Freelancing while on student visa (US/Canada)

Student Lounge International Students
1

<p>so..I freelance online as of now in my home country and earn some money , will this be allowed while I enter canada
or US on a student visa?</p>

<p>the 6 month wait for canada student visas has been recently waived off,so we can work part time 20 hours/week right away.</p>

<p>I don't know much about the US.</p>

<p>Also,from what I read, I can freelance like this in canada online as long as it doesn't take away any canadian jobs, so lets say I open an LLC in US - and hire freelancers (I'm freelancing currently but I intend to eventually open an online business that hires freelancers or something of that sort...I even know a lot about marketing - so idea is also to sell my teaching online - I guess that would mean self- employed,right? ).</p>

<p>In any case, I wish to open an LLC in the US.</p>

<p>Now,if I do so(if I'm allowed to open a biz) , will I have to pay taxes to both US and Canada?</p>

<p>I will only be a canadian student at that time(Canadians are charged on worldwide income but I will be a student there,not a resident)...and the business will be a US registered business - and I'll be allowed a US bank account for this as well,right?</p>

<p>In that case , if I open an LLC in a NON-INCOME tax state...do I have to pay no taxes? really?!</p>

<p>What about the same case if i decide to come to US as a student, can I open an online biz in terms of an LLC?
If not, lets say I register a biz in my home country or anywhere else - and such that I teach people online....I don't take away any jobs I just sell my teaching to people that want to learn marketing - I guess thats under self-employment but is that allowed?</p>

<p>Please help,I'm in desperate need of help and I really don't have much time left to make one of the most important decisions of my life...help :(</p>

2

<p>It is my understanding that working jobs outside the campus ( or campus-related), and working more than 20 hours per week, on an F-1 student visa is illegal in the US. So that would include freelance work.</p>

<p><a href=“http://immigrationroad.com/visa/f1-student/f1-student-visa-employment-options.php”>http://immigrationroad.com/visa/f1-student/f1-student-visa-employment-options.php&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>In an earlier thread you said your parents would finance your education. If that is the case, I would recommend you not work beyond the scope of what’s allowed on your visa. </p>

3

<p>Well yes I understand I do not ‘need’ to work more…but after I’m done with 2 more years of college I’ll be on my own 100% ,and yes I understand freelance work isn’t allowed…but what i gathered from this link</p>

<p><a href=“http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/working-as-freelancer-with-student-visa-t155108.0.html;wap=”>http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/working-as-freelancer-with-student-visa-t155108.0.html;wap=&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>and other such threads on that forum ,is that such ‘online’ work is considered as one on global village of sorts,and that its allowed as long as I don’t take away jobs from the country.</p>

<p>Of course,the link above is for canada ,but the concept makes sense,doesn’t it?</p>

<p>Also,I would like to know if there is some phone helpline in US or Canada where I can get such answers answers directly, maybe?</p>

<p>I read months ago someone called immigration helpline and got answers…or something of that sort ,via phone.</p>

<p>Thanks a lot and more help appreciated :)</p>

4

<p>How are you going to stay in the U.S. after your studies? </p>

5

<p>Hi,
I will be taking up a job offer I get after the studies,if thats under work permit?</p>

<p>Thank you.</p>

6

<p>Only if you get sponsored for a work visa by an employer – and that’s very difficult to get. It’s expensive and labor-intensive for the employer, plus he has to prove that there are no americans qualified to do that particular job. Your chances are very, very small. </p>

7

<p>Here’s the rule for F1 Visa in USA:</p>

<p>Students are authorized to work on campus jobs ( part time).
To work as in intern, you would need a job offer and approved CPT.</p>

<p>But, when you get OPT - you are allowed to start a company and work in your company.</p>

<p>I know folks who asked if they can work while in USA, and get paid based on their account back in home country.</p>

<p>As per U.S. Immigration Law, the location where work is performed is that matters, not where you get paid.</p>

<p>So, as an F1 student, you can’t work freelance work legally. </p>

8

<p>You have posted several times and asked the same question. </p>

<p>The answer is: NO, you cannot come to the US, work for yourself while you are on a student visa, and live here permanently. There are some conditions that allow you to work on campus during the year, but not for your own company to generate your own income. </p>

<p>You cannot assume that after graduation, that you will automatically be employed by an American company. An employer has to want to sponsor you, but most don’t find sponsors. Assume that you will be returning to your home country once your degree is completed in the US. </p>