I came to the US on a visitor visa and later got a job offer from a company that is willing to sponsor me. Can I change from a tourist visa to a work visa while staying in the US or do I have to leave the country first

Unauthorized employment can be a concern in many immigration cases, but when someone is applying for permanent residence through marriage to a US citizen, certain violations like unauthorized work are often forgiven if the person entered the country legally. The main focus will usually be proving that the marriage is genuine and that the applicant is otherwise eligible.

A change of status may be possible if you entered the United States legally and your employer files the appropriate petition before your authorized stay expires. However, some applicants still choose to complete the visa process at a US consulate abroad after the petition approval. The best approach depends on the visa category and your timeline, so reviewing your case with an immigration attorney would help determine the safest option.