Remote Work in the United States
The US has seen a massive shift toward remote and hybrid work since 2020. However, for visa holders, location and employer requirements matter significantly.
Visa Considerations
H1B holders:
- Must work for sponsoring employer
- Work location should match LCA (Labor Condition Application)
- Remote work in different metro may require LCA amendment
- Cannot work independently or freelance
L1 holders:
- Must work for transferring company
- Remote work generally acceptable if for same employer
F1 OPT:
- Must be employed by authorized employer
- Can work remotely for that employer
- Self-employment only for STEM OPT under certain conditions
Important: The US has no digital nomad visa. Working remotely for US company while traveling internationally can create tax and immigration complications.
Remote Work Infrastructure
Internet Quality:
- Urban/Suburban: Generally excellent (100-1000 Mbps fiber available)
- Rural: Variable (satellite like Starlink expanding coverage)
- Average cost: $60-80/month for high-speed
Coworking Spaces:
- WeWork, Industrious, Regus: National chains
- Many local options in major cities
- Costs: $200-500/month for dedicated desk
Tax Implications
Working remotely can create complex tax situations:
- Generally taxed where you physically work
- State tax nexus if working from different state
- Some states have reciprocity agreements
- International remote work has additional complications
States with no income tax (popular for remote workers):
- Texas, Florida, Washington, Nevada, Wyoming, South Dakota, Alaska
Best Cities for Remote Workers
| City | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Austin, TX | No state tax, tech hub, culture | Hot summers, traffic |
| Denver, CO | Outdoor access, growing tech scene | Altitude adjustment, rising costs |
| Miami, FL | No state tax, international | Hurricanes, humidity |
| Raleigh, NC | Affordable, educated workforce | Smaller city |
| Salt Lake City, UT | Affordable, outdoor access | Less diverse |
Remote Work Tips
- Ensure home office meets any employer requirements
- Get reliable internet with backup option (mobile hotspot)
- Understand your company's remote work policy thoroughly
- Document work location for visa compliance
- Consider ergonomic setup for long-term health
Pro Tips
- •H1B holders: verify work location matches LCA before going remote
- •Keep documentation of where you work for tax and immigration purposes
- •Invest in reliable internet - your job depends on it
- •Consider time zones when choosing location relative to team
- •Check employer policy on working from different states
Have questions about working remotely in United States?