weather Tips & Where to Go
• China Weather in October 2024: Where to Go, Crowds, and Costs
• China Weather in November 2024: Places to Go & Crowds
• China Weather in December 2024: Places to Go and Crowds

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

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Guide to Application for Chinese Visas

（ Updated 1 4 th   Mar . 202 3 ）

From the 1 5 th of March  202 3 , the visa requirements for visits to  China will be adjusted according to the latest notice from the Chinese Embass y  and Consulates in South Korea. The updated processing procedures and material requirements are as follows :

1. Please fill out your visa application form and make a reservation online through https://www.visaforchina.org . Please DON’T forget to  print out your visa application form as well as the reservation form in advance before submitting your application at the scheduled time .

2.  All Visa applicants must  submit the application documents  in person  and have their fingerprints collected.

Please be noted that fingerprint collection is not required for:  

a. Children under 14 years old or adults over 70 years old.

b. Diplomatic Passport Holders, diplomatic officials or courtesy visa applicants.

c. Applicants who have had fingerprints collected and have obtained Chinese visa issued by the same Chinese Embassy, Consulates, or the Chinese Visa Application Service Centers with the same passports within 5 years.

d. Applicants whose ten fingers are all  mutilated or whose fingerprints are not able to be collected.

Applicants  w ho don’t require fingerprint collection could entrust a third party to submit the application.

3.  D ocuments  for applying:

a.  Visa Application Form and Reservation Form.

b. Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and with at least 2 pieces of blank visa page s . A photocopy of the passport page that contains your photo, personal information, and signature.

c.  A  recent immigration certificate or entry confirmation slip  or a valid Korean alien registration card or a Korean visa (third-country citizens only)

d.  Previous   Chinese passport or previous   Chinese visa (suitable for Chinese nationality, and later joined foreign nationality) .

e. Specific document s for different visa categories:

f.  To apply for an emergency humanitarian visa, such as going to China for a funeral or visiting a critically unwell  patient, the deceased’s or patient’s identity document (such as a Chinese ID card or a foreigner passport, etc.), a death certificate  of the deceased  or a medical certificate a critical illness notice  of the patient issued by the hospital, relatives Proof of relationship  and other documents will be required for submission .

4. All Visa Categories mentioned above shall be applied via the Chin ese  Visa Application Service Center. You may contact our center for the specific procedures and requirements for issuing visa.

About the Chin ese  Visa Application Service Center:

Busan Chinese Visa Application Service Center

Address ： 5thFloor, C1 Haeundae I ’ PARK, 38 Marine City 2-ro Haeundae, Busan, the Republic of Korea.

Call: 051-9200800

Fax ： 051-920-0866

E-mail: [email protected]

5 . Please contact the Chinese embassy or consulates  in Korea for diplomatic and public service visas.

14 th   Mar. 2023

Chinese visa application service center

Business Hours: Monday - Friday

Visa application: 9:00-15:00

Payment and collection: 13:00-15:00

NOTICE: Our visa counter will accept rush(express/urgent) service(3rd working day/2nd working day) application until 11:30.

Location： 5 th Floor, C1 Haeundae I’PARK , 38 Marine City 2-ro Haeundae, Busan, the Republic of Korea

Call：051-920-0800 ( Please leave your name and contact number by e-mail when the phone call cannot be connected )

Fax：051-920-0866

Email： [email protected]

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Brazil again extends visa exemptions for US, Canada and Australia, this time until 2025

FILE - A tourist takes a selfie with the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Nov. 25, 2017. Brazil’s government has postponed until April 2025 tourist visa exemptions for citizens of the U.S., Australia, and Canada that had been scheduled to end on Wednesday, according to a decree published in the nation’s official gazette. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado, File)

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RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Brazil’s government extended exemptions to tourist visa requirements for citizens of the U.S., Australia and Canada until April 2025, extending a program aimed at boosting tourism that had been scheduled to end Wednesday.

The decision, issued by Brazilian presidency and the Ministry of Foreign Relations late Tuesday, marks the third time Brazil has delayed the visa requirement since President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva took office in 2023.

His predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, exempted the countries from visas as a means to boost tourism — although all three countries continued to demand visas from Brazilians.

That went against the South American country’s tradition of requiring visas from travelers based on the principle of reciprocity and equal treatment, and prompted Lula’s Foreign Ministry to say it would scrap the exemptions.

“Brazil does not grant unilateral exemption from visiting visas, without reciprocity, to other countries,” the ministry said at the time, while noting that the government stood ready to negotiate visa waiver agreements on a reciprocal basis. It did reach a deal with Japan to ease travel provisions.

The decision to maintain exemptions for the three countries is important for boosting tourism in Brazil, notably from the U.S., Brazil’s official tourism board Embratur said in a statement Tuesday.

Official data shows that nearly 670,000 Americans visited Brazil in 2023, making the U.S. the second largest country of origin after neighboring Argentina.

The government initially postponed the reinstatement of the visa requirement in October, then again in January. At the time, the government said it was still finalizing a new visa system and wanted to avoid implementing it close to the high season, mainly during the New Year’s celebrations and Carnival festivities in February, which attract tens of thousands of tourists.

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H-1B visa fraud alive and well amid efforts to crack down on abuse

It's the gold ticket favored by foreign techies – and it giants suspected of gaming the system.

In depth The US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) last October proposed new rules to reform the H-1B visa program following its acknowledgement of widespread fraud in April last year.

At that time, USCIS, part of the Department of Homeland Security, announced it had "undertaken extensive fraud investigations" based on suspicions that certain employers – such as some IT outsourcers – were attempting to abuse the H-1B lottery process by submitting multiple visa applications for the same person.

The USCIS Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) issued in October includes measures to modernize the H-1B program, to make it more flexible, and to ensure program integrity through fraud mitigation. The final rule was announced in January.

The H-1B program is intended to allow folks with specialized knowledge to work in the US. The visa is a gold ticket to America for foreigners: among other things, it gives them a runway to apply for permanent residency, and greater freedom, which in turn provides a pathway to citizenship.

The tech industry – which has come to rely on H-1B workers – welcomed the rule revision, citing abuse of the application process.

Intel, in comments filed with USCIS last November, argued that "As is true for other employers, the misuse of the H-1B registration process has undermined Intel's ability to retain critical talent. Since implementation of the electronic registration system, Intel's H-1B selection rates have steadily plummeted, hampering efforts to expand its semiconductor design and manufacturing efforts in the United States. A system meant to help administer the H-1B lottery process has instead become a source of frustration and disappointment."

The changes may not be enough, however.

"I'd say it's insufficient," opined Robert Law, director of the Center For Homeland Security And Immigration at the America First Policy Institute, who served as a senior policy advisor and chief of policy at USCIS during the Trump administration.

Law, in an interview with The Register , suggested policies adopted by the Trump administration that prioritized people by skill might have helped, but were abandoned by the Biden administration. "And really, I don't think the Biden administration has done anything in the H-1B space that puts integrity into the system and accountability."

I don't think the Biden administration has done anything in the H-1B space that puts integrity into the system and accountability

"The new rules are only intended to address one aspect of fraud, which is multiple submissions by the same person," noted John Miano, a fellow with the conservative Center for Immigration Studies, who has testified before Congress about foreign labor. "But that isn't going to do very much at all. There's no tracking of people through the process. The reality is too many people benefit from the fraud so it goes on."

Across the political aisle, the progressive Economic Policy Institute (EPI) expressed similar skepticism about the USCIS proposals.

Responding to the NPRM's solicitation for comments, EPI declared : "[T]he H-1B Modernization rule only tinkers at the edges of improving program integrity, but fails terribly to tackle any of the real problems that have been documented by investigative news reports, government audits, and researchers like ourselves – while simultaneously proposing to dramatically expand the size of an H-1B program that remains vulnerable to rampant fraud and abuse."

The H-1B program was created in 1990, and presently allocates 85,000 spots annually for temporary non-immigrant workers to come to the US – ostensibly to fill gaps in the American labor force. Counting other exemptions like those afforded academic institutions, the program awards about 130,000 visas per year to foreign workers, and renews about 300,000 previously awarded visas – which typically last for three years and can be extended for another three.

The process works as follows: Eligible H-1B applicants, or companies representing them, register to enter the H-1B cap lottery . Some 20,000 advanced degree petitions and 65,000 general petitions get selected. For selected registrants, employers can submit H-1B petitions on behalf of prospective employees. USCIS then processes the selected petitions and those approved can then come and work in the US.

Previously, employers submitted completed H-1B petitions in March and USCIS conducted its H1-B cap lottery at the end of that month to determine which petitions would be processed for the 85,000 slots.

The new process is similar, but applicants must provide a valid passport or travel document during electronic registration – under the new rules, a beneficiary may not be registered under more than one travel document. Also, now all employers and their would-be employees have to have a shared "myUSCIS organizational account" for the registration process. Once registration is concluded, USCIS randomly selects 85,000 registrants from the pool and notifies registering employers that they can file an H-1B petition on behalf of the selected employee.

The goal here is ideally to prevent employers from gaming the lottery system by submitting multiple registrations for a single beneficiary.

As we reported last year, demand for these visas far outstrips supply, with 780,884 applications for FY 2024 (received between March 1, 2023, and March 17). That's up from 483,927 for FY 2023. The FY 2025 lottery concluded on March 25, 2024, after being extended three days to make up for a system outage. The total number of applications has yet to be released – but as before, 85,000 H-1B visas are expected to be awarded.

The H-1B program has been criticized for various reasons. EPI, for example, notes that American employers do not have to recruit US residents before hiring foreign H-1B workers, that it's legal for US employers to underpay H-1B workers, relatively speaking, and that H-1B workers are often exploited and lack job protection and mobility, among other issues.

Then there's the fraud. "For years, the H-1B program has been riddled with large-scale fraud yet the agency failed to take adequate fraud-prevention measures," the EPI argued. "The integrity efforts proposed in the NPRM are welcome, but even if fully implemented, would address only a fraction of the fraud."

"The system is entirely written to promote fraud," asserted the Center for Immigration Studies' Miano, noting that while the H-1B statute dictates workers are supposed to be paid a prevailing wage for their role and industry, employers get to determine that prevailing wage, and neither the US Department of Labor nor USCIS can really challenge the listed figure.

One form of H-1B fraud involves companies colluding to file multiple petitions on behalf of the same foreign worker. This serves to give the IT consultancies involved in trying to bring this worker to the US a greater chance of having their applicant selected, and of collecting a commission. As above, that's supposed to be more difficult under the new system.

A 2017 report [PDF] from the DHS Office of the Inspector General noted that many technology consulting firms submitted petitions for workers with the intent of contracting them out to a third party, and that "in many cases, the projects provided within the petition are non-existent."

"When I was at USCIS," explained Law, "you would have registrations or petitions with very common names. The belief from some of the fraud folks was that some of the common names were inserted in there and then these businesses, after they won the lottery, would then go out and actually find somebody [with that name] as opposed to having a real candidate in place."

The fraud extends beyond gaming the visa lottery.

A source familiar with the Indian IT community in the US – who asked not to be identified out of concern for retribution – described a culture of corruption through which technology consultancies, working with larger firms that turn a blind eye to abuse, exploit the lack of H-1B oversight for financial gain.

"It's not just that multiple visa applications are put in for one person to obtain a H-1B visa," our source explained. "Once the visa is obtained, that student then works off the cost of that visa (illegal but more common than not) – usually in a 70/30 split favoring the student at whatever tier they were hired in at. The higher tier you get recruited at, the better off you are with pay. They will also have indentured servant-like debt as the prize for getting to America."

They will also have indentured servant-like debt as the prize for getting to America

Foreign students studying in the US who didn't win the visa lottery may play a role in further fraud. We're told some consultancies tap up foreigners to work for clients illegally using the identities of legit citizens or green card holders.

"That's where the true scam is and the real money is at," our source explained. "These people, recent IT grads, will do almost anything to stay in the US and work an IT job. The visa scam is small potatoes compared to what happens to the losers.

"They are offered jobs paying fractions of a dollar, to live with six people in a one bedroom apartment to manage costs. These people number in the thousands each year, compounded over decades."

"Their job is to impersonate a green card holder or US citizen to receive 30 percent of the pay," with 70 percent going to the people organizing the fraud, our source continued. "Why? Because it’s still more money than their family back home could dream about.

"The winner is the consultancy … This scam is decades old and is becoming a massive problem in the IT market. And quite frankly, it's a major national security threat since it's a large exploitable population with access to sensitive American data."

These problems extend to other guest worker programs such as the Optional Practical Training (OPT) scheme, which allows foreign students to work in the US for 36 months. In Senate budget committee testimony [PDF] last September, Ronil Hira, an EPI researcher and associate professor in the department of political science at Howard University, described OPT as an unauthorized guest worker program that isn't policed because Homeland Security insists that it's merely a training program.

"OPT workers directly compete with, and substitute for, US workers," argued Hira. "I know at least one worker who unwittingly trained his OPT replacement. When he filed formal complaints to ICE and the Department of Justice, the agencies told him tough luck."

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Then there's the fraud that happens after the visa selection process, in which IT consultancies for large clients create work for themselves, to boost billable hours. For example, our source recounted an incident from years past involving an individual who worked for a healthcare firm under another green card holder's name.

"Whenever he wanted overtime, he would just bring down the servers and cause a P0 [high-priority trouble ticket] to come through," we're told. "You know, he and his team would get paid. And that meant that they would maybe get like 10 to 12 hours of overtime, all the while knowing how to solve the problem. They created extra income for themselves."

Our source opined that while IT outsourcing of this sort is supposed to reduce costs, the consultancies providing these services are organized to do the opposite.

"They inflate the cost by doing these types of things, making things more difficult than they need to be. And it's not like any one person is ever doing it. But it is a culture that is causing it. They're not trying to actually make things easier, faster, more affordable, more reliable, and so on. They're just doing whatever will to cause enough roles to be created so the consultancy is warranted."

Outsourcing

During his testimony Hira described how the H-1B program evolved.

"More than twenty years ago, Cognizant, Infosys, and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) pioneered the H-1B-outsourcing business model, which was so profitable it quickly came to dominate the IT services industry. They offer customers a way to cut costs by outsourcing their US IT work to a team of on-site (in the US) and offshore workers."

The ratio of on-site to offshore workers, said Hira, was commonly 30/70, because a portion of jobs could not be shipped overseas.

"Rather than hire US workers to perform the onshore work, these firms hire large numbers of H-1B and L-1 visa workers to fill the jobs in America," Hira explained to the Senate committee. "Exploiting the visa programs enables them to drive revenue growth and increase firm profitability. Hiring visa workers instead of US workers offers advantages. The H-1B guest workers are controllable, indentured, and are paid less than the US workers, and they facilitate the transfer of work to offshore teams in India."

USCIS last year highlighted its "extensive fraud investigations" and "referrals for criminal prosecution." Yet, a year later, it has added just two orgs to its Willful Violator list : Bonzer, LLC and BER-IT, Inc. If there is a fraud crackdown underway, it's not particularly visible.

American workers are being sidelined, overlooked and their wages are being suppressed

Law believes the primary concern is the impact the H-1B program has on the economy.

"American workers are being sidelined, overlooked and their wages are being suppressed because of H-1Bs," he argued. "Whether it's IT outsourcing firms or major companies like Microsoft, IBM, Facebook, Apple, and so on, the way the law was drafted and is currently being applied, all of these companies are legally allowed to pay less than market wages."

In 2021 rulemaking, the US Department of Labor estimated that employers were underpaying H-1B workers to the tune of $15 billion per year.

Since December, 2023, according to the Wall Street Journal , at least 22 former employees of TCS, India's largest IT consultancy by revenue, have filed complaints with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. They allege the firm illegally discriminated against them based on race and age by firing them and giving their jobs to lower paid Indian tech workers on temporary work visas.

The EEOC investigation is ongoing, and may or may not result in a formal complaint, but TCS has denied any wrongdoing.

While the US Justice Department has had some success going after visa fraud, it doesn't always prevail. In 2017, former TCS employee Anil Kini filed a whistleblower lawsuit against TCS alleging the company "violated the False Claims Act (FCA) by failing to obtain H-1B visas for, and pay the proper H-1B wage rate to, employees who were engaged in H-1B visa work, as well as retaliating against [him] for investigating the scheme."

In February the case, which had been taken over by US government prosecutors, was dismissed because the judge determined TCS "did not have an 'obligation' under the FCA to pay its employees higher wages" and because Kini's investigation was not a protected activity under the FCA. That decision has been appealed.

Law asserted that the biggest outrage is staffing companies, and pointed to Disney's replacement of US workers with H-1B workers several years ago.

"Many of these fired American tech workers are forced to sign various nondisclosure agreements or they can only get a severance package if they shut up, and things like that," he alleged. "Pretty much the entire tech industry has determined that H-1Bs are part of their business model."

Law doesn't expect the H-1B rule changes to have much impact on fraud.

"You're seeing a far more brazen attitude by those who have made it a business of their own to help people game the H-1B system," he lamented.

"The fact that a quick Google search can find you a chat room – or Discord server or Reddit thread or whatever the case may be – about how to do things that are not above board, the H-1B context just goes to show that there are not currently really any repercussions for doing those things. So until the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Labor, [and other agencies involved in this] get serious about it, you're going to continue to see [fraud] happen on a very large scale." ®

Narrower topics

• Advanced persistent threat
• Application Delivery Controller
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• Common Vulnerability Scoring System
• Cybersecurity
• Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
• Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act
• Data Breach
• Data Protection
• Digital certificate
• Employment Tribunal
• Federal government of the United States
• Freelancing
• Government of the United Kingdom
• Identity Theft
• Incident response
• Insider Trading
• Kenna Security
• Palo Alto Networks
• Quantum key distribution
• Remote Access Trojan
• RSA Conference
• Surveillance
• Trade Union
• Trusted Platform Module
• Umbrella Firm
• Vulnerability
• Working from Home

Broader topics

• Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965

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