You can’t engage in any business activities while on a visiting visa, even if it’s just a partnership plan.

To participate legally in the business, you’ll need a work or investor visa, like an E-2 (if eligible) or another employment-based category. The visiting visa only allows you to explore opportunities, not actively invest or work. Starting or operating the business before changing your status could violate your current visa terms and affect future entries.

You can discuss ideas or attend meetings informally, as long as you don’t receive income or make financial commitments under your visitor status.