Under US law, you can only legally do paid work in the country if you have a work permit or green card, documents designed to guarantee your rights and government obligations in matters of employment.
If you decide to work with a tourist visa, you may be an immigrant in an illegal work situation.
The consequences of working without a permit can be severe. If Department of Labor authorities discover this violation, you may face:
– Immediate cancellation of your visa
– Banned from entering the United States for up to 10 years
– Permanent ban on entering the country
Also, remember that companies in the United States are required by Immigration Law to verify the identity and immigration status of foreign job seekers. If you are offered a job without a work permit, the government cannot protect you from fraud, mistreatment, wrongful termination, exploitation, or other employment problems.
Currently, there are several visas designed for foreign workers in the United States, each intended for different employment sectors:
H-2A Visa: Focused on temporary agricultural jobs
H-2B Visa: Good for non-agricultural workers in construction, gardening or cleaning
L Visa: For employees transferred to the United States by a Mexican or American company
O Visa: Exclusively for outstanding people in fields such as science, sports, art or education, with demonstrated outstanding achievements
P Visa: Intended for singers, actors and actresses traveling to the United States for performances
Q Visa: Designed for students, teachers or school directors traveling as part of an educational or cultural exchange program
