You can't acquire one on your own. You have to either apply directly with the federal government at USAJOBS or an agency as college intern where you can get an clearance (ie: FBI). The other route is to join a branch of the military active, guard, or reserve where the position requires a security clearance.
When considering can a US company hire a foreign independent contractor, it's crucial to know the necessary forms. 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.
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.
In essence, if personnel working for a contractor require access to classified information in the performance of their duties, the contractor must have an FCL and the personnel must have personnel security clearances (PCLs).
All immigrants regardless of legal status are able to earn a living as independent contractors, or start a business using an ITIN or SSN.
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.
Can a US Company Hire a Non-US Citizen? U.S. companies can hire non-U.S. citizens as independent contractors without a work visa, provided the contractor performs the work from outside the U.S.
Appropriations Act restrictions. 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).
Conversely, if the independent contractor is not a US person and did not perform any of their services within the US, you will not be required to issue Form 1099. Instead, the foreign contractor will have to complete and file Form W-8BEN.
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.