Asked in Employment Law and Immigration Law for California

Q: Is it illegal for me to work as a programmer for a US company?I'm Iranian and I live in Iran but I plan to go to US

I am a programmer living in Iran. I have been offered a job as a developer by a US company. Is it illegal for me to work for them and earn money?

If not, how can I get paid legally? (assume they can be flexible, e.g. they can pay a friend of mine in the US or pay via gift cards, etc.)

If yes, may I please ask why?

note: I have lived in the US for 1 year (2016-2017) as a J1 research scholar and I have a checking account (which is active and as I have been told will be active permanently). I’m currently in Iran and I plan to leave Iran and go to the US in 2-3 years.

Thank you in advance

1 Lawyer Answer
Carl Shusterman
Carl Shusterman
Answered
  • Immigration Law Lawyer
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: There is no problem with you working for a US employer abroad. You do not need a US visa to do so.

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