Can I work remotely from another country while on L-1?

As a rule, that is not the purpose of the L-1. This visa was created to transfer an employee to a U.S. unit of the company and presupposes that the work is performed on U.S. territory. The workplace is therefore part of the very purpose of the visa.

If you hold an L-1 and begin carrying out your duties from another country, even temporarily, that may be interpreted as activity outside the authorized scope. Beyond the impact on immigration status, tax and labor issues tied to the country where the work is actually performed may also arise.

Every situation is specific: the employment contract, company policy, and the reason for the absence all factor into the analysis. A brief trip is different from shifting the work base outside the U.S. for an extended period.

• The L-1 presupposes in-person work in the United States.
• Working remotely from abroad may fall outside the scope of the visa.
• There can be implications for immigration status, taxes, and labor regulations.

Before combining remote work abroad with your L-1, conduct a careful review and consult a specialist and the official USCIS guidance to avoid risks.

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.