International student as a mystery shopper

I am an international student on an F-1 visa and I'm concerned whether doing some mystery shops here and there is considered illegal in the U.S.
I know as long as I am getting less than $600/year from each MSP I don't need to fill out papers.. etc.
But since some MSPs require a tax ID to be eligible to sign up as a shopper, I called one acceptance agent to ask about applying for an ITIN and he told me that working as an independent contractor could jeopardize my visa when I attach the tax return.

Can I gain and report less than $600/year and not be in trouble?

I'm a newbie so I'm not sure whether I'll get paid without a tax number and I just want to be on the safe side when it comes to my visa status.

Any thoughts?

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/31/2016 09:22PM by BLehaibi.

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US tax law would indicate that any income earned in the US needs to be claimed for tax purposes. This is true whether you earn $1 or $600 or $60,000 and whether you are sent a 1099 reporting it to IRS or not. As an international student I would rather suggest that you check with your advisor or international student office on campus. They may have on campus work that can legally provide you with some income that does not jeopardize your visa.

I think you should really check on it. I remember when I was on a student visa before I became an immigrant, I was not allowed to work until summer. And when I worked during summer, I had to maintain an average of A to keep my job. I was taking my Masters so I don't know about rules for undergraduates. There could be some exceptions so to be on the safe side, check it out before you jeopardize your status.

Or maybe they have changed the rules. I think your best bet would be to work within the school with permission. I have no idea about rules if you are an IC, but it is still a job and students are supposed to be in the country to study.

I can apply for an SSN if I get a job on campus, so that'll make me eligible to work in the U.S., but I'm not sure if I can do mystery shopping as a side job. I know I'm supposed to study but sometimes it's hard to make ends meet, I'll check with my advisor regarding that matter. Thank you both for the advice!

I remember working in the school library for a while and it was fine. It gave me also the opportunity to work in the lab to do my research when the school was closed as I was given a key. Talk with your adviser. There are many ways to maintain your status and still have a part time job, especially in the school. If your professor okays it, maybe you can mystery shopper. Just be sure to maintain your average.

It may affect your Visa status. You should find out from your advisor and get it in writing.

Now scheduling travel shops for the day after Christmas through mid-January.

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International student as a mystery shopper

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