Legal Question in Immigration Law in California

Starting an online business in the USA with a F1 student visa

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am about to come and study in the USA with a F1 student visa. I would like to know if I can, while studying, start a small online business (selling foreign books online) providing that I declare everything to the IRS.

I want in particular to know if this would be a violation of the law, which does not allow F1 visa holders to work in the USA. My understanding of this law is that, as a F1 visa holder, I cannot be employed by a company in the USA. But does this include working on my own business?

Regards.

A.--name removed--

P.S.: This is a question related to any state of the USA, not limited to California...


Asked on 12/21/04, 12:09 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Ronald Sokol Sokol Law Offices

Re: Starting an online business in the USA with a F1 student visa

I have not specifically researched the issue, but I would not recommend this course of action. The conditions for working on an F-1 visa are strictly limited. It is, obviously, a "student" visa. Even if research were to show that there is no clear prohibition against it, you would clearly be walking a fine line and giving the appearance of attempting to evade US immigration laws. That is not a desirable course for one seeking to enter the US as a student.

Ron Sokol

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Answered on 12/27/04, 1:46 am


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