You wouldn’t want to get deported trying to sell things on Amazon website, right?
Selling on Amazon marketplace with a H1b visa sounds like unlocking boundless potentials, a possible way to fill your bank account with money, I understand. This can be a freelance work. But can you actually do it?
The short answer is no. This comprehensive guide sheds light on the opportunities, limitations, and risks associated with selling on Amazon while holding an H-1B visa.
Whether you’re curious about moonlighting on H-1B, exploring Amazon market, or considering entrepreneurship, this guide will equip you with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions and pursue your ambitions, all within the scope of law!
Amazon Seller Requirements: What It Takes To be A Seller
Before diving into the specifics of selling on Amazon as a visa holder, let’s explore the general requirements for becoming an Amazon merchant.
Setting up an Amazon seller account to sell products online is a relatively straightforward process that involves creating a seller profile to begin with. So first, you need to create an amazon account. You would need to select a selling plan of course along with the account.
In return, you would have to provide relevant information, such as contact details and payment methods.
Additionally, Amazon will request additional documentation such as Government ID and Tax information to verify your identity and address, ensuring a secure selling environment.
Can H1b Sell On Amazon?
To put it directly, anyone holding an H1B visa is not allowed to sell on Amazon. They are not even allowed and is considered illegal to engage in any other business activities outside of their approved employment.
By law, the H1B visa is specifically tied to a sponsoring employer and the role mentioned in the approved petition. The petition clearly defines everything about what constitutes employment, what is unlawful employment. If you’re on student visa, however, you would still need an employment authorization to be eligible to sell and earn an income.
You would want to note that H1B visa holders are not permitted to work for any other company or engage in self-employment without proper authorization from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The primary purpose of the H1B visa is to allow U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for specialized occupations. H1B visa holders are expected to work exclusively for their sponsoring employer in the said occupation.
Taking up another job, whether full-time or part-time, or engaging in self-employment, including selling on Amazon, would be a violation of the terms of the H1B visa.
This same conversation holds true for amazon’s fba program, although many attempt to take advantage of amazon fba through US based LLC. Their fba program is a special outsourcing and fulfillment program.
It’s important for H1B visa holders to comply with the visa requirements and restrictions to maintain their legal status in the United States for a US company.
The Limitations of H1B Visa Holders
Unfortunately, H-1B visa holders encounter various limitations, thanks to the specific conditions and terms of their visa.
Firstly, a very simple proposition is that H-1B holders are bound to their sponsoring employer and cannot switch employers without obtaining a new visa or transferring their existing one.
Moreover, their work options are limited to specialty occupations that necessitate specialized knowledge and require effort, as well as expertise. They are typically tied to a designated work location mentioned in their visa, requiring formal approval for any changes.
H-1B visas have a time limitation of up to six years, after which individuals must either leave the country or seek an alternative visa. If you are a H-1B holder, you can work in the U.S., but your dependents on behalf, may face restrictions on employment. The person in position, for example, would have to qualify for separate work authorization.
The limitations don’t end there. Keep in mind that H-1B visa holders are heavily reliant on their visa status, and any changes or job losses can jeopardize their ability to remain in the country legally.
Not just Amazon but self-employment and starting businesses are restricted under the H-1B visa and the costs and legal fee may be high if caught. So if you wish to do something along the lines, you would require different visa categories.
It is advisable to consult with an immigration attorney or your employer to understand the specific limitations and guidelines related to your H1B visa.
The Risks Of Selling Online as an H1B visa Holder
Engaging in unauthorized Amazon business activities, like selling on Amazon, can have serious consequences for H-1B visa holders. You would certainly want to not take the risk.
Violating the terms of your visa may lead to visa revocation. It can even be as bad as deportation, and legal penalties.
It is imperative to understand the risks associated with unauthorized employment and the potential impact it can have on your immigration status.
However, there may be limited circumstances where H-1B visa holders can engage in secondary employment or occasional consulting with proper approval from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The rule varied in other countries set by different governments.
FAQs
Can h1b sell on ebay?
Similar to selling on Amazon, individuals on an H1B visa are typically not allowed to sell on eBay or engage in any other business activities outside of their approved employment.
Can h1b sell on etsy?
The answer to this is the same as with eBay and Amazon, H1B visa holders are generally not permitted to either sell products on Etsy or participate in any other business ventures beyond their approved employment. The restrictions on unauthorized employment apply to various online marketplaces, including Etsy.
Can h1b sell art?
Selling art or engaging in any other form of business activity outside of the approved employment is typically not allowed for H1B visa holders.
Can I moonlight on h1b visa?
Moonlighting, which refers to a person having a second job or engaging in additional employment, is not permitted on an H1B visa. H1B visa holders are expected to work exclusively for their sponsoring employer in the designated occupation or industry that is mentioned in their approved status.
Does amazon sponsor h1b?
No, Amazon does not sponsor for immigration anymore.
Can I start my own business on H1B?
Generally, H1B visa holders are not allowed to start selling from their own businesses while on the H1B visa. The visa is tied to being employed by a company or specific employer, and engaging in self-employment or starting a side business would typically require a different visa category, such as an investor visa or an entrepreneur visa.
Can h1b be partner in llc?
While H1B visa holders are not prohibited from being partners in a limited liability company (LLC), the involvement in the LLC should align with the approved employment and comply with the visa regulations. It is important to consult with an immigration attorney to ensure that any involvement in an LLC or any other business activity complies with the terms of the H1B visa and immigration laws.
Final Thoughts
While the H-1B visa disallows you from selling on Amazon marketplace, similar to how it restricts certain business activities, there are still scopes for you to sell elsewhere if you are a visa holder. You could explore entrepreneurship and sell online while selling within the bounds of the law.
I always recommend that you consult with immigration experts or an attorney to ensure compliance with visa regulations.
Remember, understanding and abiding by the rules not only protects your legal status but also sets the foundation for future business ventures.
