International Remote Work Justification Process

This request documents the approval process for international remote work that is greater than 21 consecutive days.

Please note: this is a new process beginning July 1, 2026. 

Per UW–Madison Remote Work policy and the SMPH Remote Work Guide:

  • International remote work longer than 21 consecutive calendar days is not permitted unless:
    • The employee is formally assigned to work internationally as part of their duties
    • The international location is designated as their official headquarters

International Flexible Work Arrangements must be reviewed and approved by the SMPH Dean’s Office to determine if there is a justified business necessity. A business necessity is defined as: “A legitimate business purpose that fulfills the mission and objectives of the university and is not solely for the personal benefit of an employee.” The request will then be submitted to the Office of Human Resources to be reviewed and approved by the Chief Human Resources Officer at UW-Madison.  

Request Process

All requests must be submitted using the International Remote Work Justification Form. Forms must be submitted at least four weeks before the proposed start date. 

Pre-Steps (Required Before Submission):

Before submitting the form, the manager is expected to consult with relevant campus offices:

Steps:

  1. Employee and Supervisor

  2. Department Review

    • Supervisor submits the complete form to:
      • Department Chair, or
      • Department Administrator, or equivalent role 

  3. Dean’s Office Submission

    • If the department supports the request, the department sends the signed form, and documentation from pre-step consultations to:
      HR Associate Director, Brianna Quam (blquam@wisc.edu). HR Associate Director will work with the Associate Dean for Human Resources (Hope Broadus) to review. 

  4. Campus HR Review

    • If SMPH HR supports the request, they will submit the form to the UW Madison Chief Human Resources Officer (remotework@ohr.wisc.edu) for review.

If Approved

  • The international location becomes the employee’s official headquarters
  • No Workday Flexible Work Arrangement is required
  • HRBP will upload the form to Perceptive Content (ImageNow)

If Not Approved

  • The OHR Remote Work Team notifies the employee and supervisor of the denial.
  • The employee will continue working from an approved in-state or out-of-state work location

Keywords:
Requesting International Business Necessity, remote work agreement, international telecommuting, RWA, International RWA, working abroad, FWA, flexible work arrangement 
Doc ID:
112800
Owned by:
Brianna Q. in SMPH Human Resources
Created:
2021-08-02
Updated:
2026-06-01
Sites:
SMPH Human Resources