If you are thinking of kickstarting your YouTube career as an H-1B holder, trying to earn some extra cash, you might wanna reconsider your options.
YouTube and other content creation on social media is usually driven by taking brand deals or sponsorships. But if you do so on a work visa, you might be unknowingly breaking US immigration laws.
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A growing number of H-1B holders are now being warned, brand promotions, even on your personal YouTube or Instagram page, can be treated as unauthorized work. International workers are allowed to earn money only from their sponsoring employer; that’s it.
You can’t freelance, you can’t consult, and you definitely can’t accept payments from brands to promote their products, unless you file an H-1B amendment and get it approved. Therefore, even a single paid post could be considered a violation.
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Passive income, like stock dividends or interest on savings, is fine. But the moment you’re creating content for money, the government sees that as a side job, and unless it’s on your H-1B paperwork, it’s illegal.
So be wary because one YouTube video can ruin your full-time career in the US.
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