Foreign students holding F-1 visas may face deportation risks if they engage in unauthorized work by founding a startup. The F-1 visa is strictly a student visa, allowing only on-campus part-time employment. Unauthorized work, including unpaid positions or equity-based compensation, can jeopardize a student’s visa status, leading to potential deportation if discovered by USCIS during future visa applications.
Key Details:
- F-1 visa allows only on-campus part-time work; unauthorized work can violate status.
- Founders may receive service stock that vests over four years, which is considered work.
- Unauthorized work can be flagged during OPT or H-1B visa applications, risking denial.
- To mitigate risks, students should avoid incorporating startups until funding is secured and refrain from issuing service stock.
This information is crucial for foreign student entrepreneurs to maintain their visa status while pursuing business opportunities. Need help with your immigration case? Visit QuickFiling.us for professional immigration services.
Source: Joe Faris, CPA