Can a person legally search for work, or other resources to facilitate future immigration, while visiting under the Visa Waiver Program?
<p>I have a friend who wishes to immigrate to the US in the future. However, they do not currently meet any eligibility requirements for a green card nor do they have a sponsor for a non-immigrant visa at this time. They will be coming to visit the US soon, under the Visa Waiver Program.</p>

<p>While they are mainly coming for tourism and social purposes, my friend also hopes that the visit can be used to find proper sponsorship for a green card or work visa. However, I understand that the VWP does not allow for dual-intent like a work visa generally does. This raises some questions.</p>

<ol>
<li>If employment is found prior to their currently-planned trip, is it possible to change/cancel the VWP permit to have a green card or work visa granted for the trip instead?</li>
<li>While in the US under the VWP, may they apply for US-based jobs and attend interviews (under the condition that work does not begin while still under the VWP)?</li>
<li>If employment is found while on this trip, will they need to return to their home country before a green card or work visa can be granted? If so, for how long?</li>
</ol>

<ol>
<li><p>There's nothing to change or cancel.  If the person becomes eligible to apply for an immigrant visa or a non-immigrant work visa, he can simply apply.</p></li>
<li><p>Yes.</p></li>
<li><p>Yes.  There's no work-sponsored immigrant visa as far as I'm aware, so it will be a nonimmigrant visa application.  The waiting time depends on the circumstances and the visa type, but it would most likely be in the neighborhood of several months to a couple of years.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Questions about the practical aspects of immigration are better suited to <a href="https://expatriates.stackexchange.com">Expatriates</a>.</p>

united-states immigration