Wu was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, but when her condition worsened in 2013, her husband－Lang Yongchun, main anchor of Xinwen Lianbo, or News Simulcast, one of China's most influential television programs－decided to send her overseas in the hope that a change of environment and mood would assist her recovery. However, as Lang was unable to be absent for long periods, the couple decided that their son would accompany Wu to the US.

At first, the boy lived with a host family, but now after 15 months, both mother and son have adapted well to life in the US, and Wu's health has improved so much that in September, her son moved into her rented home so she could look after him herself.

During her time in the US, Wu has made many friends, most of them Chinese parents in New Haven accompanying their children. The 20-strong group often meets to exchange experiences and stories about their children's education, and to offer a helping hand to anyone encountering difficulties.

"We've even hired an American teacher together, to teach us English－$30 an hour, two hours a week," Wu said.

The former magazine editor has also been writing a book about the US education system. "I hope to offer my opinions and experience to a larger number of Chinese parents because a growing number of young Chinese kids are coming to the US to study, and it's good to be prepared," she said.

Real estate and immigration

Tang attempted to renew her US visitor's visa in July, but her application was rejected. Although she wasn't give an explanation, Tang suspects she spent too much time in the US the previous year. Whatever the reason, though, Tang won't see her son until at least July, when she can next apply for a visa. By that time, though, she fears he will have changed beyond recognition. "My son was 1.8 meters tall last time I saw him, and I guess he is much taller now," she said. "I really long to see him as soon as possible."

Recent changes to Sino-US visa policy, announced during November's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Beijing, may provide a sliver of hope and greater convenience for parents such as Tang.

Under the new policy, Chinese visitors can apply for visas that will allow multiple visits during a 10-year period. If Tang can secure one of these visas, she will be able to visit her son whenever she wants, free from the fear that her annual application might be rejected.

Li, of Kentrexs, said the US doesn't offer a specific visa for parents accompanying their children, so most use tourist visas, which have to be renewed annually.

"The inconvenience forced many Chinese parents to abandon the idea of staying with their children overseas," he said. "Now that hurdle has gone, we expect to see parents flooding to the US to accompany their children."

According to Ding Wei, general manager of JJL Immigration, an agency that helps Chinese citizens obtain permanent residence overseas, many parents are attempting to circumvent visa problems by purchasing real estate in the US, or even seeking a coveted "green card", which guarantees permanent residence.

"About 90 percent of our clients have plans to purchase a home of their own in the country where their child studies," he said. "A few years ago, the number was 50 to 60 percent."

According to Ding, parents prefer to buy rather than rent because it's more convenient and, ultimately, more profitable. "Traditionally, Chinese people see real estate as a symbol of security. Meanwhile, from an investment perspective, purchasing real estate is a good way of making money," he said.