B-2 tourist visa (or B1/B2) is strictly for temporary pleasure, tourism, or medical visits and does not allow you to work in the U.S.; engaging in any form of employment, even for a foreign company, is prohibited and can lead to visa denial or removal. It is best to begin your immigration processing by choosing the appropriate work visa (like H-1B, L-1) by having a U.S. employer file a petition with USCIS first. Lang Wallace will help you strategize this.
What You Cannot Do on a B-2 Visa:
- Work for Pay: Accept any salary, wages, or payment from a U.S. entity or even a foreign one while in the U.S..
- Study: Enroll in a degree-seeking program at a school or university.
- Perform: Engage in paid performances or professional work before a paying audience.
- Permanent Residence: Come to the U.S. with the intent to live or stay permanently.
What You Can Do on a B-1/B-2 Visa:
- Tourism, vacation, and recreation (sightseeing, parks, beaches).
- Visiting family or friends.
- Seeking temporary medical treatment.
- Attending short-term, non-paid events like meetings for associations or conventions (often under B-1 Business Visa).
- Gather business specifications to do back overseas. (under B-1 Business Visa)
Dealing with the U.S. consulate during consular processing of the visa stamp is not straightforward. Please call us to help you complete the DS-160 properly and coach you before going to the visa appointment so you can be as effective as possible when advocating for your case in the allotted 30 seconds the officer gives you to state the purpose of your US visit.