As 2026 World Cup approaches, US immigration authorities tighten rules, saying content creation for income on tourist visas violates entry conditions and could lead to visa cancellation and removal.

The United States government has issued a strict warning to foreign content creators and social media influencers, stating that they could face deportation if they earn income while visiting the country on a tourist visa, particularly as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches.

In a statement sent to Spanish news agency EFE, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) clarified that entering the country under a tourist visa while engaging in monetised content creation violates immigration rules.

Officials said any visit whose primary purpose is content creation and income generation from US-based activity is classified as work and therefore requires an appropriate work visa.

“Having the sole purpose of the visit be content creation (as an influencer), thereby generating income from US sources while in the country, is considered work and requires the appropriate visa,” the agencies said.

They further stressed that the standard B-2 tourist visa is strictly limited to leisure travel, family visits, tourism, or medical purposes, and does not permit paid employment or earning income within the United States.

Violations of these conditions, authorities warned, can lead to immediate visa cancellation, deportation, and possible restrictions on future entry into the country.

The warning specifically affects influencers who monetise their content through platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. CBP also noted that working for foreign or domestic media outlets while on a tourist visa is prohibited under the same regulations.

Immigration lawyer Alex Galvez told EFE that affected individuals risk losing their visas if found in breach of entry conditions, though he noted that legal challenges may be possible in cases where payments are processed outside the United States or accounts are registered abroad.

The advisory comes as the US prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19, an event expected to attract thousands of independent creators documenting matches and fan experiences.

Concerns over immigration enforcement during the tournament have already surfaced. The International Sports Press Association recently raised alarm over visa restrictions affecting some of its members, while cases of denied entry have also been reported.

The enforcement stance follows earlier incidents, including the 2025 detention and self-deportation of popular TikToker Khaby Lame after alleged visa overstays, highlighting the US government’s tightened immigration approach.

Officials say immigration enforcement will remain active throughout World Cup venues as part of broader security measures linked to the tournament.