Hey there fastlaners,
I am an exchange student currently on a one-semester exchange program in the United States. I'm currently puzzled on the legality of an F-1 Visa holder such as myself operating a business in the states. My own limited research taught me of OPTs and H1-B programs which permit working and or having a business. However as I am not an undergraduate student or have studied in the US for a year (which I believe is the prerequisite for applying for an OPT and H1-B), the only option which I am left with is somehow being engaged in my business in a way that is "passive" as outlined in this article : F-1 Visa Start-Up Activities | Offit Kurman
The article says that I may engage in the following activities without violating my F-1 Visa:
I am an exchange student currently on a one-semester exchange program in the United States. I'm currently puzzled on the legality of an F-1 Visa holder such as myself operating a business in the states. My own limited research taught me of OPTs and H1-B programs which permit working and or having a business. However as I am not an undergraduate student or have studied in the US for a year (which I believe is the prerequisite for applying for an OPT and H1-B), the only option which I am left with is somehow being engaged in my business in a way that is "passive" as outlined in this article : F-1 Visa Start-Up Activities | Offit Kurman
The article says that I may engage in the following activities without violating my F-1 Visa:
- activities that aren’t considered employment e.g. taking orders for goods produced overseas;
- negotiating contracts;
- consulting with your business associates;
- litigating;
- taking part in conferences or seminars that are scientific, educational, professional, or business related;
- undertaking independent research;
- membership of a U.S. company’s board of directors;
- seeking to invest in the U.S., which would qualify for E-2 investor status.
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