Can H1b Visa Holders Have a Shopify Account
Can H1B visa holders have a Shopify account in USA? This is a common question asked by many immigrants looking to start their own online store while working in the United States. The answer is yes, they can own a Shopify account. But there are some important rules to follow so that their visa status is not affected.
What Is the H1B Visa?
The H1B visa is a special work visa for skilled workers. If you have an H1B visa, you are only allowed to work for the employer who sponsored you. This means you can’t just start working another job or run a business without permission.
Still, owning a business like a Shopify store is possible if you’re only investing in it and not working on it. You are allowed to own a business, but you cannot work for it unless you have extra approval.
Can H1B Holders Use Shopify?
Yes, H1B holders can create and own a Shopify account. But they must follow the rules:
- You can create a Shopify store and own the business.
- You can hire people to do the daily tasks.
- You cannot manage the store yourself unless you get a separate H1B visa or work permit for it.
This means you can’t pack orders, reply to customers, or build the site if you are the only worker. You would need to hire someone for that. You can only be a passive owner.
What Work Can You Do With Shopify on H1B?
You can do the following:
- Register a company like an LLC
- Invest money in the business
- Hire a Shopify expert or Shopify specialist to run it
- Collect profit as a business owner
But you cannot:
- Do customer service
- Manage ads or social media
- Handle product sourcing
- Build or update the store
Doing those tasks would be considered working, and that’s not allowed without proper documents.
Who Can Help You Run the Store?
You can hire a Shopify expert to help you run the store. These are people who understand Shopify well and can do things you’re not allowed to do as an H1B holder. Some platforms like Storetasker help you hire a Shopify expert or Shopify expert developer for things like design, coding, SEO, and more.
There are many Shopify experts developers who work as freelancers. You can also find Shopify Plus design agency teams who can build your site professionally.
If you live in the U.S., you can also look for Shopify experts Houston or in other cities who can work with you locally.
What About Taxes?
Even if you don’t work in the business, you still need to report your income. If your Shopify store makes money, it must be reported on your tax return. You may want to talk to a tax advisor who understands small business and immigration.
Make sure to:
- Register your company legally
- Open a separate business bank account
- File taxes every year
Can You Work for Your Own Business on H1B?
Only if your company gives you a new H1B visa and it gets approved. That’s not easy and it takes time, but it can be done in some cases. You would have to show that your business is real, pays a fair salary, and has a work role that matches your skills.
If you get approved, you can then become an official Shopify expert developer in your own business.
How to Delete Shopify Account
If you decide that your business isn’t working or you just want to close it, deleting a Shopify account is simple:
- Go to your Shopify admin
- Click on Settings
- Click on Plan
- Select “Deactivate Store”
- Follow the steps to cancel your plan
Make sure to cancel all subscriptions and inform your customers before shutting it down.
How to Cancel Shopify
If you just want to pause your account or stop it for a while:
- Log in to your Shopify admin
- Go to Settings > Plan
- Choose “Pause and Build” or deactivate completely
Shopify gives you options depending on what you want to do.
Is Shopify Worth It?
Shopify is a great platform if you want to sell products online. It’s easy to set up and offers a lot of tools to help you grow. But you need to invest time or money, especially if you can’t manage the store yourself due to your visa.
That’s why many H1B holders hire Shopify experts in Houston or work with a Shopify consultant to get things done the right way.
Here are some reasons why Shopify is worth it:
- Easy to use
- Good for beginners
- Tons of plugins and apps
- Safe and secure for payments
- Scalable if your business grows
But you should plan your budget well. You’ll need to pay for the platform, design, and expert help.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can H1B visa holders have a Shopify account in USA?
Yes, you can own and create a Shopify account, but you cannot work in the business unless you have work authorization.
Can I work on my Shopify store if I am on an H1B visa?
No, unless you get a separate H1B approval for your own company. Otherwise, you must hire someone else to do the work.
Can I hire a Shopify Expert to manage my store?
Yes, and it’s the best idea. You can find professional Shopify experts, Shopify expert developers, and Shopify SEO experts on platforms like Storetasker, Upwork, or by searching Shopify experts Houston or near your city.
How do I cancel Shopify if I don’t want to continue?
Log in to your Shopify dashboard, go to Plan settings, and choose to deactivate your store. You can also pause it if you want to return later.
Is Shopify worth it for side income?
Yes, but only if you follow the rules. Make sure you don’t work on it without permission and hire a team of Shopify specialists to help you succeed.
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