H1-B and overseas consulting work

[Oaklander75 0]

I am planning to move to the US soon on H1-B visa. I understand that I will only be allowed to work for a single American employer on my visa. However, what about additional, outside consulting work for a British employer, who has no presence in the US? Most likely, I will need to dedicate about 10-20 hours/months on working with them. Will this arrangement be OK?

[Boiler 45,753]

As long as you are not doing it in the US.

[Oaklander75 0]

As long as you are not doing it in the US.

Boiler, thank you for your response. I have been getting conflicting answers to this question on several forums. Some are saying what you just said; other think that as long as the overseas business has no presence in USA, then I should be fine.

In my mind, the negative answer makes no sense. First of all, why should US government care if I do occasional work for somebody located in other countries? This will have no effect on American workers. On the contrary, I could earn some extra money, pay US tax on it, and spend locally. More importantly, there does not seem to be a way out of it. While additional consulting possibilities with other American employers can be allowed after filing additional H1B petitions, there is no way an overseas client can submit such petitions.

I work in academic research, and participate in international collaboration with several world universities. It is hard to believe such collaboration can be outright prohibited for H1B holders.

Edited March 13, 2011 by Oaklander75

[Boiler 45,753]

How they would know or find out is another issue, or care if they did.

I just answered your question on the basis of the law.

[Oaklander75 0]

How they would know or find out is another issue, or care if they did.

I just answered your question on the basis of the law.

Perhaps I didn't make it clear. I am not worried that they will find out (if it's against the law, I am not going to do it). My point is that it is strange that while there is a potential to work for another US employer by filing an additional H1B, there is no way this could be done with an overseas client.

Anyway, I appreciate your response.

[Boiler 45,753]

Laws are drafted by Politicians with the help of well funded lobbyists.

H1B's allow US Employers to bring in qualified employees an a short term basis.

Even if they even considered this situation, where is the money, where are the votes in making such a provision?

[Oaklander75 0]

Laws are drafted by Politicians with the help of well funded lobbyists.

H1B's allow US Employers to bring in qualified employees an a short term basis.

Even if they even considered this situation, where is the money, where are the votes in making such a provision?

This is true. But on the other hand, who cares if an overseas worker also does occasional consulting work for an overseas client? Surely no Americans are going to suffer. So, where is the money in forbidding this arrangement?

Edited March 14, 2011 by Oaklander75

[Boiler 45,753]

You have to pay to play.

Welcome to the USA.