Being part of a company on H4 visa

[ubjj]

Dear Sir,

 

I am currently in the US on a H4. I currently have someone offering me to be a part of his startup company and in return he will compensate me with equity shares that will have no value until we develop the product and do venture capital. It's atleast going to take 10 months for the same. Once venture capital is approved, I will be on the company records as a salary paid developer with a H1B visa.

 

Could you let me know, since legally I am not taking a pay check if I am eligible to work with this person?

 

thanks and warm regards,

ub 

[jairichi]

I believe it is illegal. Just wait for opinions from other advanced members

[JoeF]

You can invest money into some company, but you can NOT do any work for the company on H4.

It doesn't matter how you get compensated (or if at all), you can NOT do any work while on H4. Period.

[omshiv]

Consult with an Attorney before you violate your Visa Status and put yourself and your H1 holder into trouble.

[ubjj]

thanks. The start up entrepreneur did come back and say he'll just have me on the Advisory board for now since he thinks my profile is good. But we'll go for a formal consultation to make sure we are on the right path.

 

thanks again for all the replies,

ub

[JoeF]

Even being on the advisory board is active involvement, which isn't allowed on H4.