The endeavor of a self-employed F-1 student is a thrilling one. While most students pursue various types of employment under existing companies, self-employment is also an option for entrepreneurial F-1 Visa holders. This way, you utilize your OPT fully and prove your skills and creativity in the US start-up sphere.  

Although rewarding, the journey of starting your venture as an OPT student requires a substantial amount of effort and knowledge. Any non-compliance can cause cancellation of your OPT and other severe repercussions.  

Here are some tips on how to stay compliant while navigating the exciting journey of being your own boss as an F-1 student:  

Stay within your field: Perhaps the best thing you could do as an entrepreneur on OPT is create a business model that directly aligns with your major. During the ideation stage of starting your venture, you must have a clear understanding of the academic objectives provided by your degree. Your venture should have a direct and cohesive relation to your degree so that the authorities can be satisfied that you will use your skills and knowledge learned in the classroom, in your business.  

Know the requirements: any student undertaking an OPT must know what the authorities have obliged them to do. Some of the major requirements are for the student to have the Form I-20, to prove eligibility throughout this period, endorsed by your DSO. You must also have a work week of a minimum of 20 hours. Another requirement is to document all activities in and surrounding your venture. It is generally a great practice that makes business dealing a lot easier. Your DSO should always be made aware of any decisions or changes taken on by your venture.   

Be Prepared: The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has set regulations that you must follow and know about. You should expect the USCIS to visit your place of work and ask for any/all documents and verifying questions to establish the legitimacy of your venture. Failure to produce said documents or answers could lead to investigations and repercussions in cases of foul play.  

Plan- Organize – Execute: Getting your ducks in a row is essential as a self-employed F-1 student. To steer clear of any non-compliance and misunderstanding, regularly consult with your DSO, field experts, and immigration lawyers. Once you have acquired all the relevant knowledge, organize the resources. As a young entrepreneur, avoiding wastage in your business dealings is essential for a sound future of your venture. Successful execution happens only after good planning and organizing. Having a systematic approach to your work leaves little scope for non-compliance.  

An entrepreneur gets only 12 months under OPT. It is easy to want to hyper-focus on the operational and monetary parts of your venture during this time, but compliance is equally as important. Ensuring the legality of your business in the United States while bringing in profit increases the chances of future business and immigration opportunities.