Yes, a U.S. company can hire international workers abroad. However, hiring overseas employees comes with unique challenges, such as navigating foreign tax and employment regulations, correctly classifying international workers, and running global payroll.
Congress prohibits the use of appropriated funds to employ non-citizens within the United States. Certain groups of non-citizens are not included in this ban, including: Persons who owe permanent allegiance to the United States (for example, natives of American Samoa and Swains Island).
If the noncitizen is not already a permanent resident, you will need to file a petition so that the individual may obtain the appropriate immigrant or nonimmigrant classification. You may choose to file an immigrant petition (permanent) or a nonimmigrant petition (temporary) on behalf of that employee.
Foreign remote contract workers don't require visas because they are based outside of the US. While these workers may have to come into the country occasionally to fulfill their contractual obligations, they shouldn't have any issues entering as long as they can provide proof that their stay will be temporary.
Companies can choose to sponsor foreign employees for relocation to the US.
The answer is yes—US companies can hire international workers legally. However, in most cases, you cannot hire a remote team as direct employees unless you have a legal entity in the workers' country of residence. But there is another option: hiring them as independent contractors.
Foreign independent contractors must submit IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E to certify their foreign status and claim any applicable tax treaty benefits. The US company may also need to file Form 1099-NEC if certain conditions are met, though this is more common for domestic contractors.
How do you get a U.S. employer to sponsor you? Understand Visa Options. Networking. Research Companies. Valuable Skills. Language Proficiency. Educational Background. Work Experience. Professional Image.
As an employer, you may require the services of a noncitizen to work at your company or business. If the individual is already a permanent resident (Green Card holder), you may hire that individual, but you must comply with the employment verification requirements.