Hey experts,

It is summer and I am interested in working. However, that is working online. So this is what the overview of my work would be like:

Note: I have an F1 visa

1. I run a website
2. I signup with a US based company
3. I publish their ads/offers/surveys and make money
4. The US based company requests that since I am a non-US resident, I fill out their W-8 Form and Compliance Certificate.

In the case I do fill the form and comply with their terms and make money, would it be breaching the visa terms I agreed to? Note that I would NOT be doing the work when I am back in the US (at least that is the plan).

However, while I am back in my home country, would it be a problem if I did do some internet marketing for this US based affiliate network?

Could it potentially harm my chances of obtaining the Green Card later on?

Thanks guys. :)

If you can clearly show that the work is being performed while you are located in your home country and NOT while you are in the U.S. under the F-1 visa, then you have nothing to worry about.

Further, if you properly coordinate with the U.S.-based country and complete Form W-8 or W-8BEN, you should not even have to file a U.S. tax return, because the work is being done exclusively outside of the U.S. and this is NOT subject to U.S. income taxes.