During their studies or upon graduating, international students are allowed one year (or two if you’re a STEM major) of work authorization, known as optional practical training or OPT. However, the work that counts towards OPT often gets lost in translation among applicants for this visa extension. More specifically, could an international student freelance without jeopardizing their visa status?
The short answer is it depends. As a student on an F-1 visa, you cannot partake in freelancing without additional work …