Work as a contractor in the US without work permission (J1)

[DavidChouinard]

Hi,

I'm a self-employed Canadian (sole proprietorship) and I've worked remotely for both Canadian and US companies.

I'll be living in the US for four months under a J1 exchange visa and I've gotten a great opportunity to work with a US company. The company has agreed to pay me through my company as an independent contractor.

Is this legal? Can I legally contract my work with a local US company in spite of not having permission to work?

Also, what IRS forms I should fill? (W-8BEN?)

There are other similar questions in the forums, but none answer this specific question and I have yet to find a convincing answer.

Thank you!