Advertorial by Paulina Rochin
The United States of America is always concerned about its safety and security. It needs to control who goes in and out of the country carefully. The current system is inefficient, especially for the Chinese. That is why they have implemented a new policy when getting a visa EVUS.
What is an EVUS?
EVUS, known as the Electronic Visa Update System, is implemented by the US Border Control to ensure that all the people who step foot into the country are eligible to be within its borders.
The implementation of the electronic visa update system started in 2016. It is directed towards those who have been granted a 10-year guaranteed visa. EVUS is unnecessary for those who have visas that are valid for less than that. In addition, citizens of the People’s Republic of China must have an EVUS before entering or traveling to the United States of America.
However, the United States government and the Customs and US Border Control plan to include more countries in the future (e.g., Argentina, Mexico, and Venezuela).
Currently, however, EVUS is limited to only one country: China.
But why was the EVUS implemented when the visa system was already rigid?
The electronic visa update system was implemented to ensure the safety and security of its borders. In addition, it also ensures that the US will gather accurate information on certain countries regardless of their purpose – business or pleasure – because a lot could happen during the two-year visa. They just want to make sure that all the information is still accurate.
America believes this goes hand in hand, and rightly so because of the increasing number of attacks from all over the world, you could not blame them for increasing their security measures.
In addition, the electronic visa update system is also being used to ensure that the existing visa system is still reliable.
How long is the validity of an EVUS?
The electronic visa update system is valid for two consecutive years, and unlike any other visa, EVUS is not limited to the 90-day limit that is customarily given. Your length of stay is determined by the length that is dictated by your visa.
However, you have to make sure that your passport is still valid because once that expires, you may have to reapply for a new electronic visa update system. It is advised that your passport’s validity be at least six months beyond your estimated travel date to the United States to avoid any problems.
As long as you have a valid visa, the EVUS application is relatively easy. All you have to do is fill out an online application form and submit it.
When it first came up, the EVUS application was free. However, today, a fee is needed to process the application, but if ever your application is denied, you are due for a full refund.
A good tip for those planning to apply for an electronic visa application system is to make sure you apply at least 72 hours before the trip. Often you'll get a response within 24 hours.
There are exemptions to the electronic visa update system even if you come from the People’s Republic of China, but that will depend on where your passport was issued. For example, if you are living in Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan, and your passport was issued in China, you will need an EVUS. However, if your passport is a Hong Kong SAR or Macau SAR, you can travel in and out of the USA.
For those whose passports are issued in Taiwan, you are entitled to an ESTA visa waiver.
What is the difference between ESTA and EVUS?
The main difference revolves around the nature of the two.
- The electronic visa update system is only an updating system for those with Chinese passports.
- On the other hand, ESTA is for countries under the visa waiver program which do not require a visa when they travel to the US. However, whenever they visit the country, they need another ESTA.
It is different for the EU, but their version is still being designed and will have the same purpose as the EVUS. The difference will be its validity because it is projected to be valid for up to five years.
Now and then, the reliability and stability of long-standing policies and systems need to be tested, just like with policies set in place for getting a visa.
EVUS is just one step.
This guest post was written by Paulina Rochin.
