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.
Though the process can be complex, there are still plenty of options for businesses of all sizes to hire overseas workers. Want to hire someone for your company who is not a U.S. citizen? It's not easy. But there are still plenty of options for businesses of all sizes to hire overseas workers.
Yes, US companies can hire foreign freelancers, which is another way to phrase the question Can a US company hire a foreign independent contractor? The key is ensuring that the relationship is correctly structured to avoid any legal pitfalls, particularly concerning tax obligations and employment classifications.
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.
Foreign vendors do not complete the Substitute Form W-9; foreign persons or entities must submit one of five available forms. The vendor must determine the one most appropriate to their United States tax status for reportable transactions.
However, the IRS doesn't require a company to withhold taxes or report any income from an international contractor if the contractor is not a U.S. citizen and the services provided are outside the U.S. filing forms 1099 is required if: The contractor is located internationally but is a U.S. citizen.
The non-citizen may be hired only if permitted by the appropriations act and the immigration law.
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.