May I receive payment to appear in a commercial or endorse a commercial product?
No, not if the service is performed in the United States.
May I receive compensation for a personal appearance at an event?
No, not if the appearance is in the United States.
May I receive compensation for providing lessons or coaching at a private camp, club, or clinic in the United States?
No. (Please discuss employment at YSU on-campus camps with OIA.)
May I receive compensation for signing an autograph?
No, not if you are signing in the United States.
May I establish my own business selling products and services?
No, not in the United States. Note: an F-1 student can invest in the United States (e.g., buy stock in a company), but cannot receive income or remuneration as a result of providing services to any company, including one owned by the F-1 student.
May I sell institutional awards (rings, apparel, etc.) once I have finished my athletics eligibility?
Yes. An F-1 student may sell personal possessions, provided this is not undertaken as a regular business or trade. (Any questions should be addressed to an immigration attorney.)
May I use my name, image, or likeness in connection with a personal crowdfunding page to raise money for my personal education expenses or family hardships?
If the page is set up while the student-athlete is outside the U.S. and no further activity is undertaken related to promotion of the page while in the U.S., then this activity may be permissible. (Please consult with an immigration attorney.) However, the U.S. government may consider active operation\updating\promotion of such a page while in the U.S. to be no different than operating a business for income.
May I use my name, image, or likeness in connection with a personal crowdfunding page to raise money for charity?
Yes, provided you receive no compensation, remuneration, or benefit from the charity in any way. (Please consult with an immigration attorney.)
