Is it legal to look for work in the US while on a B1/B2 (Business Visitor) visa?
I have got 10-year multiple entry US VISA on my Indian passport. I got it to attend a technical conference.
- I was curious to know if I give job interview during this visit?
- I may not have time in this visit, but what if I go after couple of months with $3000 of my saving to sustain for a month and look for job. Is this legal?
I know I need H1-B VISA to work there, but I feel it is easier to get job (even if sponsorship is needed) to be face2face with potential employers. So, is it legal to look for job with B1/B2 ? Can I mention that to immigration officer?
PS: Yes, I'm Software Developer :P
Best Answer
Just looking at the summary of the B-1 Visa from the state department and USCIS item #4 states that one of the potential reasons for B-1 Visa is:
- negotiate a contract
So based on this you can conduct a job interview, which is a form of negotiating a contract for yourself. What you cannot do is to be employed and receive payments for services in the United States while on B-1 visa without employment authorization.
For any other information I would suggest contacting an Immigration lawyer since I am not one and laws and precedents tend to change.
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Can you look for work on B1 visa?
You cannot seek for employment while you are in US on B1/B2. If you get job offer, then US employer has to file Petition first for you. Only with approved petition, you can apply Temporary Workers visa at US Embassy in your home country. However, you can have the company apply for a change of status and become an H1B.Can I look for a job in the US with a tourist visa?
If you wish to work in the United States for a temporary period you will require a nonimmigrant work visa. You cannot work on a visitor or business visa, or under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Unlike some countries, the United States government does not issue work visas for casual employment.Can you look for work on a B2 visa?
Searching for a jobNo you can most definitely not legally look for work while on a tourist visa. If any evidence is found that you are looking for a job you will be denied entry on arrival or could risk deportation at any time.Can I legally work in the US with B1 B2 visa?
An individual on a visitor visa (B1/B2) is not permitted to accept employment or work in the United States. There is no guarantee you will be issued a visa. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa. A valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid.Can we work on B1/B2 Visit Visa in USA | Is it Legal to Work on Business/Visitor Visa (B1/B2) in USA
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