US Visit or Tourist Visa Application Comparison, Purpose, Eligibility and New Policies
Thinking of heading to the United States but unsure whether you need a Tourist or a Visit Visa? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. With recent policy updates, stricter screenings, and a few new surprises (including travel bans and proposed fast-track fees), it’s more important than ever to choose the right visa type.
Let’s simplify everything for you.
The Basics: What Are B-1 and B-2 Visas?
Both visas fall under the B category of non-immigrant U.S. visas, but they serve different purposes:
| Visa Type | Purpose | Common Activities |
|---|---|---|
| B-1 (Visit/Business Visa) | Short-term business travel | Meetings, conferences, negotiations, unpaid training |
| B-2 (Tourist Visa) | Personal, leisure, or medical travel | Tourism, family visits, weddings, sightseeing, medical treatment |
| B-1/B-2 (Combo) | Dual-purpose visits | A mix of both activities |
Latest Policy Changes You Must Know (June 2025)
| Update | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Mandatory MFA for ImmiAccount | New applicants must set up multi-factor authentication for visa accounts. No shared logins allowed. |
| Interview Waiver Limits | Only renewals from the past 12 months may skip interviews. Most must now attend in person. |
| Proposed $1,000 Fast-Track Fee | Want your visa faster? You might soon pay a premium. Not implemented yet, but under review. |
| June 2025 Travel Ban | New visa bans for 12 countries (full), and severe delays for 7 others—including partial restrictions for Pakistan, Iran, and Yemen. |
| Stricter Airport Checks | Even travelers with valid visas face tougher questioning and possible phone checks upon arrival. |
Ask Yourself These Questions to Pick the Right US Visa
Let’s walk you through this decision like a friend would:
1# Why Are You Going to the U.S.?
-
- Only for business? (No salary, just meetings/conferences) → Go for B-1
- Only for leisure, tourism, or visiting relatives? → Choose B-2
- A bit of both? → Apply for a B-1/B-2 combo visa.
2# Will You Be Getting Paid in the U.S.?
-
- If yes, neither B-1 nor B-2 is suitable—you’ll need a work visa.
- ✅ If no, both visa types are fine (just choose based on your purpose).
3# Are You Attending an Event?
-
- Wedding, family reunion, graduation → B-2
- Business training, conference, seminar → B-1
4# Are You Planning to Visit a Doctor or Undergo Medical Treatment?
-
-
✅ You’ll need a B-2 visa with proof of appointments, financial ability, and treatment plan.
-
5# From a Recently Restricted Country?
If you’re from one of the countries affected by the June 2025 travel restrictions (e.g., Iran, Somalia, Pakistan):
-
- Expect longer processing times, more scrutiny, and possible visa denials
- Apply early, and bring strong proof of return ties (job, family, education).
Should you apply for US Visit or Tourist Visa?
Following table will help you navigate which type of US visa will be the right option for you:
| Visit Purpose/Scenario | Your Best Visa |
|---|---|
| Vacation in the U.S. | B-2 |
| Visit family/friends | B-2 |
| Business conference or training | B-1 |
| Touring AND meeting clients | B-1/B-2 |
| Seeking medical treatment | B-2 |
| Attending a wedding or funeral | B-2 |
| Negotiating contracts (not working) | B-1 |
Examples of What You Can and Cannot Do on US Visit/Tourist Visa
| Activity | B-1 Visa | B-2 Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Attend a business conference | ✅ | ❌ |
| Go on a vacation | ❌ | ✅ |
| Visit a sick relative | ❌ | ✅ |
| Receive short-term unpaid training from a U.S. company | ✅ | ❌ |
| Attend a family wedding | ❌ | ✅ |
| Travel for medical treatment | ❌ | ✅ |
Visit daadscholarship.com for More Fully-funded Scholarships 2026 News.
