US B-1/B-2 Visa Holders Can Job Hunt and Attend Interviews in 2025

As international job seekers increasingly look to the United States for career opportunities, a common question arises: Can you enter the U.S. on a B-1/B-2 visitor visa to search for a job and attend interviews? In 2025, understanding the rules surrounding this topic is essential.

This article clarifies what you can do while on a B-1/B-2 visa, including job hunting and transitioning to a work visa.

Understanding the B-1/B-2 Visa

The B-1/B-2 visa is a non-immigrant visitor visa for short-term travel to the U.S. It serves two primary purposes:

• B-1 Visa (Business): This visa is for attending meetings, conferences, and contract negotiations.
• B-2 Visa (Tourism): This visa is intended for vacations, family visits, or medical treatment.

Importantly, neither visa permits employment or paid work in the U.S.

Attending Job Interviews on a B-1/B-2 Visa

Yes, you can attend job interviews, but proceed with caution. U.S. immigration law allows job interviews under the B-1 visa as part of legitimate business activities. However, you cannot use the visa primarily to seek employment. Accepting a job or starting work while on this visa is strictly prohibited.

Restrictions of the B-1/B-2 Visa

It is crucial to understand what you cannot do on a B-1/B-2 visa:

• No employment within the U.S.
• No remote work for U.S. companies, even if payment is sent abroad.
• No internships, training, or freelance work.
• No salary or stipend from U.S. employers.
• No overstaying your visa.

What If You Receive a Job Offer?

If a U.S. company offers you a job after your interviews, you cannot start working immediately. You must first change your visa status. Here are your options:

Change of Status (CoS) Within the U.S.

Your employer must file a Form I-129 petition to sponsor your visa (such as H-1B). If approved by USCIS, you can begin working without leaving the U.S. However, you won’t have a physical visa stamp, just lawful status.

Consular Processing—Exit Required

If USCIS approves your work visa without a change of status, you must leave the U.S. and visit a U.S. embassy to obtain your visa stamp before re-entering.

Importance of Intent at Entry

Your intent when entering the U.S. is critical. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers assess your purpose of entry. If you indicate you are job hunting, it may raise concerns, especially if you carry a résumé or job offer letter. Be aware of the “30/60 day rule” regarding change of status applications:

• Applying within 30 days of entry may be seen as a violation.
• The period from 30 to 60 days is a grey area.
• After 60 days, you are generally on safer ground.

Can You Convert a B-1/B-2 Visa to a Work Visa?

Yes, conversion is possible, but complex. Here’s what you need to know:

Conversion is possible if:

• You maintain valid B-1/B-2 status when applying.
• A U.S. employer sponsors your petition.
• You remain lawfully in the U.S. while your application is pending.

Risks Involved:

• USCIS may suspect misrepresentation if you apply soon after entering.
• Your application could be denied if it appears dishonest.
• You cannot start working until your new visa status is approved.

Summary of Allowed Activities

Conclusion

Navigating job hunting on a B-1/B-2 visa in the U.S. involves understanding the rules and restrictions. While you can attend interviews, starting work requires careful planning and compliance with immigration laws. Always seek professional guidance to ensure a smooth transition to a work visa.