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Questions and Answers > F-1 Visa

How can an F-1 student open an LLC and invest in real estate?

I am a Brazilian national, working under F-1 OPT in engineering. I would like to open an LLC to invest in real estate and manage it passively. What would be my limitations?

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Answers

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    Dale Schwartz

    Immigration Attorney
    Answered on

    Anyone can invest in real estate in the U.S. You can do this as long as it is a passive investment. You would not be allowed to work for your real estate company or investments.

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    Stephen Berman

    Immigration Attorney
    Answered on

    It does not sound at all like a passive investment to me. If it is a passive investment, you simply send money to the company in which you are investing.

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    Belma Demirovic Chinchoy

    Immigration Attorney
    Answered on

    Ownership of an LLC and passive investment income generally does not violate terms of an F visa.

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    Salvatore Picataggio

    Immigration Attorney
    Answered on

    The managing of the business would likely be considered employment. A purely passive investment should be OK though.

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    Fredrick W Voigtmann

    Immigration Attorney
    Answered on

    You can open an LLC and be a passive investor, buying/holding/selling real estate; you just cannot work or receive compensation for services that would normally be performed by an employee.

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    Michael A Harris, Esq

    Immigration Attorney
    Answered on

    Ownership in companies, such as in the stock market, is allowed. But a foreign student will need to make sure that they are not engaged in any labor or that could cause problems for the student. I recommend you speak with a corporate immigration law specialist.

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    Lynne Feldman

    Immigration Attorney
    Answered on

    It should be fine provided you are not employed there.

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    A Olusanjo Omoniyi

    Immigration Attorney
    Answered on

    As a non-resident, there is no limitation in forming a business. Just as well, there is no limitation in purchasing and owning real estate as a non-resident.

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    Bernard P Wolfsdorf

    Immigration Attorney
    Answered on

    You can own real estate and during your first period of practical training, you can arguably be self-employed if this relates to your area of study. If not best to appoint a property manager and limit your involvement to passive investing. Alternatively, the option is to obtain a green card or a work visa that clearly authorizes these activities.