Isaford Immigration wishes to share an important update about the US government strengthening its enforcement of working in the US while on a B1/B2 visa.
This mail is a reminder to all our current and future clients applying for EB-3 and other US immigrant visas of the consequences of working illegally in the United States.
On 16 January 2026, the US Embassy Phnom Penh posted this on its official Facebook page as part of a global US government campaign:
“A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right. Violating the terms of a visitor visa to work in the United States can result in visa ineligibility for future travel. Protect your status and use your visa correctly.”
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1299740532187025&set=pcb.1299740565520355
Working on a B1/B2 visitor visa in the United States is a serious violation of U.S. immigration law, as these visas are strictly for temporary business meetings, tourism, or medical treatment. Engaging in unauthorized employment—including working for a U.S. employer, receiving payment in the U.S., or remote work while in the U.S.—can lead to severe, long-term consequences.
Consequences of B1/B2 Work Violations
Immediate Visa Revocation: Your B1/B2 visa may be immediately cancelled or revoked upon discovery of unauthorized work.
Deportation/Removal Proceedings: You may be placed in removal proceedings, which could result in formal deportation from the U.S.
Permanent Ban or Long-Term Inadmissibility: Working illegally can lead to a 3-year, 10-year, or a permanent lifetime ban from re-entering the United States.
Denial of Future Visa Applications: A record of violating visa terms will severely affect any future visa applications, as the violation becomes part of your permanent immigration record.
Ineligibility for Green Cards: Unauthorized employment can jeopardize your ability to adjust your status to a permanent resident (green card) in the future.
What Constitutes a Violation?
Receiving Pay in the U.S.: Accepting payment from a U.S. source while on a B1/B2 is not allowed.
“Under the Table” Work: Working for cash without authorization is illegal.
Remote Work for Foreign Company: While some limited remote work for a foreign employer might be acceptable, engaging in active, day-to-day employment while residing in the U.S. can still be considered a violation.
Freelancing/Contract Work: Performing freelance or contract work for U.S. clients while in the U.S. is prohibited.
Detection and Enforcement
Zero-Tolerance Policy: The U.S. Embassy and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforce a zero-tolerance policy regarding visa misuse.
Information Access: Consular officers have full access to your immigration history, making it difficult to hide past violations.
Detection: Misuse is easily spotted by immigration officers, often during entry or when attempting to extend a stay.
Permissible vs. Prohibited Activities
Permissible (B1/B2): Attending conferences, meetings, negotiating contracts, tourism, or visiting relatives.
Prohibited (B1/B2): Productive labor, filling a U.S. job position, or receiving a salary from a U.S. entity.
If you have already engaged in this behavior, it is highly recommended to first consult with Isaford Immigration so we can discuss with our immigration attorney team to understand the risks and potential steps to take.
