H-1B doing freelance work ok?

[wainic]

I understand H-1B visa is bound to a specific company. Would a H-1B visa holder be allowed to have multiple H-1B visas? And would a H-1B holder be allowed to be an independant contractor and take on freelance job? If not, what is the panalty involved? If OK, can the income be reported as personal income?

 

[usdeeper]

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[This message has been edited by usdeeper (edited October 24, 2000).]

 

[serve]

usdeeper's reply to your question was wrong. You ARE allowed to have multiple H1-B jobs. Actually you can have as many as you like.
But each has to come from a US company who is willing to sponsor you PLUS you have to go through the whole H1-B process for each job. Now with the new law, however you can start working for another company before the H1-B is approved, but after you file the application with the INS.

You are NOT allowed to do freelance work.

 

[usdeeper]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by serve:
usdeeper's reply to your question was wrong. You ARE allowed to have multiple H1-B jobs. Actually you can have as many as you like.
But each has to come from a US company who is willing to sponsor you PLUS you have to go through the whole H1-B process for each job. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yes, totally wrong.. and you are right in that you can work for more than one company. No many companies allow it though and some will draw up contracts to that effect. Each new employer has to file a new I-129 on your behalf.

 

[wainic]

Thanks for the reply. If I did receive some freelance job while holding H-1B visa, not knowing that they were illegal, and now wish to surrender myself to the INS, would anyone know the penalty, and tax implication of the income?