If I’m 33 and live in the US under a J1 visa, is it possible for me to open a small business and stay here?

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If I’m 33 and live in the US under a J1 visa, is it possible for me to open a small business and stay here?

It will end in 11 months. I am a Belgian and Moroccan citizen and am planning to open a business here to import product from Morocco and sell them here. I already have a business bank account here but no EIN but I do have an ID and SSN..

Asked on September 18, 2014 under Immigration Law, California

Answers:

SB Member California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 9 years ago | Contributor

If you are in the US in J-1 status, you are only authorized to do what is encompassed in your J-1 course of study/research/work.  You are not able to derive income from any other source while in that status.  If you want to open a business in the US, you can do that but you are not permitted to receive any income from that business while in J-1 status.


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