You came to the US on a tourist visa. You fell in love—with the place, the people, maybe even the job opportunities. Now you're asking, “How do I switch from a tourist visa to a work visa in 2025?”
We get this question all the time. At Apex Law Firm APC, we help people like you turn those dreams into real-life job opportunities.
We're not just any law firm. We're a full-service immigration law firm in Pasadena that handles business and work visas for clients around the world. And yeah, we've done this before. A lot.
Let us walk you through the real deal—without the legal fluff. Just clear, easy steps and useful advice. Sounds good? Let's go.
1. Introduction
2. Why Changing from a Tourist to a Work Visa Matters
3. Step 1: Know the Basics
4. Step 2: Find a US Employer Willing to Sponsor You
5. Step 3: Apply for the Right Work Visa
6. Step 4: Leave the US and Re-Enter with a Work Visa
7. Tips from Our Immigration Attorney in Pasadena
8. FAQ Section
9. Talk to Us – Let Apex Law Firm APC Help You!
Changing from a tourist visa (B-1/B-2) to a work visa can change your life.
You can legally work in the US
You can build a career here
You get peace of mind, knowing you're doing it the right way
But let's be honest—it's not as easy as flipping a switch. You need to follow US immigration laws carefully. That's where our immigration attorney in Pasadena comes in. We'll guide you, step-by-step.
Step 1: Understand the Basics
A tourist visa (B-1/B-2) only allows visits. You can't work while on it.
But—there's hope.
Yes, it's possible to move from a tourist visa to a work visa. However, you usually can't apply directly inside the US from a tourist visa. You often need to:
● Find an employer willing to sponsor you
● Apply for a work visa like the H-1B, O-1, L-1, or other types
● Leave the US and re-enter with the new visa after approval
That's the short version. Let's break it down.
Step 2: Find a US Employer to Sponsor You
This is the most important step. You can't apply for a work visa without a job offer.
Here's what to do:
● Start applying for jobs in your field
● Seek out firms known for supporting work visa sponsorships.
● Tailor your resume for US employers
● Be upfront in interviews that you'll need visa sponsorship
Hot tip: Many companies don't know how to sponsor a visa. That's where we step in.
We support employers throughout the visa process for easy approval. At Apex Law Firm APC, we've helped businesses of all sizes—from tech startups to research firms—sponsor international talent.
Step 3: Apply for the Right Work Visa
Not all work visas are created equal. The one you apply for depends on your background and the job.
Here are a few common options:
● H-1B Visa – For skilled workers with a bachelor’s degree or higher.
● L-1 Visa – For people transferring from a company abroad to its US office.
● O-1 Visa – For people with extraordinary abilities in arts, sciences, business, etc.
● TN Visa – For Canadians and Mexicans under NAFTA rules.
We simplify picking the perfect fit for you. Our team understands different industries—from high-tech and engineering to journalism and education.
Step 4: Leave the US and Re-Enter with the New Visa
Here's the tricky part: you usually can't change your visa status from B-1/B-2 to a work visa while staying in the US
Following the approval of your work visa, you need to:
● Leave the US
● Go to a US embassy or consulate in your home country
● Attend a visa interview
● Re-enter the US legally with your new work visa
Don't try to start working while still on a tourist visa—it's illegal and could mess up your future chances.
We'll walk you through all the paperwork so nothing goes wrong.
Here are some tips from our team at Apex Law Firm APC to help you stay on track:
● Don't overstay your tourist visa. This can cause serious problems.
● Keep strong records. Save copies of resumes, job offers, and emails.
● Be honest with immigration officers. Never lie during interviews or on forms.
● Hire a trusted lawyer. We confirm that everything meets the standards.
At Apex Law Firm APC, we work with clients from across the globe. We've helped people in fields like natural sciences, international business, education, and more. Our global approach gives you an edge.
1. Can I change my visa status while inside the US?
Sometimes yes, but it's rare. Frequently, it's necessary to exit and re-enter.
2. What's the expected timeline for completing a work visa application?
It depends on the visa type, the employer, and government processing times. H-1B visas, for example, follow a yearly lottery.
3. What if my tourist visa is about to expire?
You may apply for an extension or prepare to leave before it expires. We can help you figure it out.
4. Can Apex Law Firm help me find a sponsor?
While we don't find employers, we do help employers who want to hire you understand how to sponsor you.
5. What makes Apex Law Firm APC different?
We're more than just lawyers. We're partners in your journey. We understand both the legal side and the real-life challenges you face. We've worked with individuals and companies in dozens of industries.
Moving from a tourist visa to a work visa in 2025 might feel like a huge mountain to climb. But guess what? You don't have to climb it alone.
We offer personalized legal advice
We know how to work with global talent
We've helped clients in tech, art, education, and more
At Apex Law Firm APC , we're proud to be a trusted immigration law firm in Pasadena. We've helped countless clients achieve their dream of working in the US
Let's do the same for you.
Call us today. Call us
Send us a message.
Arrange a consultation with our expert immigration attorney in Pasadena.
Remember: This journey may be confusing—but we've got the map. Let's take that first step together. Your future in the US starts now.
Contact Apex Law Firm APC Today
Let us be your legal team, your cheerleaders, and your guides. We're here when you're ready!
