When Passive Income Isn’t So Passive: Dangers to F and J Visa Holders

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

4:30 PM – 5:20 PM MDT

Location: Four Seasons Ballroom 2/3

Real estate, investments, and day trading, oh my! F and J students and scholars are constantly seeking options to earn passive income, but many are unaware of the immigration risks and tax implications. Take a deep dive into passive and portfolio income streams with an experienced immigration attorney and Sprintax nonresident tax experts. Attendees explore how advisers and institutions can help students and scholars educate themselves to avoid the pitfalls of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) viewing a hobby or investments as active income. This session was selected as the Region III conference highlight from the NAFSA 2021 All-Region Summit.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the distinction between passive, active, and portfolio income in the eyes of IRS and USCIS.
Understand rental property pitfalls and the impact of investor versus day trader implications on international students and scholars.
Discuss how to prepare advisers and institutions with tools and resources to protect international students’ and scholars’ immigration status while these visa holders safely create passive income streams.

Chair and Presenter(s)

Enda Kelleher, BBLS. MSC (MP)

Vice President
Sprintax

Presenter(s)

Sheena Maria Connell, DSO, ARO

Assistant Director/ ISSS
University of the Incarnate Word
Ryan Ludden, MSc (MP)

Associate Vice President
Sprintax