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If someone on H1b wants to create a business, a non profit, or just wants to freelance - what are the options available to them?
by justaguyhere 6y ago
If someone on H1b wants to create a business, a non profit, or just wants to freelance - what are the options available to them?
- proberts 6y agoThere's no option to freelance while on an H-1B visa and the options to work for another entity concurrently - that is, to get paid by another entity - are very limited and self-employment is generally prohibited. That being said, preliminary steps to create a business or to volunteer for a non-profit are allowed.
- neosat 6y agoThanks! Can you please provide any further links (or keywords to search for) regarding the 'preliminary steps' that are allowed?
- kgycombinator 6y agoThank you! I was going to ask the same question. Also, once the business set up..what if it generated profit as h1bs are not allowed to get paid by other entities..
- proberts 6y agoReally complicated and nuanced stuff unfortunately. What's clear is that one can incorporate, get office space, build a product, and even get funding and that one can't get paid cash for work done. Everything else in between is nuanced, such as generating revenues if not taking a draw or cut. I'd be happy to talk this through with you and anyone else but my general approach is that once the business is real (not a great definition, I know) and not just a hobby or side project, one needs to get work authorization.
- masalachai 6y agoThanks for doing this, Peter. My I-140 is approved and my wife has an EAD. Are there any restrictions that would prevent her from opening an LLC and getting paid for her freelance work through it?