Working for Temple While Abroad
Foreign nationals who are working for Temple University can only hold nonimmigrant status (such as H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3) while residing in the US. They are no longer subject to US Immigration Law while residing in another country.
As a research and teaching institution with a global reach, Temple University actively engages in collaborations and initiatives in various countries. Consequently, the university may seek to employ individuals residing outside the U.S. for remote services or send university employees on international assignments. To guide faculty, staff, and students in these situations, a procedure document and International Assignment form have been provided.
Schools, colleges, and administrative departments planning to engage individuals residing outside the U.S. or deploy university employees for international assignments should thoroughly review this information. The first point of contact for such requests should be the relevant Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs or Dean’s Designee (for faculty), Human Resources Business Partner (for staff), or School Research Administrator for sponsored research projects. It is recommended that these requests be initiated well in advance of the intended engagement or placement.
H-1B and E-3 Work Sites in the United States
International employees, particularly H-1B and E-3 status, must have employment authorization for each proposed work location. A change to or addition of an employment location may result in the need to update the individual’s immigration record or the filing of an amendment petition with USCIS. Contact ISSS if your department will add or change a work site for your international employee.
ISSS is no longer including home addresses for remote work if the applicant lives within the Philadelphia Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). This includes the following counties: Bucks County (PA), Burlington County (NJ), Camden County (NJ), Cecil County (MD), Chester County (PA), Delaware County (PA), Gloucester County (NJ), Montgomery County (PA), New Castle County (DE), Philadelphia County (PA), Salem County (NJ)
Action may be required if an employee is permitted to work remotely from an address that is not within the Philadelphia MSA. Contact ISSS immediately if an employee will add/change a work site.
The Department of Labor allows for very limited exceptions to the requirement that all employment locations are disclosed for employees in H-1B status, as listed below.
Contact ISSS for additional guidance before seeking to rely on these exceptions:
- employee developmental activity, such as a conference
- nature of the particular worker's job functions mandating short-term presence at other location
- short-term placement (up to 30/60 days), while the employer pays for the employee's travel, lodging, meals, etc.
Limits on Working Remotely for J-1 Exchange Visitors
New J-1 Exchange Visitors with a program start date on or after July 1, 2023, may participate remotely no more than 40% of their program (e.g., two out of five days per week). Exchange Visitors in active status on or before June 30, 2023, may continue hybrid programs up to December 31, 2023. As of January 1, 2024, all J-1 Exchange Visitors may participate remotely no more than 40% of their program.