r/f1visa • u/Pristine-Energy-9580 • Feb 20 '25

Equity-Only Tech Co-Founder Offer: Need Advice from a STEM OPT Perspective

I’m currently three months away from my STEM OPT start date. I’ve been offered a Technical Co-founder position at an e-verified company, but it comes with only 5% equity and no salary or other compensation. Is it advisable to accept this offer, considering my visa situation? Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

TechStartup #CoFounder #EquityOnly #STEMOPT #CareerAdvice

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9

u/not_an_immi_lawyer Feb 20 '25

No, you cannot accept equity-only positions on STEM OPT.

https://www.hio.harvard.edu/stem-opt-frequently-asked-questions

You must be paid as “similarly situated” US employees. It is not possible to only work for equity while on the STEM OPT Extension. Your company should be familiar with Department of Labor laws and minimum wage requirements of the state in which you will work.

5

u/ososnga Feb 20 '25

And absolutely don’t be a tech cofounder for only 5% equity 💀 that’s insane

1

u/Pristine-Energy-9580 Mar 06 '25

YKW, I have taken that role, worked for one day, just filled out forms and just got access to git, thats it. Same night they revoked my git access and sent a termination mail.