TRAVELER

Relocating to the USA

Information based on current research for Mainland China residents wishing to live and work in the United States.

Available Visa Types for Mainland Chinese Residents

Residents of Mainland China frequently utilize the H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa, the L-1 Intra-company Transferee Visa, and the EB-1/EB-2 Extraordinary Ability categories. Note that for permanent residency (Green Cards), applicants from Mainland China often face significant backlog and wait times due to per-country quotas.

Main Work Routes

H-1B Visa

The standard professional work visa. Requires a job offer in a specialty role. Highly competitive lottery; many Chinese STEM grads utilize this after OPT.

L-1 (Transfer)

For employees of a Chinese company being transferred to a US branch or subsidiary. Often used by executive talent and senior technical staff.

O-1 Visa

For 'Alien of Extraordinary Ability'. Does not have an annual cap or lottery. Common for top-tier professors, researchers, and professional artists.

General Requirements

Valid Passport of PR China

Approved Form I-797 notice from USCIS

Original degrees and professional transcripts (with certified EN translation)

EVUS enrollment (Electronic Visa Update System) for 10-year B visa holders

Receipt for the MRV visa application fee payment

Typical Process

CBP/USCIS Filing

Sponsoring employer files the Labor Condition Application (LCA) and the I-129 petition with USCIS in the US.

DS-160 & Fee Payment

Once the petition is approved, fill out the DS-160 online. Pay the fee via a CITIC Bank branch or online portal in China.

Embassy Interview

Attend an interview in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenyang, or Wuhan. STEM students may face additional security review (SAO).

Visa Retrieval

Collect your passport from the designated CITIC branch or have it delivered via EMS. Ensure your EVUS is current before boarding.

U.S. Mission China

U.S. Embassy Beijing (No. 55 Anjialou Road)

Largest visa processing posts in Guangzhou (for family/work) and Beijing

china.usembassy-china.org.cn

Service Note

Wait times for work visas in China are generally manageable but subject to sudden changes. For high-tech (STEM) researchers, 'Administrative Processing' can delay the visa for 4-6 weeks after the interview.

USA Work Guide