Freedom to Do Work You Actually Love
Most OPT jobs don’t align with your passion — and some don’t even pay. Starting your own business means you can work as a freelancer, creative, or consultant on your own terms while staying legally compliant.
Stay Compliant with OPT
Yes, you can start your own business/ freelance on OPT, as long as the work directly relates to your degree field. We’ll help you set everything up legally and make sure your business activities align with what’s allowed under your visa.
Build a Path to a Long-Term Visa
Creating your own company is more than just staying busy, it sets you up for future visa options like the O-1 (Extraordinary Ability) or E-2 (Investor). Your OPT year becomes the launchpad for something much bigger.
1. Book a Free Consulting Call
We’ll learn about your situation, goals, and see if we're a good fit to help you.
2. Let us Handle the Paperwork
From LLC, EIN, documentation, we handle everything for you and reviewed together.
Start working legally as a freelancer or business owner while on OPT.
3. Launch & Grow
We Handle All Legal Documentation and Paperwork.
From forming your LLC to getting your EIN, we handle the setup so you can focus on building your creative career or startup.
Start freelancing, consulting, or selling products.
Integrate with your OPT visa status.
Fully legal business setup for F1 students.
Trusted by students and graduates from
Access Support from Anywhere.
Based in Brooklyn NY, we work with students across the U.S. and internationally.
Hours
10am - 6pm ET (Mon-Fri)
Get Set Up for Your O-1 or E-2 Visa
Our aftercare consulting helps you grow your business and prepare for long-term visa success after OPT ends.
About F1 Founders
I started F1 Founders because I was once in your shoes. After graduating in the U.S. on an F1 visa, I struggled to find a job that aligned with what I actually wanted to do. That’s when I learned I could start my own business on OPT.
It wasn’t easy. There was a lot of confusing paperwork, misinformation. But once I figured it out, I wanted to help others do the same: creatives, freelancers, and dreamers who want to stay in the U.S. on their own terms.
F1 Founders exists to give international students a better option: one where you don’t have to settle for unpaid internships or jobs you don’t love just to stay. You can be your own boss, build your own business, and create a real future here.
And I’m here to help you every step of the way.
— Jackie C.
Founder, F1 Founders
Businesses We Helped Start
Frequently asked questions
Can I start my own business while on OPT?
Yes. As long as the business activity is directly related to your degree field and reported through your school’s SEVP portal, you're allowed to work and stay in the US for your own company under OPT.
I’m not a business person, is this for me?
Absolutely. Many of our clients are artists, designers, filmmakers, musicians, and creators. We break down the business setup into simple steps and take care of the hard parts for you.
Do I need to have a business idea already?
Nope. We help you brainstorm ideas that align with your field of study and goals. You don’t need a full business plan, just the desire to work for yourself.
What services do you offer or include?
Our core package includes everything you need to start a legally compliant LLC as a F1 student: such as 1-on-1 strategy sessions, LLC formation, EIN application, OPT documentation, legal complaincy checks, and more. Reach out to us for a tailored package for your specific needs and situation.
How much does it cost?
We offer one-time payment model for our base business setup service, and optional monthly consulting for those who want continued support (like preparing for an O-1 or E-2 visa). Pricing depends on the package you choose, book a free intro call to learn more.
What happens after my OPT ends?
We’ll help you plan early for what comes next: whether it’s the O-1 (Extraordinary Ability), E-2 (Investor), or other visa options. Our aftercare program is designed to support your business growth beyond OPT.
100% Money-Back Guarentee
We only succeed if you do. If your business setup is rejected by your school or doesn’t align with OPT requirements, we’ll give you a 100% refund — no questions asked.
Get in touch
Book an intro consulting call through Calendly.
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