Can you work in the US on tourist visa?

Posted by Avisa:   27.05.2020

Moving to another country for work or changing residence is always accompanied by some immigration difficulties, especially if we are talking about the United States. The U.S. immigration system is designed to serve U.S. national interests. Many people are looking for legal ways to move to the US to enjoy the fullness of civil rights and freedoms on a par with U.S. citizens, except for voting and holding certain public offices.

The most common way to legally immigrate to the U.S. is:

• Win the Green Card lottery
• Marrying a U.S. citizen
• To obtain political asylum
• Family reunion
• Invest in U.S. business.

However, you can travel to the US for a short period on a student visa or a work visa.

Most of these ways to get to the US are very expensive and take a long time.  That is way many people try to immigrate illegally.

A B1/B2 visa allows you to travel to the US, visit relatives, receive training for less than 6 months, undergo a short-term medical examination, participate in scientific seminars, conferences, and visit business partners. It is forbidden to work on this type of visa, but very often, this rule does not stop people.  A work visa can be given for a longer period, but it is harder to get.  That is why some people try to work after getting a B1/B2 visa. A B1/B2 visa is normally granted for 10 years, but you can only stay in the US for 180 days each time you enter the country.  

What consequences can be if the U.S. Embassy or local authorities find that you are working or live in the country illegally?

• You may be deported from the country plus you may be banned from getting a visa for 5 years,
• Your visa may be revoked,
• The chances of persuading a visa officer to issue you a visa will prob ably be low. This restriction could be applied to your close relatives (spouse and children) as well,
• Countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia will be extremely reluctant to issue non-immigrant visas.

It is necessary to understand that without an official work permit, it will be difficult to find a real job.  Because American employers are subject to paying large fines for hiring “undocumented workers” (illegal aliens), they are unlikely to hire anyone without a H-1B visa.

The conclusion is that violating the immigration rules of a country like the United is extremely risky and often results in a bad outcome.