How To Get a Remote Job in the US as a Non-US Resident

Photo by Raj Rana on Unsplash

One of the most common questions I get as a Career Coach is from international Software Engineers looking for remote roles with US companies.

Is this possible? Yes
Is it common? No

That’s because it’s usually a multi-step and complicated process as legal requirements and government regulations create significant hurdles for US companies. In fact, many companies aren’t even setup to hire overseas so even if you’re amazing at what you do, oftentimes the burden of justifying an international hire is just too much for a company to handle.

But do not lose hope!
There are ways to do this!

Here are the most common approaches I’ve seen. Comment to let me know if there are others.

1. Apply to and Attend a US University

This is the most common path as it is easier to attend a US school (where YOU pay THEM) vs. directly applying a US company (where THEY pay YOU). Many colleges even offer online degrees, so you can leverage their US job placement services while still living remote.

Then once you have your degree you’ll have a work Visa as well, and just need to find a US company to sponsor you. At that point you can negotiate remote…