Which visa category should I apply for — tourist (B1/B2), student (F1), work (H1B), or another type?
Choosing the correct U.S. visa category depends entirely on the main purpose of your trip and how long you intend to stay in the United States. If you are traveling for short-term tourism, family visits, or business meetings that do not involve paid employment in the U.S., you would generally apply for a B1/B2 visa — B1 for business purposes such as conferences or negotiations, and B2 for tourism, leisure, or medical treatment (often issued together as a combined B1/B2 visa). If your primary goal is to study full-time at a U.S. school, college, or university, the F1 visa is the standard option, while the M1 visa applies to certain vocational or non-academic programs. If you have received a job offer from a U.S. employer and meet the qualifications for a specialty occupation, you might be eligible for an H1B visa, which allows temporary employment in your professional field; other work-related visas include L1 for intracompany transfers, O1 for individuals with extraordinary abilities, and H2B for seasonal non-agricultural workers. There are also more specialized categories for exchange visitors (J1), investors (E2), journalists (I), and immigrant visas for copyright (copyright categories). Applying for the wrong category can lead to a denial or the need to start over, so it’s essential to clearly define your travel purpose, confirm your eligibility, and review the requirements for each visa type on the official U.S. State Department website or with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country before applying. Matching your visa type precisely to your intended activities in the U.S. is one of the most important steps to ensure a smooth and successful application process.