My Case Study - Help me out - Alien wants to sell something !

What is the name of your state? NY

Hi

I once posted a message asking whether I can start an internet business while on F1. There were varied opinions and the details again vary opinions too much to be unanimous. I am posting a little case of mine, see whether I can do THIS IN SPECIFIC. This will help me beat the wrong opinion with the right legal interpretation of applicable clause. Thanks for your time, please read it and try to answer each part as asked, so that I get something out of it.

CASE:

- I wish to sell things on internet, specifically, order things on internet at a lower price(may be from a distributor) and list these goods on eBay, and when someone buys it, I get the money for it in my bank account. This might make me some $1000-2000 a month. I am not buying these thngs as a company, but as an individual.

QUESTION:

- Can I do THE ABOVE online selling, buying cheap on internet and selling on eBay to people, and earning income from it worth $1000-2000, without violating my F1 visa regulation. Would this be interpreted as, or can be interpreted as off campus employment, or any other form of violation of F1 visa?

- I know people who do this as a business, they pay income tax on such online auctions. As a F-1 student, am I REQUIRED to pay tax on this income I am making above as an individual ? Or should I ask, CAN I file tax on income from an online source of income like this while am on F1?

- What are my options ? Under what circumstances or conditions can I sell things on internet wihout violating my F1 status ?

- Lastly, is there any FINAL authority to answer these questions, or everything is an opinion? Isnt there any way one can come to know the YES and NO answer for these questions, and be assured that the INS is happy with it?

People told me many things - as long as I dont work for someone, I can earn money on F1 (Right?). A telephonic discussion with an Immigration Lawyer told me its a typical "buy goods from wholesaler and retail out BUSINESS, you CANNOT do it". Lastly, my school DSO said it would be interpreted as a CONTRACT between me and the buyer, which is a violation of F1 status (!)

PHEW !

Any help wud be appreciated. Once again, please answer under each part of the question and add your opinion freely.

Thanks.
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[HomeGuru]

duplicate post x 2.

I posted it in 4 forums to see where it gets answered according to the category, thanks for noticing.

You didnt reply to even one post thoguh. See if you can do that, that would have helpmed me more.

Thanks.