[zeusishere]

Hi,

As part of an arrangement between my employer and a US-based university, I have been shortlisted for an MBA program and will be moving there shortly on an F1. My responsibilities in the company, primarily include backend work which can be done from anywhere in the world. My company is willing to pay my salary if I can continue to do the work from the US while simultaneously studying on an F1 visa.

As I understand, I am only allowed 20 hours of on-campus work on my F1 visa - hence I cannot or should not do any work for my employer back home. Is this correct?

If yes, is there any way in which I can stay & study in the US on my F1 while working for my company - without any legal complications?

If no, can you please point out the correct interpretation on the subject? Also, it would be helpful if you can shed some light on the tax implications (my monthly gross pay is ~ $2000).

Thanks

[lawanwadee]

Depends on situation.. for example, if you are software designer and work either freelance or still employed by the employer in your home country. You deliver the project visa email/internet, etc and get paid direct to your bank account in your home country. This is doable.. also applies to other related occupation such as writer, etc.

BUT if you work for any employer in US, it's no.. no.

In short, F-1 holders are not allowed to physically work in US with US companies.

[zeusishere]

Depends on situation.. for example, if you are software designer and work either freelance or still employed by the employer in your home country. You deliver the project visa email/internet, etc and get paid direct to your bank account in your home country. This is doable.. also applies to other related occupation such as writer, etc.

BUT if you work for any employer in US, it's no.. no.

In short, F-1 holders are not allowed to physically work in US with US companies.

Thanks for the reply. It was a comfort to realise that for projects submitted via email - the arrangement is doable. I am a business analyst and hence can claim to fall somewhere between a writer and a software designer.

My next query is - I have my F1 visa interview soon and I am using only a letter from my employer as financial support proof. Letter states that they will be paying all expenses including tuition, boarding, travel, books, and includes the figure as mentioned in the I-20, etc. Will that do or do I need more proof to convince the visa officers? I got my I-20 on the basis of my employer's letter only. Thanks in advance again.

[lawanwadee]

Letter from employer alone is insufficient, you will need financial document issued by the bank. If the company is your sponsor then you must have company's financial documents.

Good luck.

[zeusishere]

Thanks for your help - got the visa ! :-)

Letter from employer alone is insufficient, you will need financial document issued by the bank. If the company is your sponsor then you must have company's financial documents.

Good luck.

[lawanwadee]

Congratulations! :)