I am on an H-1B visa. Can I work remotely for about a month at the beginning of my job before relocating to the state approved on my LCA, or will this cause issues with maintaining my status?
You cannot work remotely from an unlisted state at the beginning of your job without your employer filing an amended H-1B petition first. Because this is your initial placement, the standard 30-day short-term placement exception does not apply.
You did the right thing by checking the rules before starting. By relocating to your approved state for day one, or having your employer file an amendment before you start, you can keep your visa status completely safe.
You asked if you can work remotely for about a month before relocating. While there is a rule that allows employers to place an H-1B worker at a new worksite for up to 30 days without an amended petition, this exception requires the worker to be already in the United States and working for the employer.
Your initial placement cannot be a short-term placement. You are required to start at a worksite that matches your approved petition and supporting Labor Condition Application (LCA).
Because the short-term exception does not apply to your first day, working in a different Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) for 30 days is considered a material change to your employment. If you begin working at a location not covered by your certified LCA before an amendment is filed, it will cause issues with maintaining your H-1B status.
