I am on an F-1 visa for a STEM major. I want to set up a business as a direct EB-5 investment. Can I work for my EB-5 company on my F-1 OPT prior to the I-526 approval?
Answers
A Olusanjo Omoniyi
Find an EB-5 Visa Lawyer: Immigration AttorneyAn F-1 OPT cannot be used to set up a business and work for the business. Your plan indicates you are trying to use your F-1 OPT for self-employment, which runs contrary to the rules for OPT. Advisably, consult an EB-5 attorney in planning your petition.
Salvatore Picataggio
Find an EB-5 Visa Lawyer: Immigration AttorneyProbably yes, up until the expiration of the OPT and provided the employment meets the OPT requirements.
Bernard P Wolfsdorf
Find an EB-5 Visa Lawyer: Immigration AttorneyYou can be self-employed during the initial OPT period but not during the extension, so you need to look at other opportunities, including, for example, the E-2 investment visa.
Lynne Feldman
Find an EB-5 Visa Lawyer: Immigration AttorneyAs long as the school approves that the work is training in your stem field.
Belma Demirovic Chinchoy
Find an EB-5 Visa Lawyer: Immigration AttorneyGenerally, OPT is possible on self-employment. Retain an attorney and they will guide you.
BoBi Ahn
Find an EB-5 Visa Lawyer: Immigration AttorneyUnder F-1 OPT you can not be self-employed.
Charles Foster
Find an EB-5 Visa Lawyer: Immigration AttorneyYes, if work is related to your field of study and only for the duration of the OPT work authorization.
Karen Weinstock
Find an EB-5 Visa Lawyer: Immigration AttorneyYou could potentially work for your own company on F-1 OPT, if your work would be in the same field as your studied and the school approves it.
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