Jump to content
rrb21

Can I work remotely during my OPT? (Because of the pandemic)

By rrb21 in Student & Exchange Visitor Visas

 Share

4 posts in this topic

Recommended Posts

rrb21 Newbie

rrb21   0

Posted
Timeline
Posted

So because of the pandemic my work has gone remote like for most people. I still have a lot of time on my opt left (stem) so I dont want to completely get rid of my status, but I would like to go back for a few months home to see me family and work remotely from there. I would still keep some sort of address in the US but I wouldn’t physically be in the US for a few months and my plan would be to come back in and keep working once my job goes back to in office work. Does that affect my status or can I even do that? I would still be paying taxes in the US as usual since I would keep an address and my status would not have changed. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites
ImmiGeek Explorer

ImmiGeek   59

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: India
 Timeline
Posted

Once your feet are not touching the US soil, there is no meaning for the STATUS. Status happens only when your feet are touching the US soil. Having said that, you are NOT in any status at that time(  I know I have repeated this three times so far, I just want to get this stuck to your mind).

Having said that, your legal activity (EAD - permission to work) got no meaning as there is no STATUS. Your employer should NOT legally employ you (pay you) when you have left the US soil. 

Have a detailed discussion with your employer legal section before making a move.

My USC Journey notes: https://tinyurl.com/myUSCNotes 

Citizenship: Completed SFO/CA(Details: Click the hidden content below)

Spoiler

Nov 31, 2020 (Day 00): Submitted N400 Application, filed online.

Dec 07, 2020 (Day 08): NOA Receipt received in the mail.

Feb 19, 2021 (Day 82): Biometrics reuse notice received online.

Dec 22, 2021 (Day 387) : Interview is  scheduled for 01/25/2022.

Jan 25, 2021 (Day 420) : Interview and Oath is completed.

Passport: Completed (Details: Click the hidden content below)

Spoiler

Jan 26, 2022 (Day 00): Submitted Application at USPS - Regular speed.

Feb 01, 2022 (Day 06): DOS received (status: in process) Locator 69: New Hampshire: Old Gen Passport to come.

Feb 23, 2022 (Day 28) :  Approved on DOS site.

Feb 28, 2022 (Day 33) :  Received the passport - Old Gen.

Mar 01, 2022 (Day 34) :  Received the passport card.

Mar 04, 2022 (Day 37) :  Received the original Naturalization Certificate safely.

SS Updates: In Progress (Details: Click the hidden content below)

Spoiler

Feb 29, 2022 (Day 00) :  Received the passport card, used it for SS updates request on the same day.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Coco8 Experienced

Coco8   1,042

Posted
Timeline
Posted (edited)
1 hour ago, rrb21 said:

So because of the pandemic my work has gone remote like for most people. I still have a lot of time on my opt left (stem) so I dont want to completely get rid of my status, but I would like to go back for a few months home to see me family and work remotely from there. I would still keep some sort of address in the US but I wouldn’t physically be in the US for a few months and my plan would be to come back in and keep working once my job goes back to in office work. Does that affect my status or can I even do that? I would still be paying taxes in the US as usual since I would keep an address and my status would not have changed. 

 

It's tricky because you cannot be unemployed for a period of time and if you leave for a few months, they can decide when you came back that you weren't working. It's up to the officer at the border to decide. Remember that at one point they didn't want to let people in who had all of their classes online. It's a gray area. The OPT is for working in the US.

Edited by Coco8
Link to comment
Share on other sites
 
Didn't find the answer you were looking for? Ask our VJ Immigration Lawyers.

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing
- Back to Top -

Important Disclaimer: Please read carefully the Visajourney.com Terms of Service. If you do not agree to the Terms of Service you should not access or view any page (including this page) on VisaJourney.com. Answers and comments provided on Visajourney.com Forums are general information, and are not intended to substitute for informed professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice. Visajourney.com does not endorse, and expressly disclaims liability for any product, manufacturer, distributor, service or service provider mentioned or any opinion expressed in answers or comments. VisaJourney.com does not condone immigration fraud in any way, shape or manner. VisaJourney.com recommends that if any member or user knows directly of someone involved in fraudulent or illegal activity, that they report such activity directly to the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. You can contact ICE via email at Immigration.Reply@dhs.gov or you can telephone ICE at 1-866-347-2423. All reported threads/posts containing reference to immigration fraud or illegal activities will be removed from this board. If you feel that you have found inappropriate content, please let us know by contacting us here with a url link to that content. Thank you.
×
×
  • Create New...