Is travelling to the US on an ESTA permit, with intentions of working legit?

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A technical point: you're planning to enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This is the scheme that allows people from friendly countries into the US for tourism or business without a visa. ESTA is a security check that lets you get on the plane; it does not guarantee you entry to the US.

Having got that out of the way, the answer to your question is no. When you enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program you cannot change your immigration status without leaving the US and returning. You may attend job interviews but, if you're offered a job in the US, you must leave, get a visa and come back.

My advice is to have nothing at all to do with this. You were asked to work illegally. It is likely that, if you do agree to work, you will be put under further pressure to do things you don't want to do. Part of the reason for asking you to come along is to lend legitimacy to her n-th reentry to the USA in rapid succession. If the border officer suspects something fishy is going on, you're both in trouble. There is no reason her partner can't send you a contract at home for you to sign and then apply for a work visa. Avoid, avoid, avoid.

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