Can I work for foreign companies as long as the work location is in the U.S.?

In principle, yes, but there is an important condition. The O-1 ties your professional activity to the employers and activities listed in the approved petition. Working for a foreign company, even if the work location is within the United States, is only permitted if that activity is included and authorized in your visa petition.

If the company was not listed in the original petition, or if the role represents a new position, an additional step is typically required before you begin. In general terms, this usually involves:

• Adding the new activity through an authorized amendment process.
• An additional petition filed by the employer or agent, when applicable.
• Ensuring that all conditions of your authorization continue to be met.

Acting outside the scope of what is authorized can have negative consequences for your status. For this reason, whenever there is any change in your professional situation, it is advisable to consult the updated USCIS guidelines and seek expert guidance, being wary of promises of quick or miraculous solutions.

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.