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How do F1 Students start companies here?

2 points by Leo-Jay__ ↗ HN
Hey Guys. Im a green card holder with a cofounder that is on an F1 visa.

So many large companies have been built by students on F1 visas, like Elon, Jason Gui, Sanjay Mehrota, etc.

Did so much research and know F1 students can incorporate in the US but cant work at the startup. What did you guys do? What is advisable?

5 comments

[ 1.9 ms ] story [ 23.2 ms ] thread
NavinF
Hmm that's a good question. Maybe their schools authorized CPT for the student's own companies? https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/sevis-help-hub/student-reco...

Some random sites claim "CPT does not allow for self-employment. If an F-1 student were to request CPT employment to work at the student’s own business, they must show that their work is controlled by other individuals at the business. The F-1 student cannot have 50% or greater control of the business". Some school's F-1 pages say they won't approve self-employment. I think in practice the school has discretion

Leo-Jay__
Hm yes this is what i assumed, this or OPT. Its a part time role tho there has to be another way
NavinF
I suspect the rules were more relaxed back then and the school approved it.

I guess he could invest 100k and switch to an E-2 visa