[cinchan]

Hi,

I know that F-2 visa doesn't allow any kind of employment with a payroll, but what about having an online shop?

I'm currently living in the US on an F-2 visa (my husband is a student). I really have nothing to do since I'm not allowed to work and I'm thinking to start a small online shop selling my artwork. Is this OK? Would I break the law if I do this?

Is receiving a bank transfer or a check (but not payroll) lawful for my case? And what about using PayPal? How would this affect me according to the tax law?

Please help me. I'm desperate.
Thank you.

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

By selling your artwork on-line, you are in fact setting up an independent, U.S.-based business, which violates your F-2 visa, just like getting a job in the U.S. would violate your visa.

How you get paid is irrelevant. What matters is running the business within the confines of the U.S.

Sorry, but that IS the law.

[cinchan]

I see.

And what about if my online store is based in my home country?
So, every payments received from the selling get into a non-US bank abroad.
Would that still be illegal?

Thank you for your answer.

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

If the initial set-up of the on-line business was done in your home country BEFORE you came the United States, then you could argue that the income is foreign-sourced and thus NOT subject to U.S. tax laws, especially if the amount of income received is minimal (say, $3,000).