Yep that's a possiblity...
Possible problems though - your friend has to have a "real" business. US immigration will check. Also, there are only a limited number of temp work visas issued each year. As with hiring people from the US to work in the UK, your friend will have to justify why they need you and your skills. They have to show that they can't find anyone in the US to do the job.

Basically, without a real job it's not easy. If you overstay your 90 day tourist slot and work illegally, you probably won't ever get back in to the US, and you will get stopped when you try to leave, coz the airline have to check if you have overstayed, and they will call in the fascist interrogation squad...
( Three Dog Man, Sat 9 Jul 2005, 16:57, archived)

So basically unless I'm rich, I will only be allowed to stay for 90 days.
But if I can come up with £10 000 I would be able to get a holiday visa for a year, but I wouldn't be able to work during that time.
( hoifbjifbef, Sat 9 Jul 2005, 17:04, archived)

If you are rich enough
you can even buy permanent residency in the US by investing in a US company.

I stayed in the US for just over a year in 2000 on multiple 90 day visits, but I had to come back to the UK for a few days between each of them. After 9/11 they won't let you get away with that one any more.
( Three Dog Man, Sat 9 Jul 2005, 17:13, archived)

Even if I don't wear my turban?
*sigh*
( hoifbjifbef, Sat 9 Jul 2005, 17:19, archived)