Can I have a Patreon or a monetized YouTube channel before getting the Green Card?

When considering opportunities to generate online income, such as a monetized YouTube channel or a Patreon account, questions arise about the compatibility of these activities with immigration status, especially while waiting for Green Card approval, as is the case for EB-3 visa applicants. It’s important to highlight that, in many cases, having an account or channel on these platforms may be considered maintaining a hobby or a creative expression activity – which generally does not fall under the category of ‘work’ regarding U.S. immigration rules.

However, there are nuances to consider: if you are engaging in activities that generate income actively and recurrently, this may be interpreted as employment or self-employment, which can conflict with the status conditions you have while your immigration process is still ongoing. For EB-3 visa holders, which is a category focused on a specific job sponsored by an employer, the focus is to maintain the employment underlying the immigration petition. For this reason, it is crucial to be very cautious not to mix activities not authorized by your immigration status with those required by your employer’s sponsorship.

This distinction is essential to avoid complications with the United States Immigration Department. It’s always important to emphasize the importance of carefully following the country’s immigration laws. If you wish to explore the possibility of maintaining a monetized channel or a Patreon account during the Green Card waiting period, it is advisable to seek expert guidance. There are many sources of information and professionals who can help clarify which activities are safe and which may be interpreted as violations of your immigration status terms.

Staying informed and cautious is the best way to avoid unpleasant surprises, as well as to prevent scams and marketing campaigns that guarantee results without proper legal basis. Remember: every case is unique and it is important to carefully analyze all personal and circumstantial details. Seeking reliable sources and, if possible, support from specialized professionals can make all the difference in maintaining your legal status during the process.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.