Selling Music as F1 Student

[LD182 0]

Hi,

 

I'm a musician, singer/songwriter and recently released my first song on all platforms (Spotify, iTunes, apple music, youtube...). As an F1 student am I allowed to receive any royalties?

 

I read somewhere that I can own a business as F1, since I'm funding my own music production and I'm basically my own label, would that allow me to earn money from my music (royalties from writing rights, publishing rights, ad revenue...)

 

Thank you.

[Ben&Zian 4,398]

4 minutes ago, LD182 said:

Hi,

 

I'm a musician, singer/songwriter and recently released my first song on all platforms (Spotify, iTunes, apple music, youtube...). As an F1 student am I allowed to receive any royalties?

 

I read somewhere that I can own a business as F1, since I'm funding my own music production and I'm basically my own label, would that allow me to earn money from my music (royalties from writing rights, publishing rights, ad revenue...)

 

Thank you.

 

Sounds tricky. While it's a "business" technically which is okay by some sources, actually working for it though isn't. And, since you're the one doing the "work" technically by making the music, writing/playing, ect, that could be the area of concern. Trust me, have a band in Houston also and it is a lot of work and commitment.

 

http://thejacobslaw.com/start-business-u-s-student-visa/   This broke it down a little.

[Jeanne Adil 1,651]

If you’re in your first academic year, you might be able to start a company. However, if it’s located off-campus, you wouldn’t be able to work at it.

If you’ve completed your first academic year, you may be eligible to both start and work at an off-campus company subject to specific restrictions and conditions.

After your first academic year, F-1 students are eligible to work in three different types of off-campus employment:

1. Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
2. Optional Practical Training (OPT) (pre- or post-completion)
3. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT)

[SaRy 73]

Off-topic but can you send me (via PM) the Spotify or YouTube link to your song?  

[mindthegap 2,589]

If this is your first release, you may be in for a shock at your royalties....or lack of.

Don't go putting a deposit on that penthouse or Ferrari just yet