I'm L1-A visa right now, am I allowed to having music streaming income?

[lEaBStlU]

Hi!

I know that as L1A visa holder I should be employed by only ONE entity, my current company, and can't hold any other job, not even a part time one. But I'm confused as to this particular situation - I have a side interest in music, and let's say I release some music and put it out on streaming platforms, and it earns me not a large amount but still some streaming income, or I get other related income from my music, is that illegal and non-compliant with my holding a L1 visa? Can I only have one source of income that is only from ONE single employer, or is having another source of income like the situation I described okay? Because it's neither another full time nor a part time job that I'm holding?

[Libra_14]

So by definition, you cannot "work", but you can still get income from other sources - For example, you cannot drive uber & get money, but you can certainly invest in property & get its rent, or you can invest in stocks & get profit from that.

Same way uploading video on YouTube (or music on other popular sites) & getting paid from that is fine. Ensure you are not uploading that to some not-so-known site - which can become suspicious.

[batoolmore]

Hi!

I know that as L1A visa holder I should be employed by only ONE entity, my current company, and can't hold any other job, not even a part time one. But I'm confused as to this particular situation - I have a side interest in music, and let's say I release some music and put it out on streaming platforms, and it earns me not a large amount but still some streaming income, or I get other related income from my music, is that illegal and non-compliant with my holding a L1 visa? Can I only have one source of income that is only from ONE single employer, or is having another source of income like the situation I described okay? Because it's neither another full time nor a part time job that I'm holding?

Hey If you create the music while you’re outside the U.S. or before your L1 status, and it later generates royalties or streaming income passively, that’s usually okay, because you’re not actively working for that income while in the U.S.

But if you are actively producing, promoting, or performing music while in the U.S. to earn money, that could be seen as unauthorized work, which is not allowed.

[RichardLawson]

Hi!

I know that as L1A visa holder I should be employed by only ONE entity, my current company, and can't hold any other job, not even a part time one. But I'm confused as to this particular situation - I have a side interest in music, and let's say I release some music and put it out on streaming platforms, and it earns me not a large amount but still some streaming income, or I get other related income from my music, is that illegal and non-compliant with my holding a L1 visa? Can I only have one source of income that is only from ONE single employer, or is having another source of income like the situation I described okay? Because it's neither another full time nor a part time job that I'm holding?

Receiving passive income from music streaming is NOT considered work for another employer as long as you:

Are not performing services for another company (not signed as an employee or contractor).

Are not actively managing a business that requires your full-time involvement.

The L-1A prohibits employment outside the main company, but passive income, such as music royalties, dividends, rent, etc., is generally permitted as long as you don't "work" for that income.

However:

If you actively promote music as an entrepreneur (marketing, sales, organizing releases as a business), this may be considered other work.

The IRS will still require you to declare the income as royalty income.

Safest solution:
Passive streaming income from already published music does not violate the terms of the L-1A in most cases, but if you plan to turn it into a business, it's best to consult with an immigration lawyer, as the line between hobby income and independent commercial activity can be important.

So, if it's just a side project and a small royalty payment is involved, there's usually no problem. If you're building a commercial project, there's a risk.

[dansensood]

Yes, music streaming income is usually allowed if it is earned legally through your own tracks or rights. Spotify for artist can help you track streams, payouts, and listener data properly.

[Nicholas76]

From what I understand, passive income is often treated differently from taking on separate employment, but it really depends on how the income is earned and your specific circumstances. Since immigration rules can be complex, it's worth checking with an immigration attorney to be safe.

On a different note, if you're also interested in music or entertainment apps, I recently came across this link and found it useful because it offers a variety of apps and information that some people might find interesting.

[PoleWann]

As far as I know, passive royalty or streaming income is generally treated differently from taking another job, but immigration rules can be complex. If the income becomes tied to active work or a business, it’s worth getting legal advice

[naseemali101]

That's a really thoughtful and important question about your music income. The L-1A visa is very strict about being tied to your petitioning employer , so it's smart to be careful. USCIS rules generally say you can only work for the company that sponsored you . However, passive income like royalties from streaming your music is usually seen differently—it's not "employment" because you're not actively working for another company . If you're releasing music you already created as a side interest, that's not the same as getting a second job.

To be completely sure, it's always best to check with an immigration attorney about your specific situation. For a completely unrelated issue, if you're ever wondering how to stop cineby from buffering, that's usually about your internet connection or clearing your browser's cache!