Working for US firms abroad without a work visa?

Yes, you can work for a US company from outside the United States without a US work visa, as long as you are physically located in another country (such as India, Pakistan, the Philippines, etc.) and are not entering the US for work. However, this arrangement has legal, tax, and compliance considerations for both you and the US employer.

Key Points:

1. No US Work Visa Is Required If You Are Outside the US

• US work visas (like H-1B, L-1, O-1) are only required if you physically work inside the United States.

• If you remain in your home country and work remotely, you do not need a US visa.

2. You Are Legally Bound by Your Home Country’s Laws

• While working remotely, your employment is governed by the labor, tax, and social security laws of the country where you are residing.

• You may need to:

o Pay local income tax

o Register as a freelancer, contractor, or employee depending on local laws

o Comply with self-employment or business registration rules

3. US Employers May Hire You as a Contractor or Through a Local Entity

• Common methods:

o Independent Contractor Agreement: You invoice the company; they pay you without benefits.

o Employer of Record (EOR): A third-party service legally employs you in your country on the company’s behalf.

o Local Subsidiary or Payroll Setup: If the company has offices abroad, you may be hired through that channel.

4. No Path to a US Work Visa Through Remote Work Alone

• Working remotely for a US company does not qualify you for a US work visa automatically.

• If your company later wants to relocate you to the US, they must sponsor you for a proper work visa (like H-1B or L-1).

5. Tax and Legal Risks for the Company

• If you stay long-term in one country, the US company may trigger:

o Permanent establishment (PE) risk

o Corporate tax obligations in your country

o Local employee rights and benefits requirements

• That’s why many companies prefer to use EOR services or hire contractors for global remote staff.

Summary:

You can work for your US employer remotely from outside the US without needing a US work visa.

But:

• You're governed by your local country’s laws

• The company must handle compliance, taxes, and contracts carefully

• It doesn’t lead to US immigration benefits unless they later sponsor you for relocation