In Progress

Readiness & Constraints

Immigration timing and restrictions

Building a business in the U.S. as an international professional is the ultimate high-stakes game. While the upside is huge, the rules are very strict. In the U.S., you aren't just an entrepreneur, you are a "Visa-Regulated Founder." One wrong move can cancel your legal status.

The most important rule: Passive Ownership vs. Active Work. The Reality: In 2026, you can legally own 100% of a U.S. company (LLC or C-Corp) on almost any visa (F-1, H-1B, etc.). However, you cannot work for it (writing code, selling to customers, managing daily tasks) without specific authorization.

F-1/OPT Strategy: Use your 12 months of OPT (or 36 months of STEM OPT) to be a self-employed founder. Your business must be directly related to your degree. For STEM OPT, the company must be E-Verify registered and have a formal Employer-Employee relationship (usually requiring a Board of Directors that can technically fire you).
H-1B Strategy: You can now Self-Sponsor an H-1B if you own 50% or more of the company, but USCIS is very strict. You must show the company is real, has an office (not a P.O. Box), and can pay you a prevailing wage salary.

Resources

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