Can the L-2 spouse work remotely for a company based abroad?

Yes, in general the L-2 spouse who is authorized to work is not restricted to U.S. employers. This means that working remotely for a company based abroad while residing in the United States can be compatible with the applicable rules.

The first point is work authorization. The right to work is tied to L-2 status, and whether a specific document such as the EAD (Employment Authorization Document) is required depends on the rules currently in effect. It is therefore worth confirming what applies to your situation before starting.

Beyond the immigration side, remote work for a foreign company typically brings tax and employment implications, such as:

• Obligations before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
• Possible international agreements that affect taxation.
• How the employment relationship and income are structured.

Since these points vary depending on the circumstances, it is advisable to confirm the current work authorization rules with USCIS and to review the tax aspects with a specialist.

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.