Short answer: No.
You cannot work in the United States if you enter on a tourist visa (B-1/B-2). U.S. immigration law strictly prohibits any form of employment—paid or unpaid—while on a tourist visa.

Doing so can result in:

• Visa cancellation

• Deportation

• A bar from entering the U.S. in the future

• Denial of future visa or green card applications

Why You Can’t Work on a Tourist Visa

A B-1/B-2 visa is meant only for:

B-1 (Business Visit):

• Attending meetings

• Negotiating contracts

• Attending conferences

• Short-term training (no hands-on work)

B-2 (Tourism Visit):

• Tourism

• Visiting friends and family

• Medical treatment

• Attending social events

None of these categories allow working for a U.S. employer or doing labor that benefits a U.S. business.

What Counts as “Work”?

You cannot:

❌ Take a job with a U.S. company
❌ Do freelance or remote work for U.S. clients
❌ Work at a shop, restaurant, office, or any business
❌ Do unpaid work (internships, volunteering that replaces a paid role)
❌ Overstay to work “cash jobs”

Even if you work online, if the employer or clients are in the U.S., it is considered unauthorized employment.

What You Can Legally Do on a Tourist Visa

You can:

✔ Attend job interviews (but cannot start working)
✔ Explore business opportunities (no hands-on work)
✔ Attend conferences, workshops, events
✔ Negotiate deals
✔ Seek investment opportunities

If your goal is to find a future job, you may explore options, but you cannot start employment until you change status to a work-authorized visa.

How You Can Legally Work in the U.S.

If you want to work in the U.S., you need one of the following types of visas:

1. H-1B Visa (Skilled Workers)

For specialized occupations (IT, engineering, medicine, finance, etc.).

2. L-1 Visa

For employees transferred within the same company from a branch abroad.

3. O-1 Visa

For individuals with extraordinary ability (arts, science, sports, etc.).

4. E-2 Visa

For investors or entrepreneurs from treaty countries.

5. TN Visa

For Canadian and Mexican citizens (under USMCA).

6. Employment-Based Green Card

For permanent work and residence.

Each requires specific eligibility and employer sponsorship.

Can I Change from a Tourist Visa to a Work Visa?

Yes, but with rules.

• You must find an employer willing to sponsor you.

• You must apply for a change of status before your tourist visa expires.

• You cannot work until USCIS approves your new status.

Important:
If you enter the U.S. on a tourist visa intending to work, that is considered visa fraud.

What If I Want to Work Remotely While in the U.S.?

If your employer or clients are outside the U.S., and you are paid outside the U.S., it might be allowed—but still risky.

USCIS has no official rule explicitly permitting this. A Customs officer may still assume it is unauthorized work.

To avoid trouble, apply for a visa category that clearly authorizes employment.

Conclusion

You cannot work in the U.S. on a tourist visa—period.
If your goal is to work, you must apply for the appropriate work visa or change your status legally before beginning any employment.