Mail-In Application or Interview for Tourist Visa

[Mitch0526 1]

Hey all,

I live in China with my Chinese wife. Last summer she got approved for a tourist visa, and we went together for 6 weeks and returned back to China. We want to annually renew the visa so that she can go back to the States with me for short visits. I realized that to renew the visa, you can just do a mail in application without going in for an interview. After going the the online process, it showed she is eligible for the mail in application.

My question is, in most cases, is the chance for approval higher to do a mail in application rather than go in for the interview again if eligible if nothing really has changed in either of our situations? I would assume it would be better to just do the mail in application but wanted to double check.

Thanks!

[Operator 1,927]

Hey all,

I live in China with my Chinese wife. Last summer she got approved for a tourist visa, and we went together for 6 weeks and returned back to China. We want to annually renew the visa so that she can go back to the States with me for short visits. I realized that to renew the visa, you can just do a mail in application without going in for an interview. After going the the online process, it showed she is eligible for the mail in application.

My question is, in most cases, is the chance for approval higher to do a mail in application rather than go in for the interview again if eligible if nothing really has changed in either of our situations? I would assume it would be better to just do the mail in application but wanted to double check.

Thanks!

I would think (opinion only) that if she is eligible for the mail-in application it's more of a renewal so the chances of it being denied are low. Is a 10 year visa an option for the mail in application? If not, I would apply in person and request a 10 year, most of my friends (Chinese) who have applied recently have been given 10 year validity without even asking. I was by the SH visa office on Friday and there must have been 200 people outside lined up at 3:00 in the afternoon....in the rain. I'm thinking they are doing whatever they can to limit interviews so the 10 year visa is pretty popular with the visa staff.

[Mitch0526 1]

That's good info, thanks!

Does anyone else know if a mail-in application can get a 10 year visa?

[jan22 3,056]

That's good info, thanks!

Does anyone else know if a mail-in application can get a 10 year visa?

Makes no difference whether mail-in or interview. The US recently changed its visa recipocity for China; previously, the longest validity visa was 12 months. Now, the longest is 120 months. So, anyone approved will likely be getting the 10 year visa. Really doesn't matter which way she goes -- so why go to the hassle of the interview? Mail it in -- if they can't approve it immediately for some reason, they can't outright deny it; they have to request that the person come in for an interview, so she still has that chance to convince them in person.

[Mitch0526 1]

That is good news! Thank you!

[Mitch0526 1]

Makes no difference whether mail-in or interview. The US recently changed its visa recipocity for China; previously, the longest validity visa was 12 months. Now, the longest is 120 months. So, anyone approved will likely be getting the 10 year visa. Really doesn't matter which way she goes -- so why go to the hassle of the interview? Mail it in -- if they can't approve it immediately for some reason, they can't outright deny it; they have to request that the person come in for an interview, so she still has that chance to convince them in person.

Jan, do you know what documents are required for the drop off application?

[jan22 3,056]

Jan, do you know what documents are required for the drop off application?

Actual process varies from Embassy to Embassy. For China-specific requirements, check out the Embassy website info: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/cn/cn-niv-visarenew.asp.

[Mitch0526 1]

Actual process varies from Embassy to Embassy. For China-specific requirements, check out the Embassy website info: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/cn/cn-niv-visarenew.asp.

You are such a great help. Thank you!

[jan22 3,056]

You are such a great help. Thank you!

My pleasure....glad it helped.

Edited June 30, 2015 by jan22