Asked in Immigration Law for Washington

Q: Can I get a remote job outside the US while being on a student visa in the US?

Is a remote job within the scope of positions and international student (F1) can take while being in the US?

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2 Lawyer Answers
Gunda Yohanna Brost
Gunda Yohanna Brost
Answered
  • Immigration Law Lawyer
  • Cedar Falls, IA

A: Not without an employment authorization for such type of work

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Immigration Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: According to the regulations of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), international students on an F1 visa are generally allowed to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session, and full-time during breaks and holidays. However, off-campus work requires authorization from USCIS and must meet specific requirements.

One form of off-campus work authorization is Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows F1 students to work in a field related to their major for up to 12 months after completing their academic program. However, this work must be done in the United States.

Remote work for a foreign company while on an F1 visa can be a gray area, as it does not fit neatly into the categories of on-campus or off-campus work. The USCIS has not yet provided clear guidance on whether F1 students can work remotely for foreign employers while physically present in the United States.

In general, it is recommended to consult with an immigration attorney or your school's international student office before accepting any remote work while on an F1 visa to ensure that you are not violating any immigration regulations.

It's also worth noting that each country has its own regulations regarding remote work and work visas, so you will need to research the requirements for the country in which the remote job is located.

In summary, while remote work may be possible while on an F1 visa, it is important to consult with appropriate legal and administrative resources to ensure that you are not in violation of any regulations.

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