Embassy simplifies visa applications

BEIJING - Starting from next Monday, qualified non-immigrant Chinese applicants to the United States can renew their visas without undergoing another interview if their visas expired less than 48 months ago, under a pilot program announced on Thursday by US Ambassador Gary Locke.

The new initiative includes B (temporary visitors for business and pleasure), C1 (transit), F (students), J (exchange visitors) and other categories, covering 95 percent of the total visas issued by the US embassy and consulates across China, according to Locke.

The previous policy only allowed an interview waiver within 12 months of the expiration date.