Chicago, IL asked in Immigration Law for Illinois

Q: Are international students allowed to rent their things as a secondary, passive source of income?

I know international students under an F1 visa are allowed to own and rent property in the US and they are also allowed to earn passive income through stocks. So I was wondering if international students, under an F1 visa, are allowed to rent their things especially when they are not in use or to take advantge when you are using them? Sites like Fat Llama let you rent items you own, Neighbor lets you rent space in your apartment for storage, and Wrapify lets you put ads in your car with no minimum driving distance. Are all these allowed and why? I know airbnb is allowed but not uber or lyft, to give examples. Thank you!

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1 Lawyer Answer
Agnes Jury
Agnes Jury
Answered
  • Immigration Law Lawyer
  • Traverse City, MI
  • Licensed in Illinois

A: If your income comes from Employment then you are subject to the F1 student employment restrictions (see: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/students-and-exchange-visitors/students-and-employment). However, if your income is passive (i.e. when the earner expends little effort to grow the income such as rental income and any business activities in which the earner does not materially participate) then it is not "employment" that is subject to the F1 student employment restrictions. See this nice artice: https://myrawealth.com/insights/how-can-f1-students-earn-passive-income. You should consult with a CPA as to reporting passive income. Best wishes!

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