NIL Q&A for International Student-Athletes
International student-athletes should be aware, your F-1 or J-1 student visa could be impacted by your NIL activities. Questions should be directed to Jef Davis, Ph.D., Associate Director of International Student & Scholar Services in the Office of Global Education (jdavi202@kent.edu or 330-672-7980). NIL compensation for international student-athletes may also be considered taxable income and you should consult with a tax professional regarding filing their earnings.
Q: May I receive payment to appear in a commercial or endorse a commercial product?
A: No, not if the service is performed in the United States.
Q: May I receive compensation for personal appearance at an event?
A: No, not if the appearance/event is in the United States.
Q: May I receive compensation for signing an autograph?
A: No, not if you are signing in the United States.
Q: May I establish my own business selling products and services?
A4: No, not in the United States. Note: An F-1 student can invest in the United States (e.g., buy stock in a company), but cannot receive income or remuneration as a result of providing services to any company, INCLUDING one owned by the F-1 student.
Q: May I sell institutional awards (rings, apparel, etc.) once I have finished my athletics eligibility?
A: Yes, an F-1 student may sell personal possessions, provided this is not undertaken as a regular business or trade.
Q: May I use my NIL in connection with a personal crowdfunding page to raise money or my personal experience expenses or family hardships?
A: If the page is set up while the student-athlete is outside the U.S. and no further activity is undertaken related to promotion of the page while in the U.S., then this activity may be permissible. However, the U.S. government may consider active operation\updating\promotion of such a page while in the U.S. to be no different than operating a business for income.
Q: May I use my NIL in connection with a personal crowdfunding page to raise money for charity?
A: Yes, provided you receive no compensation or benefit from the charity in any way.
