Working remotely on a tourist visa — is anyone actually doing this and what's the real risk? — Visas & Immigration

Rachel Brennan

May 11, 2026 at 08:12 AM (edited) 🇨🇴 Colombia

Working remotely on a tourist visa — is anyone actually doing this and what's the real risk?

I'm here on the M visa now but I have a friend in the US who's planning to come for 6 months on tourist status (PT-1) and just work remotely. I keep telling her this is technically not allowed. What's the actual enforcement reality? Has anyone seen anyone get pushed out?

4 upvotes 49 views

Comments (1)

María Camila Restrepo

May 11, 2026 at 01:57 PM

Practically: no one's getting deported for laptops in coffee shops. Legally: she's right that it's a gray area, and if she ever wants to apply for a visa later, having stayed past 90 days even on extensions can complicate things. Tell her: stay under 180 days/year cumulative, exit clean, then she's fine.