Q: Can an F1 student monetize a a website they developed?
Two main questions.
1) Is it legal to sell the website in case someone makes an offer?
2) Can the website be monetized? Like through subscriptions or donations. Possibly setting it up as a company of some sort
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- Answered
A:
If you are an F1 student in the U.S., you need to be cautious about engaging in any kind of employment, including monetizing a website. Selling a website is considered a transaction, and since F1 students are limited to certain types of work (like on-campus jobs or approved internships), selling a website without authorization could be seen as unauthorized work, which may lead to visa issues.
Monetizing a website through ads, subscriptions, or donations is also problematic. Even if it doesn’t seem like traditional employment, earning any income from these activities could be considered a violation of your F1 status. The law treats any income-generating activity as work, regardless of how passive it might seem.
To navigate this situation legally, it’s important to consult an immigration advisor. You may need to explore options like applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or a different visa category to engage in these activities without risking your student status.
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