U.S. study tour visas are currently processed as visitor visas (B1/B2). Under current policies, successful applicants are generally granted a ten-year multiple-entry visitor visa. Please note that students under the age of 14 may be eligible for an interview waiver and can apply via the drop-box service. Students aged 14 and older must attend an in-person interview at the embassy.
Required Documents for U.S. Study Tour Visas
Students (14 years of age and older):
Original and copy of personal private passport;
Photo (one 5.1cm x 5.1cm color photo with a white background);
Copy of national ID card;
Personal information form;
Other relevant supporting documents (e.g., original household register (hukou), original certificate of enrollment, original student ID, original transcripts, original copies of various award certificates, original bank statements, original deposit slips/passbooks, and other proof of funds (if there are no assets under the student's name, assets under the parents' names may be provided, along with proof of relationship, such as the original household register or original birth certificate), and a letter of authorization from parents if they are not accompanying the student (for student-only groups).
Students (under 14 years of age):
Original student ID or certificate of enrollment;
Original birth certificate;
Copy of parents' passport personal information page or national ID card;
Copies of parents' current and/or previous U.S. visas (if applicable).
Parents (Employed):
Original certificate of employment;
Copy of business license/organization code certificate/foreign enterprise registration certificate/law firm practice license/medical institution practice license.
Parents (Freelance/Retired):
Original proof of residence;
Original bank debit card statements for the last six months (stamped by the bank) and an explanation of income sources;
Copy of the business license for individual industrial and commercial households;
Other proof of assets, such as original fixed deposit slips;
For retirees, provide the original retirement certificate or a retirement proof issued by the former employer (stamped).
※ If the applicant has previously visited the United States, please bring supporting documents for the corresponding status or visa, especially all previously used U.S. visas (including expired visas).
※ Children under 18 years of age entering the United States without the accompaniment of their father and mother must provide written authorization, and notarization is recommended.
Considerations for U.S. Study Tour Visa Interviews
In addition to the visa documents mentioned above, the success of a study tour visa application also depends on the student's performance during the interview. The interview is generally very brief, and the consular officer will ask only a few questions, randomly selected based on the content of the submitted application form. While it is impossible to determine exactly what the officer will ask, the questions generally revolve around the following:
1. What is the purpose of your visit to the United States?
2. What places do you plan to visit? How long will you stay? When will you return?
3. Where do you attend school?
4. Where do you live? What do your parents do? Are they still working?
5. Have you traveled abroad before? Which places have you visited?
6. Do you know anyone in the United States?
※ Before the interview, be sure to have a general understanding of your basic family situation and your parents' employment status to avoid being unable to answer correctly when asked by the consular officer, which could lead to a visa denial.
※ When attending the interview at the consulate, remember to dress appropriately, maintain a natural demeanor, and be confident, polite, and courteous when responding to the consular officer's questions.