If you’re working in the United States on an H1B visa, you might be wondering: can H1B visa holders have a Shopify account in USA? Yes, you can open and maintain a Shopify store, which is great news. But the actual dilemma is how to run your store, follow visa rules, and stay legal without putting your immigration status at jeopardy.
This tutorial will explain what you can and can’t do as a business owner on an H1B visa and how to do it.
Keynotes:
- Yes, H1B visa holders can open a Shopify account in the USA – but ownership and active work are treated differently under visa rules.
- Running the store actively may violate H1B conditions, so focus on passive ownership and let others manage operations.
- Can I start a company on H1B visa? Yes, but you can only act as an investor or shareholder unless your company sponsors your visa.
- Shopify USA has been linked to H1B visa sponsorships, making it a notable employer for tech and eCommerce talent.
- Professional guidance is essential, especially for structuring your business legally and managing taxes efficiently.
Can H1B Visa Holders Have a Shopify Account in USA?
The short answer is yes, those with H1B visas can have a Shopify account in the US. Anyone can make an account on Shopify. All you need is an email address, payment method, and a product or service to sell.
But here’s the catch: you can own a store, but working on the business may not be authorized under your visa. The H1B visa is employer-specific, meaning you can only legally work for the sponsoring firm.
If you run a business and do things like package orders, help customers, or manage logistics every day, that could be considered illegal work.
That’s why a lot of H1B holders set up their Shopify stores as sources of passive income and hire contractors or workers to run them. Tools like PlugBooks Shopify Integration can also help automate accounting and streamline store management without requiring hands-on involvement.
Can I Start a Company on H1B Visa?
“Can I start a business on an H1B visa?” is a typical question. Yes, however there are certain limits. You are able to:
- Make a business, like an LLC or a corporation.
- Be an investor or shareholder in that business.
- Let other people run the business while you stay a passive owner.
You can’t work full-time in your own firm unless you put up a structure that follows the law, like having your company sponsor your H1B, which is rare and needs a lot of legal control.
👉 Quick tip: If you’re thinking about scaling your Shopify store into a larger company, consult an immigration attorney to ensure compliance, and use PlugBooks to simplify your bookkeeping, taxes, and Shopify integrations.
Shopify USA – Employer Overview, H1B Visas, Green Cards
It’s also worth noting that Shopify itself is an employer in the U.S. Many people ask: Does Shopify sponsor for H1B visa?
Shopify USA has, in some cases, been listed as an employer associated with H1B visas and even green card sponsorship. While opportunities may vary year to year, this makes Shopify a recognized tech employer with potential for visa sponsorship.
If your dream is to work at Shopify itself while also running a side business, this could be worth exploring. And while you’re planning, don’t overlook the importance of taxes—PlugBooks Shopify Tax Solutions can help you stay compliant and stress-free with your store’s tax obligations.
My Experience as an H1B Holder Exploring Shopify
When I first thought about it, “Can I start a business on an H1B visa?” I was feeling overwhelmed. I didn’t want to lose my status because the rules looked unclear. It was easy to set up a Shopify account, but the hard part was figuring out how to run it legally.
The most important thing I learnt is that separating ownership from day-to-day operations is the key. I could manage my Shopify store without any visa problems by hiring people to do things for me and staying out of the way.
How PlugBooks Can Help H1B Shopify Sellers
It can be hard to keep your Shopify store running smoothly while on an H1B visa, especially when it comes to taxes, bookkeeping, and accounting. PlugBooks can help with that.
We help eCommerce businesses make managing their finances easier by connecting your Shopify sales to accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero.
PlugBooks makes sure your funds are clean, legal, and stress-free, whether you’re just trying out Shopify or growing your online brand.
Final Thoughts
So, can H1B visa holders have a Shopify account in USA? Yes, for sure. Anyone can use the platform, and it’s easy to build a store. The hardest part is following the rules for H1B visas.
- Keep in mind that you can own a store, but you can’t do “work” without permission.
- Can I start a business while on an H1B visa? Yes, but only as a passive owner.
- Shopify is a U.S. company that has sponsored H1B visas in the past.
If you do things the correct way using Shopify, it can help you make money without putting your immigration path at risk.
Questions and Answers
1. Is it allowed for people with H1B visas to sell on Shopify in the US?
Yes, those with H1B visas can lawfully open and run a Shopify store. The most important thing is to not do any work that you aren’t allowed to do. This means you should be a passive owner, not the person who runs the business every day.
2. Is it possible to start a business on an H1B visa and run it full-time?
You can start a business, but you can’t work in it unless your employer pays for your H1B visa. Most holders stay passive owners so they don’t break the law.
3. Does Shopify pay for occupations that require an H1B visa?
Shopify USA is on the list of companies that sponsor H1B visas and green cards. But the chances of getting a sponsorship depend on the role and the year you hire someone.
4. What will happen if I work on my Shopify business while on an H1B visa?
If you actively manage your Shopify store (by taking care of inventory, shipping, customer service, etc.), you could be breaking the law and putting your visa status at danger.
5. Is it possible for me to hire people to run my Shopify store while I’m on an H1B visa?
Yes, this is the best way to do it. You can legally hire someone to run your store while you stay an investor or owner.
6. Should I register my Shopify firm as an LLC or a Corporation on H1B?
You can do either, but most H1B holders prefer LLCs since they are more flexible. Always go to an immigration and business lawyer to be sure your structure is legal.