The FAQ for OPT on US immigration and customs site says a student can start a business and be self employed during the post completion OPT period. http://www.ic

The FAQ for OPT on US immigration and customs site says a student can start a business and be self employed during the post completion OPT period. http://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/opt_policy_guidance_042010.pdf http://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/opt_policy_guidance_0420... (7.2.1, pg 17) As long as it is legitimate and all the legal paper work is done properly, i think it should be fine. Of course, there might be some who register a company just for getting a work authorization and i assume the USCIS will have verifications to make sure you are running a real business and not just a one on paper. zengr, since you have already moved to H1, i don't think it will be applicable for you. I am also on OPT working for a startup and i am moving to H1 shortly.