Politiques en matière de travail à distance - Puis-je travailler à distance aux États-Unis avec mon visa?
Monica Zafra • August 30, 2023
Click here to read this article in English
Le facteur le plus important pour travailler à distance aux États-Unis est l'obtention d'une autorisation de travail en bonne et due forme. La loi américaine sur l'immigration exige que toute personne qui gagne un revenu aux États-Unis dispose d'une autorisation de travail en bonne et due forme.
Que se passe-t-il si je gagne un revenu pour un employeur étranger alors que je suis aux États-Unis ?
Même si le travailleur travaille pour un employeur à l'étranger, le fait de travailler pendant qu'il se trouve physiquement aux États-Unis est toujours considéré comme un travail par le gouvernement américain, même si le travailleur est payé sur un compte bancaire à l'étranger. Par exemple, si un détenteur de visa B-1/B-2 se rend aux États-Unis pour le tourisme ou à des fins professionnelles spécifiques, il peut entrer aux États-Unis pour passer des vacances ou assister à des réunions ou à des événements, mais il ne peut pas travailler aux États-Unis, car le visa B-1/B-2 n'accorde pas d'autorisation de travail.
Comment puis-je travailler à distance ?
Il n'existe pas de catégorie de visa désignée pour les travailleurs à distance aux États-Unis, mais il existe des visas de non-immigrant qui sont flexibles. Les visas de travail non immigrants tels que E, L, TN, F-1, OPT, P-1 et O-1 ne sont pas soumis à des restrictions quant au lieu de travail, contrairement à d'autres visas, et il existe une certaine flexibilité en ce qui concerne le travail à distance. Par exemple, les athlètes P-1 peuvent voyager pour travailler en raison de leur profession, ou les professionnels O-1 également, mais ils doivent le faire dans les limites de leur visa.
Quels sont les travailleurs soumis à des restrictions en matière de travail à distance ?
Les travailleurs H-1B ne peuvent travailler que dans les lieux énumérés dans leur demande de parrainage H-1B. Cela est dû à l'exigence de la demande de conditions de travail (LCA) et à l'analyse des salaires en vigueur. Parfois, les travailleurs H-1B peuvent être amenés à travailler "occasionnellement à distance" à la demande de leur employeur. C'est le cas lorsque l'adresse du domicile du travailleur H-1B est proche et que le lieu de travail normal indiqué dans la LCA de l'employeur comprend l'adresse du domicile. Cette situation peut également se produire si le travailleur H-1B est amené à travailler à une distance importante du lieu de travail indiqué dans le LCA. Des demandes de modification et des frais de dépôt peuvent également être exigés.
Pour les parrainages H-1B, il peut être utile pour les employeurs d'inclure comme lieu de travail l'adresse du domicile de l'employé et le lieu de travail habituel, si cela est possible. L'USCIS a annulé deux notes directives concernant les placements sur des sites tiers et les itinéraires connexes pour les travailleurs H-1B, de sorte qu'il est plus facile d'indiquer l'adresse du domicile et le lieu de travail d'un travailleur H-1B.
Si vous avez des questions concernant ces informations, veuillez contacter nos bureaux.
Ce blog n'est pas destiné à fournir des conseils juridiques et rien ici ne doit être interprété comme établissant une relation avocat-client. Veuillez prendre rendez-vous avec un avocat spécialisé en droit de l'immigration avant d'agir sur la base de toute information lue ici.
Monica Zafra
Similar Posts

What is E-Verify+? E-Verify+ is the newest version of E-Verify, a system run by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to help employers confirm the work eligibility of their employees. Effective October 21, 2024, E-Verify+ includes new features designed to streamline the employment verification process and ensure more accurate, secure results for both employers and employees. The E-Verify system checks a person’s work eligibility by comparing information from their Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) with records from DHS and the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify+ takes this process further with enhanced capabilities and updated features, which make verification faster, more reliable, and more user-friendly. What’s New in E-Verify+? Automated Work Authorization Extensions For employees who are renewing work authorization, E-Verify+ can now provide automatic updates if the renewal process is delayed. This minimizes disruptions for both employers and employees, ensuring that work authorization continues as long as the renewal is in process. Enhanced Accuracy with Biometric Verification One of the key updates in E-Verify+ is biometric verification, which uses fingerprints or other biometrics to confirm an employee’s identity more accurately. This feature is expected to reduce identity theft and improve the reliability of work authorization checks. Simplified Case Management System E-Verify+ includes an updated case management system that allows employers to resolve discrepancies and update information more efficiently. For instance, if there is a mismatch between an employee’s Form I-9 and government records, E-Verify+ will guide employers on next steps to quickly address the issue. Integration with EAD (Employment Authorization Document) Updates Employees applying for Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) will find that E-Verify+ now includes an integration feature that tracks the status of EAD renewals and provides employers with updates on pending applications. What Does This Mean for Employers? With E-Verify+, employers benefit from a more efficient and reliable employment verification process. Employers who participate in E-Verify+ are better equipped to avoid penalties for hiring unauthorized workers while also reducing administrative burdens associated with verification. The system’s enhanced automation helps streamline the hiring process, which can save time and resources for businesses. What Does This Mean for Employees? For employees, E-Verify+ provides greater security and transparency. Automated work authorization extensions can help prevent employment gaps due to delays in authorization processing, which is especially important for those relying on renewals. Additionally, the use of biometrics means employees can be assured that their personal identity is protected during verification. If you want to find out more about E-Verify or want to better understand the employment verification process, please contact one of our experienced Immigration Attorneys!

The answer to the question above is, depending on your circumstances, yes! USCIS has established very clear criteria for when a request to expedite a pending travel permit application can be made. These criteria include: Severe financial loss to a company or person, provided that the need for urgent action is not the result of the petitioner’s or applicant’s failure to: Timely file the benefit request, or Timely respond to any requests for additional evidence; A company can demonstrate that it would suffer a severe financial loss if it is at risk of failing, losing a critical contract, or having to lay off other employees. For example, a medical office may suffer severe financial loss if a gap in a doctor’s employment authorization would require the medical practice to lay off its medical assistants. Job loss may be sufficient to establish severe financial loss for a person, depending on the individual circumstances. For example, the inability to travel for work that would result in job loss might warrant expedited treatment. The need to obtain employment authorization by itself, without evidence of other compelling factors, does not warrant expedited treatment. In addition, severe financial loss may also be established where failure to expedite would result in a loss of critical public benefits or services. Emergencies and urgent humanitarian reasons; In the context of an expedite request, humanitarian reasons are those related to human welfare. Examples may include, but are not limited to, illness, disability, extreme living conditions, death in the family, or a critical need to travel to obtain medical treatment in a limited amount of time. An emergency may include an urgent need to expedite employment authorization for healthcare workers during a national emergency such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonprofit organization (as designated by the Internal Revenue Service) whose request is in furtherance of the cultural or social interests of the United States; A nonprofit organization seeking to expedite a beneficiary’s benefit request must demonstrate an urgent need to expedite the case based on the beneficiary’s specific role within the nonprofit in furthering cultural or social interests (as opposed to the organization’s role in furthering social or cultural interests). Examples may include a medical professional urgently needed for medical research related to a specific social U.S. interest (such as the COVID-19 pandemic or other socially impactful research or project) or a university professor urgently needed to participate in a specific and imminent cultural program. Another example is a religious organization that urgently needs a beneficiary’s specific services and skill set to continue a vital social outreach program. U.S. government interests (such cases identified as urgent by federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Labor, National Labor Relations Board, Equal Opportunity Commission, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, or other public safety or national security interests); or U.S. government interests may include, but are not limited to, cases identified as urgent by other government agencies, including labor and employment agencies, and public safety or national security interests. Clear USCIS error. Not every circumstance that fits in one of these categories will result in expedited processing; expedite requests are discretionary, highly subjective and never guaranteed. Expedite requests are initiated by calling the USCIS contact center and providing your case Receipt Number and reasons for the request. The approximate processing time for an expedite request is 7-10 business days. When you call to request expedited processing, the USCIS Contact Center creates and forwards a service request to the office with jurisdiction over your application or petition. After receiving the service request, the reviewing office may request additional documentation to support expedited processing. A decision on an expedite request is not an approval or a denial of the underlying benefit request. The expedite decision simply informs the requestor whether USCIS will take the benefit request out of date order and issue a decision (approval or denial) faster than the normal processing time.

In years past, spouses of certain E and L visa categories were required to apply for and receive an Employment Authorization Document in order to work in the United States. However, as the result of a settlement reached by USCIS in the class action lawsuit Shergill v. Mayorkas on November 10, 2021, USCIS now considers E and L dependent spouses to be authorized for employment incident to their status.

It’s no secret that the U.S. immigration system has faced increased scrutiny and change in recent months. From evolving policies to headlines filled with uncertainty, it’s understandable that many individuals are left wondering: Is this still the right time to pursue a future in the United States? The answer is yes—and here’s why. Despite the shifting political landscape, the core structure of U.S. immigration law remains firmly in place. While the process may appear more complex or demanding than it once was, the legal pathways to live, work, and thrive in the United States are still open and accessible to those who take the proper steps. What often gets lost in the conversation is that the United States remains a country built on innovation, creativity, and resilience. It continues to attract global talent, entrepreneurs, artists, and professionals from all walks of life. Whether you are launching a business, advancing your career, or seeking a better life for your family, the United States offers unparalleled opportunities to those who are prepared and determined. Much of what makes the United States a global economic and technological leader today is the direct result of contributions made by immigrants. Nearly half of the current Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children. Immigrant entrepreneurs have long been an essential part of America’s economic success story. Some of the largest and most recognizable American companies were founded by immigrants or the children of immigrants. This includes household names such as Apple and Costco. Moderna, the pharmaceutical company and vaccine producer, was founded by a Canadian-born stem cell biologist, Derrick J. Rossi, whose parents themselves emigrated from Malta. These success stories are not outliers; they are part of a broader pattern that reflects the drive, innovation, and resilience that immigrants bring to the country. The United States also offers one of the most dynamic and diverse economies in the world. It is a place where hard work, fresh ideas, and entrepreneurial vision are rewarded. For creative professionals, business leaders, and investors, the United States provides a unique platform to grow, connect, and gain global influence. Its competitive marketplace, access to capital, and culture of innovation create unmatched opportunities for those ready to seize them. While the immigration process requires careful planning, that process is far from impossible. Indeed, having strong legal guidance is one of the most effective advantages an applicant can possess. Immigration law is complex, and each case must be evaluated individually. A clear, strategic plan tailored to your background and goals can significantly improve your chances of success. What may feel like a hurdle at first glance is often navigable with solid preparation and documentation. At our immigration law firm, we have had the privilege of assisting individuals from all over the world as they navigate these complexities. Time and again, we have witnessed how determination, careful preparation, and experienced legal counsel can turn uncertainty into opportunity and help transform a vision for the future into reality. If you have been uncertain about whether to move forward, let this be your sign to take the next step. The United States is still a land of possibilities. If you are ready to take that step, now is the time to act. Let us build your path forward together.

For individuals applying under the O-1A or EB-1A categories , both reserved for professionals with extraordinary ability, letters of recommendation are a critical part of the petition. These expert testimonial letters offer valuable insight into your accomplishments, reputation, and influence within your field. When written properly, they help demonstrate that you truly stand out as someone who has risen to the very top of your profession. Many petitions submitted by highly accomplished individuals fall short because the recommendation letters are vague, overly personal, or fail to clearly explain why the applicant meets the legal standard of extraordinary ability. That is why taking the time to prepare your recommenders effectively is not just helpful. It is essential to build a strong and persuasive case. First, it is important to help your recommenders understand the purpose of the letter . This is not a casual reference or character recommendation. It is a formal declaration to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that you possess extraordinary ability in your area of expertise. The letter must describe your achievements in concrete terms and explain why your work has had a significant impact and recognition within your field. Many professionals, no matter how accomplished, are unfamiliar with the specific requirements of the O-1A and EB-1A categories. It is helpful to provide them with a short explanation of what is needed, and in some cases, a sample or outline to guide them. Selecting the right recommenders is just as critical as the content of the letters themselves. While USCIS gives greater weight to letters from independent experts, independence should not be confused with distance. The ideal recommender is someone who knows your work well and can provide specific and credible insight into your contributions, impact, and reputation in the field. A letter from someone who barely knows you, or one that focuses more on the recommender’s own accomplishments than yours, is unlikely to carry much weight with USCIS. A common mistake is submitting letters that read more like summaries of the recommender’s resume than a meaningful evaluation of your achievements. While a brief introduction of the recommender’s qualifications is important to establish credibility, the focus must remain squarely on you , your work, your innovation, and the ways in which your impact is considered extraordinary. The strongest letters go beyond general praise. They include clear and detailed examples of how your contributions have influenced others in your field or led to measurable outcomes. To make the letter as accurate and persuasive as possible, you should provide your recommenders with a summary of your most important professional milestones. This might include major awards, media coverage, patents, publications, notable leadership roles, or metrics showing the commercial or scientific success of your work. Well-prepared recommendation letters serve as both evidence and narrative. They help fulfill specific legal requirements and also tell the story of how and why your work has earned you distinction. In a category defined by terms like extraordinary ability, it is important that every part of your petition reinforces that standard. At Santos Lloyd Law Firm, we work closely with our clients and their recommenders to develop strong and compelling testimonial letters that meet USCIS expectations and highlight each applicant’s unique contributions.