Moving back to India - change status to b2 visa

Feb 10, 2021 26 Comments

Hi,
I am in USA currently on H1b visa and planning to move back to India, to join a different company.
I wanted people's opinions, if it is ok to change my status to B2 visa (tourist) while I try to wrap things up here. And while I am on tourist visa, would it be legal to work for my Indian employer remotely.
The Indian company is fine if I work remotely initially.

#return2india #workvisa #h1b

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TOP 26 Comments
  • New
    too_blind

    New

    too_blind
    I am currently preparing for higher education so that I can live in the States (for better quality of life, low pollution, better work and pay in HQ offices of tech firms). Could you please share your reason to return? And if my reasons are valid?
    Thank you
    Feb 10, 2021 4
    • You have valid reasons to come to US. For me, I never came to US with an intention of settling down here. I came to earn little more money. As of now, after 7 years in US, we think we have enough money to live a comfortable life in India. Also, got a nice offer from a startup in Bangalore.
      Feb 10, 2021
    • New
      too_blind

      New

      too_blind
      Thanks a lot @validate 😁.. and all the best!!
      Feb 11, 2021
  • Google / Eng
    #goog

    Go to company page Google Eng

    #goog
    IANAL but if you can transfer to a B2, that's cool. Nothing prevents you from working for an employer in India.
    Feb 10, 2021 10
    • Amazon
      whammy

      Go to company page Amazon

      whammy
      Goog, vacationing while you’re employed vs working while you’re vacationing are two different things. No one is stopping him from accepting the job offer and getting paid but he cannot work. It’s the physical act of providing a service while on US soil which is against the immigration law. When laws were written no one assumed the concept of digital and work from home will be big in this age so it is definitely a bit of a grey area and very likely op will get away with it without anyone blinking an eye. The legality of it though is definitely illegal from immigration law perspective.
      Feb 11, 2021
    • Google
      #goog

      Go to company page Google

      #goog
      Alright, if that's indeed true it's absolutely absurd.
      Feb 11, 2021
  • hi OP, could you please share you process on moving back to India. I am in the same boat and moving back to India soon. Can I DM you ?
    Feb 10, 2021 2
  • Gigamon / Media
    veenom

    Go to company page Gigamon Media

    BIO
    what's th is
    veenom
    If you can change to B2, then you are as good as a visitor and can you anything (including remote work) I guess.
    Feb 10, 2021 1
  • Google
    OPzF42

    Go to company page Google

    OPzF42
    Get an immigration lawyer to file a strong B-2 application and talk to them about your questions. It costs like $500. Let me know if you want a referral.
    Feb 11, 2021 0