Real questions applicants ask before and after the interview — answered with citations from the official U.S. Department of State sources.
Most-asked questions about the U.S. B1/B2 process — fees, refusal, EVUS, length of stay.
The following notes are Htex's supplementary commentary based on public sources, not the official positions of any immigration authority. Always defer to the official source.
No. The U.S. Department of State explicitly states that an invitation letter or Affidavit of Support is NOT needed and is NOT a factor in the decision. If you bring one, it is ignored.
Editor's noteNo. B1/B2 is about YOUR intent to return, not about an inviter. Invitation letters are optional and rarely affect the decision.
Wait times vary by U.S. Embassy / Consulate and season. Check the official Global Visa Wait Times page before scheduling — some posts have a several-month backlog in summer.
Editor's noteOff-season: 1-2 weeks. Peak (May-Aug / Chinese New Year): 4-8 weeks. Work backwards from your flight: book interview 4 weeks before departure.
Yes, at any time. There is no mandatory wait period. Reapply only when your circumstances have meaningfully changed (different job, family status, property, etc.) and you can present new evidence.
Editor's noteYes, and no waiting period. Add new evidence (new job / property / marriage) and reapply. Don't reapply without changes—you'll be refused for the same reason.
Under Section 222(g) of the INA, the visa of anyone who overstays is automatically voided. Future travel to the United States with that visa becomes impossible, even if it is still within the printed validity period.
Editor's noteEven one day over = overstay. Consequence: automatic visa voidance (222(g)), and that voided visa is permanently unusable. Future applications are also affected.
Not required for B1/B2. It is strongly recommended because U.S. healthcare costs are very high. The Schengen requirement does not apply here.
Editor's noteNot required, but recommended. Accidents, emergency medical, emergency evacuation all cost money. $50k-$100k coverage, 2-3 week trip premium: ¥200-400.
Payment method depends on the specific U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Most posts accept credit/debit card at the time of scheduling, some require bank transfer or in-person payment. The amount is $185 USD.
Editor's noteOnline with credit card ($185 USD). Most major Chinese banks (CITIC, CMB, CCB) work. After payment you get a CGI number—use it to book the interview.