Can my employer send me to work at an overseas branch?

It depends on how the assignment fits within what was approved. The H-1B visa authorizes you to work in the United States for a specific employer, in a specific role and at a specific worksite described in the petition approved by USCIS. That authorization is tied to those elements, not to you in a general sense, which is why significant worksite changes usually require careful attention.

A brief business trip outside the U.S. is different from a relocation. When an employer wants to assign you on a long-term basis to an overseas branch or to a location not covered in the petition, it may be necessary to formalize that change with the relevant authorities, often through a new petition or an amendment to the original petition, so the new arrangement becomes officially authorized.

• The H-1B is a status for work performed in the United States, not a blanket global employment authorization.
• Unreported changes in role or worksite can create problems for both the worker and the company.
• Transparency with your employer and proper documentation of every change protect your status.

If a relocation or an extended overseas assignment is on the horizon, the safest course of action is to confirm the correct procedure with USCIS and seek specialist guidance before you travel.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.