Can I work remotely for US client while visiting US on Travel (B-2) visa [closed]

I work for a US client remotely from home in India. My cousin who has a business in USA wants my help with his business and he has invited me to USA to stay with him for 6 months. He will not be paying me anything.
Can I get a B-2 (tourist visa) and still work remotely for my USA client while in USA?
Will there be any issues getting the B-2 visa?
Will I have to pay any taxes in US for the earnings I do from my employer while working remotely from USA?
Is there any other visa which will be more suitable for my situation?

usa b1-b2-visas

Best Answer

Will there be any issues getting the B-2 visa?

Yes, I expect you will have issues when applying for a visa for two reasons:

You want to go to America to work for your cousin's business. Even though it's unpaid it still counts as work and therefore not allowed on a B1/B2 visa.
Your only source of income is a remote job for a US employer, so the embassy could suspect you're planning to work in their office during your stay.

Therefore I'd recommend you change your plans or apply for a proper work visa, possibly sponsored by your cousin.

Can I get a B-2 (tourist visa) and still work remotely for my USA client while in USA?

Assuming you do get your visa and don't mention your job to the immigration employee at the airport, it's highly unlikely anyone will catch you in the act. But legally speaking you'll be in a gray zone, potentially violating US immigration laws.

Will I have to pay any taxes in US for the earnings I do from my employer while working remotely from USA?

Assuming you stay in the US for less than 6 months, you probably won't have to pay any taxes locally.

Is there any other visa which will be more suitable for my situation?

Yes, possibly the H-1B visa. For a full list of worker visas, see the Department of State website. You may ask a more detailed question on our sister Expats.SE website.

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Can I work remotely with a B1 B2 visa in the US?

Tourist visas do not allow you to work as employed in the issuing country. But, they do not prohibit you from doing your 'home' work while on vacation. So anyone from anywhere who is working on their laptop or smartphone while on short or long vacation is not under any penalty.

Can I work remotely while visiting USA?

If you're thinking of travelling to a U.S. destination to work remotely, it's essential to let your employer know your intentions before you put any plans in motion. Without prior approval, you might risk breaching your employment contract or open yourself up to disciplinary actions.

Can I work remotely in the US from another country?

Can you live overseas and work for a US company? You can work remotely for the US and live on another side of the world, but you still need to pay attention to local tax and residence regulations.

Can I work remotely in the US without a visa?

As long as your foreign employee works remotely form their own country, there is no need for a work visa either. However, if you were to bring them to the US either for training or an extended stay, then they would need a business visa.

Can I stay in the US on a visitor status, and continue working remotely for my foreign company?

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