When you are approved for a tourist visa to enter the United States, you may be incredibly excited about this opportunity. However, once you make it into the country, you may wonder if you’re eligible to obtain employment. However, it’s imperative to understand that there are a number of rules regarding eligibility to work in the United States, meaning you generally need to ensure you have the appropriate visa. The following blog explores what you should know about this matter, including how to legally work in the United States with the assistance of Fairfax County work visa lawyers.
What Is a Tourist Visa?
Generally, there are two types of tourist visas you can obtain to gain entry into the United States. The first is a B-1, which allows someone to enter the country for temporary business purposes, such as attending important conferences or training seminars. However, it’s critical to understand that this does not allow you to obtain employment in the United States. While you can perform important job duties for your current position, you are unable to obtain new employment or be paid by an employer for work completed on this visa.
The other type of tourist visa is B-2. This is a visa that allows you to enter the country with the purpose of sightseeing, visiting relatives, or other recreational purposes. Just like a B-1 visa, you are not able to work on a B-2 visa.
In the event you are discovered working on a tourist visa, you can expect to face serious consequences. Generally, you can anticipate having your visa revoked, having future visas denied, and being deported from the country.
If I Want to Work, What Are My Options?
If you want to work in the United States and you are currently in the country on a tourist visa, it’s important to understand your options. Generally, the first thing you should note is that you are eligible to look for employment opportunities. However, as mentioned, you cannot work until you have proper clearance to do so.
If you are able to secure a formal job offer from an employer willing to sponsor you, they must file a petition on your behalf. This includes submitting a Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker. Once submitted, a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services officer will review the petition and, if it’s complete, will approve the petition. Once approved, you must apply for a change of status to transition from a B visa to the appropriate visa. During this process, you can remain in the country, but you will be ineligible to work until your change of status is approved.
As you can see, obtaining employment in the United States can be an incredibly difficult process. That is why it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney to assist you in these matters. At Goel & Anderson, our dedicated team will do everything possible to help guide you through this process so you can fight for the best possible outcome during these times.
