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.

[QueenShine]

If you’re on an L1-A visa, you generally can’t earn income outside your sponsored job. It’s better to just enjoy music through apps like Spotify Premium Mod APK instead.

[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.