Can I apply for a tourist visa while waiting for my EB-5?

Yes, it is possible to apply for a tourist visa while your EB-5 process is underway. However, the two visas follow opposite logics, and that is precisely what requires careful attention.

A tourist visa (typically the B-2) is intended for temporary visits and is based on the premise that you plan to return to your home country after your stay. The EB-5, on the other hand, is an immigrant visa whose very purpose is permanent residence in the United States. Having a pending EB-5 may lead a consular officer to question whether your true intention is simply tourism.

• A tourist visa requires demonstrating an intention to return to your home country.
• A pending EB-5 may be read as a sign of immigrant intent.
• Each application is evaluated individually, based on documents and circumstances.

The key is transparency: be clear about the purpose of your trip and never omit the ongoing process. Since the analysis is case by case, it is worth checking updated guidance from USCIS or consulting a specialist before applying.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.