Can F-1 Student Earn From YouTube Paid Abroad?

No, an F-1 visa student cannot legally earn income from any source, including YouTube, without proper work authorization. Even if payments go to a home country bank account, earning money while physically present in the US counts as employment and violates F-1 visa rules.

To earn legally, you would need:

• On-campus employment authorized by your school, or

• Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization for off-campus work related to your field of study.

Receiving income without authorization can jeopardize your F-1 status and future US visa or immigration applications.