Can I work remotely for a foreign company while on O-1 status?

The O-1 grants work authorization on a tied basis: the permission applies to the employer or sponsoring agent and to the activity described in the approved petition. It is not an open work authorization, and that remains true even when the work is performed remotely.

If you want to work remotely for a company abroad while in the United States on an O-1, the central question is whether that activity falls within what was approved. Working for an employer or in a role different from those listed in the petition can be treated as unauthorized employment and put your status at risk, even if the client or company is located outside the country.

Before taking on that kind of work, it is worth mapping out whether it fits within the conditions of your visa or whether the petition would need to be amended or supplemented.

• O-1 authorization is tied to the sponsor and to the activity in the petition.
• Remote work for a foreign company can still be considered unauthorized.
• Changes in role or employer typically require a petition amendment.

Since each arrangement is specific, confirm the current rules with USCIS or a specialist before you start, to keep your status in order.

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.