Speaking at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit (APEC) in Beijing yesterday, US president Barack Obama announced plans that will see both the States and China grant visitor visas that are valid for up to ten years.
Due to come into effect tomorrow (November 12), the validity period of student visas will be set at five years, while business and tourist visas will be extended to a full decade. Currently, the B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourism) visas for Chinese vistors in the US are valid for 120 days, while the Chinese equivalent is valid for about 3 months for Americans.
The plans are part of Obama’s desire to improve economic and bilateral ties with China, and according to the president will contribute billions to the US economy.
“[The US and China] compete for business, but we also seek to cooperate on a broad range of shared challenges and opportunities,” said Obama. “If [we] can work together, the world benefits”.
A statement by the White House has indicated that Chinese visitors in the US are predicted to contribute nearly US$85 billion to the local economy by 2021, and contribute up to 440,000 jobs.
The move is likely to be welcomed by most, as it will mean travellers from both countries will no longer need to renew their visas on an annual basis, and thus forgo the lengthy application process every year.
US carrier United Airlines has told Business Traveller Asia-Pacific that it welcomes the new agreement, and believes that it will simplify travel between the two countries.
“China is a fast-growing economy and this agreement will open up travel that will drive economic benefits in the U.S. We urge continued work with other countries to further remove burdensome restrictions on travel,” said Jeff Smisek, chairman, president and chief executive of United Airlines.
Eligible travellers should note that the plan does not change the number of days that they will be allowed to reside in the US or China.
For more information, visit us-immigration.com and china-embassy.org
Clement Huang
