What OPT STEM OPT Candidates Need to Understand About Passive Income and Side Money While on a Visa

This is a question that comes up constantly and very few people give a straight answer on it. Whether it is paid surveys, renting out a parking spot, selling things online, or doing freelance work on the side — every single source of income you earn while on OPT or STEM OPT needs to be looked at carefully before you accept a dollar. The general rule is that any activity that generates income and requires your active participation could be considered unauthorized employment if it falls outside your authorized work arrangement. Passive income from things like a savings account or investments is generally treated differently than income from services you perform — but the line between passive and active gets blurry fast and the consequences of getting it wrong are serious. Before you sign up for anything that puts money in your pocket outside of your authorized employer talk to an immigration attorney and get a clear answer for your specific situation.

I am not an immigration lawyer and nothing in this post is legal advice — please talk to your DSO and consult a licensed immigration attorney for your specific situation.