Asked in Business Law, Immigration Law and Tax Law

Q: Hello, if an international student comes to USA for PhD with full fund, can she do day trading in crypto at the same tim

Hello, if an international student comes to USA for PhD with full fund, can she do day trading in crypto at the same time?

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Immigration Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: If you are an international student in the U.S. on an F-1 visa, it's important to know that your work activities are restricted. Engaging in day trading, including crypto, could be considered unauthorized employment if it generates income. This could potentially violate your visa terms, leading to serious immigration consequences.

The F-1 visa allows for certain types of employment, like on-campus work or specific internships (OPT/CPT), but day trading generally does not fall under these categories. Even if trading is seen as a form of personal investment rather than employment, the legal line can be blurry when it involves frequent transactions and income generation.

Before pursuing day trading, it’s crucial to understand the rules and consult with your school's designated office for international students to ensure compliance with your visa conditions.

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