International Students' Amazon Book Sales Explained

International students with an F-1 visa in the US are not permitted to work or generate income, except through passive investments or authorized on-campus employment. This restriction has prompted questions about whether selling books on Amazon constitutes unauthorized work. Some international students have explored options like Amazon KDP and FBA to publish and sell books, but doing so through a US-based corporation may be considered employment, which is not allowed on an F-1 visa. To navigate this, international students have considered setting up a business in their home country and getting paid through a business account to avoid visa complications.

International students with an F-1 visa cannot do any work or earn money in the US

International students with an F-1 visa cannot engage in any form of work or earn money in the US. This includes selling books on Amazon, which is considered unauthorized work. Writing, publishing, and selling a book in the US is considered active employment, and being a writer is recognized as a job. Therefore, international students on an F-1 visa cannot legally sell books they have written on Amazon.

However, there are limited options for income that are permitted. Passive investments in the stock market are allowed, providing the opportunity to generate income without engaging in active employment. Additionally, international students on F-1 visas can work on campus for up to 20 hours per week. This on-campus employment must be authorized and is restricted to a specified number of hours.

It is important to note that the restrictions on F-1 visas are designed to prevent any form of employment or income generation that could be considered competitive with US workers. The visa is intended for students whose primary focus is their education, and any work or income must not interfere with their studies. As a result, activities like selling books, whether through Amazon or other platforms, are not permitted.

In the context of Amazon, international students on F-1 visas should also be cautious about using services like Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon). While it is possible to incorporate a business in one's home country and receive payments through that entity, getting paid directly into a personal account by a US corporation could be seen as similar to employment in the US, which is not permitted under the F-1 visa regulations.

To summarize, international students with an F-1 visa have limited options for income and are generally prohibited from working or earning money in the US. While there are exceptions, such as passive investments and authorized on-campus employment, selling books they have written on Amazon is not permitted as it constitutes active employment and is considered a job. Adhering to visa regulations is crucial to maintain legal status while studying in the US.

Writing, publishing, and selling a book is considered active employment

International students on an F1 visa are not permitted to work or earn money in the US, except through passive investments in the stock market or authorized on-campus employment for up to 20 hours a week. This means that writing, publishing, and selling a book would be considered active employment and would not be allowed under an F1 visa. Being a writer is a job, and while self-employed or freelance writers have the freedom to work remotely and manage their own time, it is still considered a profession.

Writing, publishing, and selling a book involves multiple stages of active work. Firstly, the writing process itself requires time and effort to produce original stories, characters, and dialogue, or to adapt existing content. This is a creative and often time-consuming process that may involve research, interviews, and multiple drafts. Secondly, publishing involves finding a publisher or self-publishing, which can also be a lengthy process. It may involve pitching the book to publishers, negotiating contracts, and deciding on the format of the book (e.g. ebook or print). Self-publishing is an option that gives the author more control but still requires the author to be actively involved in the production and distribution process. Finally, selling the book, whether through online platforms like Amazon or in physical bookstores, is the third stage of active employment. This may involve marketing and promoting the book to reach a wider audience, as well as managing sales and distribution.

While writing and publishing a book can be a rewarding experience, it is important for international students on F1 visas to understand the restrictions of their visa status. Engaging in unauthorized work can have serious consequences, including the risk of losing their visa and the ability to remain in the country. Therefore, it is crucial for international students to seek proper advice and guidance before embarking on any income-generating activities.

It is worth noting that there may be other ways for international students to share their writing and gain experience without violating their visa restrictions. For example, contributing to college magazines or newspapers, blogging, or writing for online platforms that do not have specific geographical restrictions can be great ways to build a writing portfolio and gain exposure. These options allow international students to develop their writing skills and connect with a global audience while staying compliant with their visa regulations.

International students can sell their own used items

International students on an F1 visa in the US are not permitted to work or generate income, except through passive investments or authorized on-campus employment for up to 20 hours per week. Writing, publishing, and selling a book is considered active employment and is therefore not allowed. However, international students can legally sell their own used items. This means that if you have a personal collection of books that you no longer need, you are allowed to sell them on Amazon.

It is important to note that this activity should not interfere with your studies. If you are an international student considering selling your used books online, make sure to manage your time effectively and ensure that your academic commitments remain your priority. The process of selling used books should only require a minimal amount of your time and effort.

When selling your used books on Amazon, it is advisable to set up a business in your home country and get paid through a business bank account. Getting paid directly from a US corporation to your personal account may be considered unauthorized work on your visa. By structuring your sales activity through a business entity in your home country, you can ensure compliance with the terms of your student visa.

Additionally, keep in mind that selling used books may have specific tax implications, depending on your country's regulations. Make sure to familiarize yourself with any tax requirements or obligations that may apply to your transactions. This may include understanding sales tax, income tax, or any other taxes relevant to your specific situation.

By following these guidelines, international students can legally and safely sell their own used books or other personal items on Amazon without violating the terms of their student visas. It is crucial to stay informed about any updates or changes to visa regulations and to consult official sources or seek expert advice if you have any concerns or uncertainties regarding your specific circumstances.

Getting paid through Amazon FBA may be possible if incorporated in your home country

International students on F1 visas in the US are not permitted to work or generate income, except through passive investments or authorized on-campus employment for up to 20 hours per week. This restriction poses a challenge for those considering selling books on Amazon, as writing, publishing, and selling books are considered active employment. However, getting paid through Amazon FBA may be possible if structured correctly.

Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) is a service provided by Amazon that allows sellers to outsource their order fulfillment and shipping to Amazon. This means that Amazon will store, pack, and ship products to customers on behalf of the seller. While this service can be convenient for sellers, international students must consider the legal implications of using FBA to ensure compliance with their visa restrictions.

To understand the possibilities and limitations of getting paid through Amazon FBA as an international student, it is essential to distinguish between getting paid directly as an individual and getting paid through a business entity. Getting paid directly as an individual on an F1 visa is not advisable, as it could be interpreted as active employment in the US, which is not permitted.

However, there is a potential path forward if you are incorporated in your home country. By setting up a business in your home country and getting paid through your business bank account, you can receive income from Amazon FBA sales without violating the terms of your F1 visa. This approach ensures that you are not directly employed in the US but are instead operating through a business entity based in your home country.

It is important to note that this option requires careful consideration and compliance with the applicable laws and regulations in both your home country and the US. Seeking professional advice to understand the specific requirements and ensure compliance with visa restrictions is always recommended. Additionally, keep in mind that the information provided here may not cover all the nuances of your specific situation, and visa regulations can change over time. Therefore, consulting official sources and seeking personalized advice is crucial before proceeding with any business ventures as an international student.

Getting paid from a US corporation on an F-1 visa is not allowed

International students on an F-1 visa are not permitted to receive compensation or a salary from a US-based company, including US corporations. This is because US immigration law prohibits employment for F-1 visa holders, and payment of a wage is considered a signifier of employment.

However, F-1 visa holders can create a business plan and launch their own business in the US. They can also invest in their own company and receive dividends, as this is considered passive income. To start a business, F-1 visa holders must file the appropriate paperwork within the state where they intend to operate and obtain the necessary licenses and permits. They can also open a business bank account and purchase insurance to protect themselves and their business.

Despite being able to launch a business, F-1 visa holders cannot engage in its daily operations or management. This means that they cannot work for their own company and receive a salary, as this would violate their visa status.

In the case of Matter of Hira, a B-1 visa holder did not violate their visa status by receiving a small amount of money in the US for "living expenses", as their salary was sent to their parents in India. This case may support the option for F-1 visa holders to repatriate profits to an overseas dollarized bank account in the company's name, rather than their own.

Therefore, while F-1 visa holders can start a business in the US, they cannot receive a salary from a US corporation or their own company.

Frequently asked questions