Can I receive salary from the foreign company while on an L-1 visa in the USA?

The L-1 visa is an important tool for companies that need to transfer executives, managers, or specialized professionals from their foreign units to the United States. This visa category presupposes that you are working for the American branch, subsidiary, or affiliate of the company that is transferring you, which brings certain particularities regarding the form of remuneration.

In general, your salary payment should be made by the employing entity that sponsored you for the L-1 visa in the United States, that is, the American company. This is because the visa terms usually require that the employment relationship and salaries be agreed upon with the entity that maintains operations within U.S. territory, complying with all local labor and tax laws.

Receiving a salary directly from a foreign company may raise issues related to compliance with immigration laws and with the contractual structure provided by the L-1 program. However, it is possible that there are corporate arrangements in which, in addition to the main remuneration paid by the U.S. branch, you receive additional components from the parent company or other group entities. If this structure is adopted, it is crucial that it be carefully planned and documented to ensure there is no conflict with the L-1 visa requirements.

Moreover, the tax issue may become more complex in this scenario, since both local laws and international agreements come into play. Generally, maintaining the employment relationship as stipulated in the visa approval is crucial to avoid future complications. Therefore, it is always advisable to strictly follow all immigration rules, seek guidance from specialized professionals, and be cautious with offers or marketing campaigns that guarantee quick results or simplified solutions without proper analysis of your case.

Remember: information about immigration may vary according to individual circumstances, and although this clarification is informative, it does not replace consulting a qualified specialist to analyze your situation in detail and ensure compliance with current laws.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.