If I’m under an H1B visa, can I start a side business?
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If I’m under an H1B visa, can I start a side business?
I work as a state employer in a local university under an H1B visa. However, my wife is under a H-4 status and has not been able to work, so I was thinking to start a side business to bring more income. Is it legal to start a side business while on an H1B visa? Where/who should I go/talk to to find out more information on the matter?
Asked on November 4, 2014 under Immigration Law, Illinois
Answers:
SB Member California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
You can open up a company but you are not permitted to work or derive any income from that business while you are in H-1B status or your wife is in H-4 status. You would need to get someone else to run the day to day operations of the business.
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