Business in USA by Student

[Sanabk]

Hello All,

I got my masters in one of the USA universities and worked in US industry for 5+ years (got the ax and GC application went into gutter). Since, I have been pursuing a PhD in my almamater university and wondering if I can start a business in USA using my F1 approval status (got a H1B to F1 change of status and haven't gotten a chance to get F1 visa stamped on my passport).

I am very much interested in pursing a business opportunity and wondering if my status hinders my interest. Any help is appreciated!

Thanks in advance,

Sanabk

[JoeF]

On F1, you can not work outside of the campus. And that also means that you can not work for your own company.

[t75]

You may start a business as a passive investor only. You may not work for it in any way without work authorization. If it is lucrative enough, go home and pursue it and your education there.

[Sanabk]

Thanks a lot for your feedback. Truly appreciate it!

[goalpost]

@t75 -> what is a passive investor? 

 

I'm on H1, I would like to partner with a US Citizen to kick off a start-up. Is passive investor an option for me.

 

Thank you, in advance!

[JoeF]

@t75 -> what is a passive investor? 

 

I'm on H1, I would like to partner with a US Citizen to kick off a start-up. Is passive investor an option for me.

 

Thank you, in advance!

A passive investor is somebody who puts money into a business and otherwise stays out of it.

Think of investing in the stock market. If you buy Microsoft stock, for example, you become a co-owner of Microsoft. That doesn't mean that you have anything to do with the business operations of MS. You don't get keys to their offices, you don't get access to their bank accounts, etc. You can get dividends if the company decides to give out dividends to the shareholders.

[t75]

You cannot work for the company in any capacity. You may provide money only.