WFH Indian Employees: Beware @ US Visa!

The volume of the Indian population that has been operating remotely from India while actively working on remote jobs in the United States has been on a constant rise. But this could start to seriously affect the US visa policies from now on and let us have a look into the story.

Remote work from India while holding a US visa is emerging as a serious concern for many professionals, especially those on H 1B and L 1 visas. Immigration experts are warning that working remotely for a US employer while staying outside the United States can create complications during re entry.

Even if the job and salary remain unchanged, US immigration rules clearly expect visa holders to physically work from the approved location mentioned in their petition.

Many employees assume that short term remote work from India is harmless, particularly when companies allow work from home. However, US Customs and Border Protection officers at the port of entry may question the purpose of travel, work location and duration of stay outside the US.

If officers find that an individual has been working from India for an extended period without proper amendments or approvals, it could raise red flags. In extreme cases, this may lead to secondary inspection, visa cancellation or denial of entry.

Another key issue is compliance with labor and tax regulations. Working from India could technically be considered employment outside the approved jurisdiction, which may violate visa conditions. Immigration lawyers strongly advise employees to get written guidance from their employer and consult legal experts before choosing to work remotely from India.

With increased scrutiny at US borders, professionals are urged to be cautious. What seems like a convenient option could turn into a major immigration risk during re entry.