You've seen me share numerous job opportunities in the US, which are indeed exciting and attractive because of the US dollar and all but may seem irrelevant if you're not based in the US and have no plans to relocate.
(If you're scratching your head wondering where I share these remote job opportunities, it seems you're not yet subscribed to my newsletter. That's an easy fix! Visit this link & Subscribe to 'Tuesday Confessions' - hint, it rolls into your inbox every Tuesday.)
Additionally, the US offers more opportunities simply because the concept of online work was adopted there much earlier than in other parts of the world. To give you some perspective, I started my Virtual Assistant career in 2015, leaving my friends and family in awe of this new virtual work concept. Yet, I was working with individuals who had been in the industry since 2010 or even before.
So, let's explore the options of working as a non-US citizen/resident in the US market - insights from someone who's been in your chair. :)
This is going to be an extensive yet informative piece. Get your thinking hats ready or pen & paper will do.
Oh, and a quick note before we begin - My intention is not to alarm you, but to equip you with the necessary knowledge!
**Disclaimer:** The following text is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is not a recommendation or endorsement of any illegal activities, including working without proper documentation in the USA.
The gig economy is booming, yep! By 2027, there will be a whopping 86.5 million freelancers in the US. And that number will increase by another 3.6 million in 2028, making up more than half of the entire US workforce. But what if you're not a US citizen and want to work remotely for a US company?
Is that possible?
The answer is a resounding YAAAS!
Working Remotely Abroad for a US Company:
Can Non-US Citizens Do It?
Yes, non-US citizens can work abroad for an American company. But there's a catch – you need to be correctly classified, either as an employee or a contractor. If you're misclassified, you and the hiring company COULD face legal consequences.
So let me elaborate on the classifications first.
Classification Matters: Employee or Contractor?
Before applying for your dream remote job, check if the role is for a full-time employee or a contractor—this info is typically included in the job description.
Independent contractors are individuals or businesses that provide services for clients under a written agreement for a fee.
They typically control when and how they work and often have multiple clients. - this is an important part of the classification.
On the other hand, an employee usually works exclusively for one organization. The employer controls when and how the employee works.
As an independent contractor, you can choose where you work. But if you're an employee, you'll need to get permission from your employer to work remotely.
Misclassification is most common when a company engages with a contractor and treats them like full-time employee. For example, an individual may be considered an employee if the company starts managing the contractor's work schedule or pays them a fixed salary.
Another option is to open a business as a non-resident, which will provide you with the Tax ID and other documents that the employer might want to avoid dealing with. A company can hire you as a business that provides remote assistance services. You may read more about different types of legal entities for non-residents here.
Now, let's consider some unconventional methods. Suppose you have a friend with dual citizenship. In theory, they could hire you in your country of residence as an assistant, while the company you're interested in working for could employ them in the US. However, it's crucial to discuss such scenarios with accountants on both ends and the hiring company. Many organizations recognize the intricacies of the US job market and strive to accommodate individual circumstances.
Furthermore, based on personal experiences, some smaller businesses may prioritize your skills and capabilities over your tax ID number.
And don't you OMG me!
As previously stated, this information is not intended as advice or a recommendation but rather as food for thought.
(Psst... you didn't hear this from me!)
Tax Forms
Both employees and contractors should pay their taxes and statutory benefits contributions in their country of residence.
- For employees, you'll need to complete a W-8BEN form, a tax declaration document your employer will submit to the IRS.
- Independent contractors operating a sole proprietorship will receive a slightly different document: a W-8BEN-E.
These documents help the hiring company prove you aren't eligible for US taxes.
In essence, if you're an employee, your employer will pay your tax and social security deductions for you in your country. If you're a contractor, its your responsibility.
Methods of payment.
I'm not sure if you even need a guide for this, but just in case.
You should discuss with the hiring business and ask them, what their usual process is like but from my personal experience:
- Venmo
- PayPal
- BankTransfer (not my fav)
- Paysend
- WesternUnion App
There you have it, a little guide to help you navigate the world of remote work for a US company as a non-US citizen.
This is a journey; there isn't just one airline that takes you places, so the same goes for working remotely; there are many different and creative ways to get what you want.
The question is, how much do you want it?
Embrace the process, keep learning, and stay positive.
And hey, if you have any questions, hit me up on social media or email me at hello@desklesss.com.
I'm here to help.
Happy remote working!
always a click away,
Kat