01.27.10 – 2:05PM    In the past few days, the U.S. Consulate Shanghai has received reports of technical difficulties with the new online application. The application is often “timing out” even if the applicant has recently saved their application.  The “timing out” issue appears to have been fixed and no new problems have been reported today. However, if any CVP applicants with urgent travel needs encounter technical difficulties, they may use the paper forms DS-156 and DS-157 to complete an NIV application.  On March 1, the option to use DS-156 and DS-157 will expire and all applicants in Mainland China must use the DS-160 online application. The U.S. Consulate Shanghai recommends that CVP applicants continue to use the DS-160 online application as this will speed the visa renewal application process. If you are using the online application, it is very important to save the .dat file after you complete each page. We apologize for any inconvenience. Please continue to check the Consul’s CVP blog for updates.

– Vice Consul

01.26.10 – 8:35 PM    Some applicants have inquired why they are not asked to provide detailed work and education history. For example, some applicants are not asked “Were you previously employed?” or prompted to submit their educational background. There is no problem with the form, this is normal. The form is dynamic and will change based on the information you enter about yourself and your purpose of travel. It is essential to provide accurate responses to all questions since this will change the set of questions on the application.

– Vice Consul

01.22.10 – 5:00PM    We are receiving several reports of technical difficulties with the online application today – January 22. The application is often “timing out” even if the applicant has not stopped typing. If you are using the application, it is very important to save the .dat file after you complete each page. We apologize for the inconvenience.

– Vice Consul

01.22.10 – 4:00PM    Applicants must complete the “Other Given Names Used” field. If your Given Name is two Chinese characters, in the “Given Name” field, please enter the two names in pinyin without a space (as appears in the passport). Then, in the “Other Given Names Used” field, please enter the two names with a space between them. If the applicant uses a Western name professionally, use the “add another” feature to enter this name. If your “Given Name” is only one Chinese character, you do not need to complete the “Other Given Names Used” field unless you are adding a Western Name.

–Vice Consul

01.22.10 – 2:00PM    If the address listed on your official identification (Hukou, Zanzhuzheng, etc) is different from where you actually live, please fill in your actual address—where you live— in the “Address Information” area.

– Vice Consul

01.22.10 – 11:00AM    If you are asked to complete your previous educational experience, it is essential to complete all education after elementary school. This includes: middle school, high school and each university degree. For university education, please specify the degree level and major for each degree. For example: Bachelors degree in English.

–Vice Consul

01.14.10 – 8:45AM    Some applicants were confused by the question that requests the visa number for a previous U.S. visa. Please enter the 8-digit number that is displayed in red on the lower right hand side of the visa.

–Vice Consul

01.14.10 – 8:30AM    Several companies have praised our efforts to simplify the CVP application process and eliminate paperwork. They have also asked whether the designated couriers’ role will change. For now, the designated courier must continue to visit the AmCham office to pay the CVP application fee and drop off the confirmation page. The U.S. Consulate is working with AmCham to find ways to further simplify the CVP application process.

–Vice Consul

01.14.10 – 8:00AM    Please remember to use the “add another” function as necessary. For example, if you are traveling to the U.S. for three reasons (to attend a conference in Connecticut, visit a friend in New York, and then take a vacation in Hawaii), please make sure that you tell us about all three. Enter your earliest activity first and then add others by using the “add another” button.

–Vice Consul

01.14.10 – 7:30AM    Reminder: All applicants should select B1/B2 if they are traveling for business or leisure or both. Applicants do not need to specify whether they intend to travel only for business or only for leisure. In fact, we will almost always issue a combined B1/B2 visa so that you can use your multi-entry visa for either purpose within the year validity period.

–Vice Consul