Freelancing whilst on a Visa
Jan 30th 2017, 2:43 am
#1
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Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 19
Freelancing whilst on a Visa
Hi,
I am on an L1 which I know means I can by law only work for the company that petitioned for the visa.
I have received an opportunity to help a small start-up firm on a purely advisory basis. There is some discussion around compensation and based on research this seems like a grey area.
Options are for a % cut of a deal they are signing or an equivalent equity stake in the firm.
Any thoughts?
I am on an L1 which I know means I can by law only work for the company that petitioned for the visa.
I have received an opportunity to help a small start-up firm on a purely advisory basis. There is some discussion around compensation and based on research this seems like a grey area.
Options are for a % cut of a deal they are signing or an equivalent equity stake in the firm.
Any thoughts?
Jan 30th 2017, 2:48 am
#2
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Joined: Apr 2003
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Posts: 58,679
Re: Freelancing whilst on a Visa
I am on an L1 which I know means I can by law only work for the company that petitioned for the visa.
I have received an opportunity to help a small start-up firm on a purely advisory basis. There is some discussion around compensation and based on research this seems like a grey area.
Options are for a % cut of a deal they are signing or an equivalent equity stake in the firm.
Any thoughts?
I have received an opportunity to help a small start-up firm on a purely advisory basis. There is some discussion around compensation and based on research this seems like a grey area.
Options are for a % cut of a deal they are signing or an equivalent equity stake in the firm.
Any thoughts?
If you want to be a silent partner and simply receive stock in the firm without doing any work, I believe that is allowed.
Rene
Jan 30th 2017, 3:02 am
#3
Joined: Dec 2001
Location: Dixie, ex UK
Posts: 52,446
Re: Freelancing whilst on a Visa
Hi,
I am on an L1 which I know means I can by law only work for the company that petitioned for the visa.
I have received an opportunity to help a small start-up firm on a purely advisory basis. There is some discussion around compensation and based on research this seems like a grey area.
Options are for a % cut of a deal they are signing or an equivalent equity stake in the firm.
Any thoughts?
I am on an L1 which I know means I can by law only work for the company that petitioned for the visa.
I have received an opportunity to help a small start-up firm on a purely advisory basis. There is some discussion around compensation and based on research this seems like a grey area.
Options are for a % cut of a deal they are signing or an equivalent equity stake in the firm.
Any thoughts?
Also don't confuse non-cash compensation with the definition of "work" - an L-1 does not allow outside work, and just because your compensation is not cash does not mean that you're not working. The tax on your non-cash compensation will require some specialist advice too.
Finally, if you choose to flout or bend the rules on your visa, don't be as cavalier with the IRS rules. Pi§§ing of the USCIS is one thing, but doing the same thing to the IRS can bring you a whole world of hurt.
Jan 30th 2017, 3:10 am
#4
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 19
Re: Freelancing whilst on a Visa
I am not sure what you mean by "purely advisory", but to me an advisor giving advice means "work", and you know what that means!
Also don't confuse non-cash compensation with the definition of "work" - an L-1 does not allow outside work, and just because your compensation is not cash does not mean that you're not working. The tax on your non-cash compensation will require some specialist advice too.
Finally, if you choose to flout or bend the rules on your visa, don't be as cavalier with the IRS rules. Pi§§ing of the USCIS is one thing, but doing the same thing to the IRS can bring you a whole world of hurt.
Also don't confuse non-cash compensation with the definition of "work" - an L-1 does not allow outside work, and just because your compensation is not cash does not mean that you're not working. The tax on your non-cash compensation will require some specialist advice too.
Finally, if you choose to flout or bend the rules on your visa, don't be as cavalier with the IRS rules. Pi§§ing of the USCIS is one thing, but doing the same thing to the IRS can bring you a whole world of hurt.
Purely advisory...I'm not actually working for them...they've just asked me what I think of x..kind of like writing a review on Amazon
Don't worry I always pay my taxes.
Jan 30th 2017, 3:19 am
#5
Joined: Dec 2001
Location: Dixie, ex UK
Posts: 52,446
Re: Freelancing whilst on a Visa
Jan 30th 2017, 3:12 pm
#6
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,903
Re: Freelancing whilst on a Visa
If you're providing advice and they're compensating you for it, that is the pure definition of work and is not allowed!
Would you get away with it? Probably. However, is it worth jeopardizing your main job for a few extra dollars? If you get caught, the odds are you'll be on the next 'plane home, saying goodbye to BOTH!
Your choice.
Would you get away with it? Probably. However, is it worth jeopardizing your main job for a few extra dollars? If you get caught, the odds are you'll be on the next 'plane home, saying goodbye to BOTH!
Your choice.
