34 Passive Income Ideas for F1 Students [2024]
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For many F1 students studying in the United States, the financial burden of tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs can be overwhelming.
While part-time jobs can provide some relief, they may not always be enough to cover all expenses. That’s where passive income ideas for F1 students come in.
Passive income requires minimal effort and can provide a steady stream of revenue that can supplement your income and help you achieve financial stability.
This article will explore some of the best passive income ideas for F1 students, including investing in stocks, starting an online business, and real estate investments.
Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or a long-term investment, these ideas can help you achieve your financial goals as an F1 student in the US.
1. Start an ecommerce store
Starting an ecommerce store is a great passive income idea for F1 students because it allows them to earn money while studying. With the help of dropshipping, students can create an ecommerce store without investing a lot of money. They can use platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or BigCommerce to create an online store. Basic skills required to get started include product research, marketing, and website design.
An eCommerce business is a company that sells products or services online. Ecommerce businesses have many advantages over brick-and-mortar businesses, including lower overhead costs, increased flexibility and reach, and the ability to reach a wider audience.
eCommerce is booming right now because of the convenience and efficiency it offers consumers. Consumers can buy products from their favorite brands on a platform that makes the whole process easier than ever. They don't have to leave their homes or go out in public, they can just sit down at their computer, tablet or smartphone and browse through all of the options available to them.
To start an ecommerce business, you'll need to set up a website where customers can browse your inventory and purchase items, as well as payment processing software that allows you to accept credit card payments. You'll also need to choose a shopping cart software and manage inventory tracking software.
How much you can make: $450 — $62,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Southern Elegance Candle Company, founded by D'Shawn Russell, started as a side hustle making around $200 per weekend at a local Farmers Market, but now averages approximately $20,000 per month in sales across their retail site, wholesale site, and Faire.
2. Create an online course
F1 students can create an online course in their area of expertise and sell it on platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, or Teachable. This is a great passive income idea because once the course is created, it can be sold multiple times. Basic skills required to get started include expertise in a particular subject, teaching skills, and video production skills.
An online course business involves creating and selling digital classes teaching specialized skills or knowledge to subscribed students.
As an entrepreneurial course creator, you identify educational gaps around topics you have expertise in and develop engaging video lessons and supplementary materials.
With flexibility around self-paced or cohort-based structures, building a student base provides passive income potential.
For founders who enjoy information-sharing, launching an online course platform presents a lucrative way to monetize your instructional talents with small startup costs by serving eager lifelong learners seeking convenient access to emerging subjects.
How much you can make: $350 — $3,735,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,850 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Learn how one couple created a successful personal finance blog, The Savvy Couple, that now makes over $20,000 per month and has sold thousands of digital workbooks and courses, by focusing on purposeful content and optimizing their ROI with efficient time management.
3. Start a blog
Starting a blog is a great passive income idea for F1 students because it allows them to share their knowledge and earn money through advertising, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing. Basic skills required to get started include writing skills, research skills, and SEO knowledge.
In recent years, blogging has become a highly sought-after & lucrative Business. This location-independent business is a creative outlet to reach a broader audience and even work at any time. According to Optinmonster’s list of blogging statistics and facts:
- Blogs have been rated as the 5th most trustworthy source of gathering online information.
- 77% of internet users read blogs.
- Each month, approximately 409 million people view more than 20 billion pages.
Originally blogging started as an online journal, but today it is a highly profitable career option. Many people are choosing blogging as their full-time career and are earning their bread and butter from this profession.
If you want to start blogging as a side hustle or as a full-time profession, choose a niche you will enjoy writing about and have a content strategy ready. Then, create a mailing list, and decide on a good blog posting routine to keep your audience engaged.
How much you can make: $200 — $160,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 37 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Learn how one couple created a successful personal finance blog, The Savvy Couple, that now makes over $20,000 per month and has sold thousands of digital workbooks and courses, by focusing on purposeful content and optimizing their ROI with efficient time management.
4. Start an etsy shop
An Etsy shop is a great passive income idea for F1 students who are skilled in creating handmade products like jewelry, clothing, or home decor. Etsy provides a platform for students to sell their products online without investing in a physical store. Basic skills required to get started include product creation, marketing, and website design.
Etsy has been around for over a decade, and the platform has become more popular for creators, entrepreneurs, and consumers.
The platform started as a place for crafters to sell their supplies and handmade goods. Now it has become a venue for artists and small businesses of all kinds to sell their products.
If you just started your shop or want to sell your products on Etsy, there are many different ways to kill on the platform. With the tips and advice of Etsy sellers who’ve been in your position, you’ll soon be successful!
How much you can make: $100 — $750,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Chasing Planner Peace is a planner company that has expanded from selling planner inserts on Etsy, to offering a one-stop shop customizable planner experience with over 300 inserts, a planner line, and various other related products, gaining a monthly revenue of around $25,000 at its busiest time of year.
5. Start a digital marketing business
Starting a digital marketing business is a great passive income idea for F1 students who are skilled in social media marketing, SEO, or PPC advertising. Students can offer their services to small businesses and charge a monthly fee for managing their online marketing campaigns. Basic skills required to get started include marketing skills, communication skills, and knowledge of digital marketing tools.
Digital marketing businesses serve local and international companies to expand their reach and grow revenue. A top reason digital marketing is so exciting is that the field is constantly evolving and is easy to learn.
If you plan to start a digital marketing business, educate yourself and understand how digital marketing agencies work. Then, focus on building your digital skills and advancing your career through online digital marketing courses.
To stand out, find a digital marketing niche and focus on the audience interested in your services.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $6,660,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,260 (?)
How long does it take to build: 58 days (?)
H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.
6. Start an affiliate marketing business
Affiliate marketing is a great passive income idea for F1 students who have a strong online presence or social media following. Students can promote other people’s products and earn a commission for each sale made through their unique affiliate link. Basic skills required to get started include marketing skills, communication skills, and knowledge of affiliate marketing platforms.
Are you looking for a side hustle to pay you a passive income? Affiliate marketing is one of those side hustles that will pay you well over the long term. It is a way to earn money online by promoting other companies' products and services. You will be paid a commission for each sale you make as an affiliate marketer.
To get started, learn how to find the right product and brand to partner with. For example, you may prefer becoming an affiliate marketer for an eCommerce store, partnering with a manufacturer, and marketing their products for a commission.
How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 55 days (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
7. Start a copywriting business
Starting a copywriting business is a great passive income idea for F1 students who are skilled in writing persuasive content. Students can offer their services to businesses and charge a fee for writing website copy, ad copy, or product descriptions. Basic skills required to get started include writing skills, research skills, and knowledge of copywriting techniques.
A copywriter creates clear, compelling copy to sell products and/or educate and engage consumers.
To become a copywriter, focus on covering the basics, plan your copywriting business and choose the services you intend to offer.
To develop your brand, establish a marketing strategy, and offer quality services to your audience. Email marketing, newsletters, and other digital marketing tools can help you create a successful copywriting business.
How much you can make: $700 — $160,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 41 days (?)
How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.
8. Start an online jewelry store
Starting an online jewelry store is a great passive income idea for F1 students who are skilled in creating handmade jewelry. Students can create a website using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce and sell their products online. Basic skills required to get started include jewelry making skills, marketing skills, and website design.
The online jewelry store industry has been growing rapidly. More and more people are buying cheaper jewelry online because it is easier and has a much more extensive selection.
The United States jewelry market was valued at about $76B in 2020, and diamond is considered to be the most valuable and lucrative among all forms of jewelry.
If you’re considering starting an online jewelry store to tap into this market, it’s crucial to choose the right e-commerce platform that can support your business needs and enable seamless transactions with your customers.
A great platform can help you showcase your products, manage your inventory, process payments securely, and provide an enjoyable shopping experience to your customers.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $833,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $7,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Taylor & Hart CEO Nikolay Piriankov tells the story of the company's journey from a diamond trading business to an award-winning, disruptive e-tailer of custom-designed, ethical engagement rings and fine jewelry, offering a bespoke design service through specifically developed technology online and instore, and growing to £4-6M in annual revenue.
9. Start an online fitness business
Starting an online fitness business is a great passive income idea for F1 students who are skilled in fitness training or nutrition. Students can create online courses or offer one-on-one coaching services and charge a fee. Basic skills required to get started include fitness knowledge, teaching skills, and video production skills.
Thinking of starting an online fitness business?
Online fitness is growing rapidly in popularity because it’s convenient, affordable, and accessible to everyone. The best part is that you can stay in your home to start.
Starting an online fitness business can be a great way to make money and help people. When you start an online fitness business, you don’t have to worry about overhead costs like rent or maintaining a physical location - all you need is a computer and an internet connection to get started.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $108,333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study is about a former personal trainer who launched his online personal training platform, TeamFFLEX, starting with no money and a lot of drive, and grew it into a 6-figure business in less than a year, now doing $48,000 a month with potential for continued growth.
10. Start a podcast
Starting a podcast is a great passive income idea for F1 students who have expertise in a particular subject and enjoy talking about it. Students can monetize their podcast through advertising or sponsorships. Basic skills required to get started include communication skills, audio production skills, and knowledge of podcasting platforms.
The podcast business involves creating and producing audio content that people can listen to online.
It’s a popular form of entertainment and information-sharing.
To start a podcast business on a budget, you'll need a few key steps.
First, choose a niche or topic that you're passionate about and that has an audience.
Next, get basic recording equipment like a microphone and headphones.
Then, find a free or affordable hosting platform to publish your episodes.
Finally, promote your podcast through social media, online communities, and word of mouth to build an audience and potentially attract sponsors or advertisers.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
11. Start a mobile app development business
Starting a mobile app development business is a great passive income idea for F1 students who have coding skills. Students can develop apps for small businesses or create their own apps to sell on platforms like the App Store or Google Play. Basic skills required to get started include coding skills, design skills,
Mobile app development is the process of creating software applications that run on mobile devices. These apps can be used for a variety of purposes, including games, productivity, and social networking.
Starting a mobile app development business is a great way to enter the world of software development. This type of company is growing in popularity as businesses are looking for ways to reach their customers through mobile apps.
To start a mobile app development company, you need to have strong technical skills and be able to develop high-quality software. You should also have a good understanding of how to market and sell mobile apps
How much you can make: $7,500 — $2,333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $7,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
"We started a custom iOS and Android app development consultancy that now makes nearly seven-figures a year by landing clients like Great Clips and the USA CUP after building successful concept apps."
12. Start a YouTube channel
Starting a YouTube channel is a great passive income idea for F1 students who have a passion for creating videos. Students can monetize their channel through advertising, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing. Basic skills required to get started include video production skills, communication skills, and knowledge of YouTube algorithms.
How much you can make: $13,000/month
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
13. Start an online advertising agency
Starting an online advertising agency is a great passive income idea for F1 students who are skilled in PPC advertising, social media advertising, or SEO. Students can offer their services to small businesses and charge a monthly fee for managing their online advertising campaigns. Basic skills required to get started include marketing skills, communication skills, and knowledge of advertising platforms.
An online advertising agency helps businesses promote their products or services on the internet.
To start this business on a budget, first learn the basics of digital marketing through free online resources.
Create a professional website and set up profiles on social media platforms to showcase your skills.
Build a portfolio by working on mock campaigns or offering discounted services to friends and family, and gradually market your services to attract clients.
With dedication, you can grow your agency over time.
How much you can make: $2,797 — $1,250,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)
Iman Gadzhi made over $1.2M in profit within two years with his social media marketing agency and education company, where he teaches entrepreneurs how to start and scale a profitable SMMA, with over 45 of his students making over six figures with their SMMA, and over 300 students having quit their regular jobs.
14. Start an ecommerce retailing business
Starting an eCommerce retailing business is a great passive income idea for F1 students who want to sell physical products online. Students can use platforms like Amazon FBA or eBay to sell products without investing in a physical store. Basic skills required to get started include product research, marketing, and website design.
How much you can make: $2,500 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Tower Electric Bikes is a direct-to-consumer eBike brand co-founded by Stephan Aarstol and Mark Cuban, which has done over $36 million in sales since its $150,000 investment in 2012, and produced and sold everything from paddleboards to electric bikes for half the retail price, with the aim of creating the world's first famous eBike brand.
15. Start a travel agency
Starting a travel agency is a great passive income idea for F1 students who have a passion for travel. Students can create customized travel packages for clients and charge a fee for their services. Basic skills required to get started include travel knowledge, marketing skills, and communication skills.
Are you a passionate traveler with entrepreneurial skills? Then starting a travel agency can be a great career choice for you.
As a travel agency, you'll be responsible for linking travelers to providers of all the travel and tourism-related services such as accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, tour guides, local adventure, etc.
Starting an online travel agency is a lot easier than you might think. You'll need to perform market research, get a few necessary certifications (such as your IATA number), study competition, build a website, and do proper marketing.
To maximize earnings, negotiate discounts from the industry service providers, and charge travelers within the market rate.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $114,200,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Marissa Daniels runs a successful travel agency, Spread Your Wings Travel, that hit $100,000 in sales within a year of launch and provides payment plan options for its all-inclusive vacations, and she hopes to help 100 families supplement their income through the business.
16. Become an author
Becoming an author is a great passive income idea for F1 students who enjoy writing. Students can publish their books on platforms like Amazon Kindle and earn royalties on every sale. Basic skills required to get started include writing skills, research skills, and knowledge of publishing platforms.
Becoming an author is an exciting journey that involves creating and publishing written works, such as books, novels, or articles that reflect one’s ideas, stories, or expertise.
You can establish yourself through traditional publishing routes or self-publishing, utilizing your literary skills to connect with readers and potentially earn revenue from book sales.
Traditional publishing involves submitting a manuscript to a publishing house or literary agent who will review and decide if it is suitable for publication.
On the other hand, self-publishing gives authors complete control over the publishing process, allowing them to publish their work independently and market it on their own.
You can generate income through book sales, royalties, and opportunities such as speaking engagements or workshops.
How much you can make: $200 — $9,259,259/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
This case study follows full-time thriller and action-adventure author Nick Thacker who earns between $10k to $20k per month from writing, predominantly through Amazon Kindle Unlimited sales, and goes in-depth into his self-publishing strategy which maximizes sales and minimizes costs, such as developing a mailing list and utilizing print-on-demand services.
17. Start an email marketing business
Starting an email marketing business is a great passive income idea for F1 students who are skilled in writing persuasive emails. Students can offer their services to businesses and charge a fee for managing their email campaigns. Basic skills required to get started include writing skills, research skills, and knowledge of email marketing platforms.
Email marketing is a popular and effective way for businesses to reach their target audience and promote their products or services.
With the rise of the internet and the increasing use of email as a communication tool, starting an email marketing business can be a lucrative and rewarding venture.
An email marketing business involves creating and sending marketing emails to a list of subscribers. The emails can be newsletters, promotional messages, or other types of content designed to engage and convert the recipient into a customer. The business owner is responsible for building and maintaining the email list, creating the content, and sending the emails using specialized software.
To start an email marketing business, you must have a strong understanding of marketing principles and a good grasp of best practices. This includes creating compelling subject lines, segmenting your email list, and analyzing your campaigns’ results. You will also need to be proficient in email marketing software like Mailchimp or Constant Contact.
To run a successful email marketing business, you must clearly understand your target audience and what they are interested in. This will help you create relevant and engaging content that resonates with your subscribers and encourages them to take action. A solid call to action in your emails is crucial, whether it’s visiting your website, making a purchase, or signing up for a newsletter. Starting an email marketing business requires marketing skills, expertise, and a willingness to learn and improve continuously. The right strategies and tools can be a rewarding and successful way to reach your target audience and grow your business.
How much you can make: $1,500 — $8,333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Boundless Labs is an email marketing agency for eCommerce brands that has generated over $25 million in email attributable revenue for their clients since launching 18 months ago and currently makes around $90K per month, with plans to reach $100K per month by the end of January 2020 through client referrals, strong relationships, and hard work.
18. Start a CBD business
Starting a CBD business is a great passive income idea for F1 students who are interested in natural health products. Students can sell CBD products online or at local stores. Basic skills required to get started include product research, marketing, and website design.
Cannabidiol, abbreviated as CBD, is becoming a household name, and its proponents believe this is for good reasons. Reports indicate that CBD treats several conditions, including chronic pain, inflammation, migraines, epilepsy, autoimmune diseases, and anxiety.
Market trend researchers indicate the CBD market will grow by a CAGR of 21.7 % over the next few years. Rising awareness of cannabidiol’s health benefits and its effectiveness in managing pain are some factors propelling the CBD industry’s growth.
Therefore, starting a CBD business in 2024 could be the best decision you are yet to agree to. Some high-potential CBD business ideas and opportunities include:
- Become a CBD distributor.
- Form CBD cooperatives.
- Run a CBD podcast.
- CBD marketer.
- CBD blogger and reviewer.
- Make and sell CBD bottles and containers.
- Start a CBD subscription box service.
- Start a CBD courier business.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $800,000/month
How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)
Plain Jane, an online CBD company founded by two college roommates, offers unique products and has generated over $20K a month in sales within five months, attracting and retaining customers through social media, authentic stories, and content.
19. Start a cleaning business
Starting a cleaning business is a great passive income idea for F1 students who want to offer cleaning services to local businesses or homeowners. Basic skills required to get started include cleaning skills, marketing, and communication skills.
Starting a cleaning business is an excellent opportunity to be your boss and make money doing what you love. This business is relatively easy to create and does not require much equipment or funds.
There are many cleaning services, so deciding what services (or combination of services) you will offer and what hours of the day or week those services will be available is essential.
To start cleaning service, you’ll want to consider investing in professional cleaning equipment such as a vacuum cleaner, a quality mop, and a good cleaning bucket. You will also need to buy environment-friendly cleaning products such as detergent, bleach, paper towels, and trash bags.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $708,333/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
MaidThis®, launched by Neel Parekh in Los Angeles with just one cleaner in 2013, has achieved over $10 million in total revenue by focusing on cleaning Airbnbs and vacation rentals, thanks to its successful remote business model and new-age marketing tactics, and has now launched MaidThis Franchise to expand the business further.
20. Start a furniture business
Starting a furniture business is a great passive income idea for F1 students who are skilled in woodworking or furniture design. Students can sell their furniture online or at local stores. Basic skills required to get started include woodworking skills, marketing, and website design.
The furniture industry involves designing, manufacturing, and selling various types of furniture for household and commercial purposes. With the increase in flexible workspaces and the real estate industry’s growth, the furniture business’s demand is boosted.
The furniture business is easy to start and does not require high investments. However, it is first essential to know your niche, for example, office, domestic, home furniture, and luxury items.
The furniture business needs a lot of preparation and prior knowledge. Taking business classes, learning about your local market, and making a solid business plan is advisable. In general, if your products are unique and one of a kind, consumers will be willing to pay a higher, including the shipping cost.
How much you can make: $1,700 — $999,999/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Sasha Weekes, owner of Timber Grove Studios, turned her fine arts and cabinetmaking education into a successful home-based woodworking business that grew from a side project to netting 20-50% profits month-to-month and up to $10,000 in sales during peak periods through Etsy, with her company's growth continuing to increase through other social media outlets.
21. Become a software developer
Becoming a software developer is a great passive income idea for F1 students who have coding skills. Students can create software products or offer their services to businesses. Basic skills required to get started include coding skills, design skills, and knowledge of software development platforms.
A software developer is a person who creates computer programs. They design, test, and oversee the creation of software for a variety of purposes including businesses, personal use, or social networking.
If you have strong technical skills and experience in programming, you can start a software development business. You should also have a good understanding of how the software works.
The average salary for software developers is $110,140. The best-paid 25 percent earn an annual income of up to 140K dollars while the lowest-paid workers make just under 84K dollars.
The recent trends in software development are moving towards mobile apps and cloud-based solutions. Businesses are providing a variety of programming languages and tools to create software that meets the client's needs.
Starting a software development company is the perfect way to explore in this exciting industry. This type of business is growing in popularity as businesses are looking for ways to offer their customers a convenient way to access their data and applications.
How much you can make: $1,700 — $465,583,333/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
SkyVerge, a software company, has grown rapidly with revenue of $350,000 per month, over 100,000 eCommerce customers, and a globally distributed team of 30 people, all through starting with consulting projects and building focused and solutions-based products, acquiring small products from other developers, and focusing largely on content marketing and providing excellent customer support.
22. Start a real estate business
Starting a real estate business is a great passive income idea for F1 students who are interested in real estate investing. Students can invest in rental properties or flip houses for profit. Basic skills required to get started include knowledge of real estate investing, financial management skills, and marketing skills.
Are you a qualified architect with a broad range of knowledge in the real estate field? Starting a real estate business can be a profitable venture.
Real estate involves purchasing, selling, managing, or investing in land and buildings.
To become a successful real estate business owner, you must have finely honed visual awareness and a strong understanding of various building materials and structures.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $1,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
This case study is about T. C. Lewis & Co, a real estate investment and management firm that successfully diversified their approach to include sales, development, remodeling, and construction, with property management being the key to investor doors and organic growth.
23. Start a podcast
Starting a podcast is a great passive income idea for F1 students who have a passion for a particular topic or niche. Students can monetize their podcast through sponsorships, affiliate marketing, or selling their own products. Basic skills required to get started include communication skills, marketing, and knowledge of podcasting platforms.
The podcast business involves creating and producing audio content that people can listen to online.
It’s a popular form of entertainment and information-sharing.
To start a podcast business on a budget, you'll need a few key steps.
First, choose a niche or topic that you're passionate about and that has an audience.
Next, get basic recording equipment like a microphone and headphones.
Then, find a free or affordable hosting platform to publish your episodes.
Finally, promote your podcast through social media, online communities, and word of mouth to build an audience and potentially attract sponsors or advertisers.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
24. Start a freelance writing business
Starting a freelance writing business is a great passive income idea for F1 students who have writing skills. Students can offer their writing services to businesses or individuals and charge a fee. Basic skills required to get started include writing skills, research skills, and knowledge of writing platforms.
Freelance writing can be a good career choice if you are looking for a flexible online job.
Working as a freelancer gives you the flexibility to define your work schedule. You can work from home at any time. Freelance writers work across various niches, writing about various topics assigned by the client,
To earn good money as a freelance writer, you need the following personal qualities:
- Strong writing skills
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Stay on the cutting edge
- Be a self-starter
- Be up-to-date with the current writing tools & writing trends
- Proper communication skills
How much you can make: $700 — $320,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $300 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.
25. Start a CRM business
Starting a CRM business is a great passive income idea for F1 students who are skilled in customer relationship management. Students can offer their services to businesses and charge a monthly fee for managing their customer relationships. Basic skills required to get started include knowledge of CRM platforms, marketing, and communication skills.
A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software keeps track of prospects, clients and their contacts and also helps you monitor your sales pipeline as well as to create reports for business intelligence.
The CRM market is a $50B and growing industry.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $2,100,000/month
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.
26. Start a niche web design business
Starting a niche web design business is a great passive income idea for F1 students who have web design skills. Students can offer their services to businesses in a particular niche and charge a fee. Basic skills required to get started include web design skills, marketing, and communication skills.
Niche web design business focuses on a specialized market such as law, home improvement, videography, fashion, etc. typically, when a web designer niches down their services, they are simply choosing to concentrate on one industry and create websites for businesses within the particular niche. To become a niche web designer, consider honing the following skills and personal qualities:
- Visual design, HTML, CSS, JavaScript
- Strong communication skills
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Teamwork and research skills
- Attention to detail
Narrowing your focus to a particular niche gives you a higher chance of becoming a recognized expert and places you in a better position to charge more for your services.
How much you can make: $200 — $200,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 40 days (?)
The Locksmith Agency, run by Samuel Wilson, a licensed locksmith with over 10 years of digital marketing experience, is making $30k+ per month by providing digital marketing services such as Website Development, SEO, and Google Listing optimization services specifically for the locksmith industry.
27. Start a payment app
Starting a payment app is a great passive income idea for F1 students who have knowledge of mobile app development. Students can create a payment app that solves a specific problem for users and earn revenue through transaction fees. Basic skills required to get started include mobile app development skills, marketing, and financial management skills.
A payment app lets you accept payments from anywhere, using your mobile phone or tablet. It’s best for business owners and professionals to get payments for products or services occasionally or irregularly.
Starting a payment app is an excellent way of making passive income online. It doesn’t require much initially, and the revenue can be significant.
Payment apps are quite popular nowadays, allowing people to pay for goods and services with the tap of a button on their phones. Creating a new payment app can help you capture a share of this growing industry and virtually endless niche for your business.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $2,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 165 days (?)
Payment.co, an app built on top of the Stripe payment gateway for creating card-present charges, has grown to process over $70M in volume annually since launching in 2015, with the app collecting a 1% service fee on every single charge.
28. Start a freelancer platform
Starting a freelancer platform is a great passive income idea for F1 students who have knowledge of web development. Students can create a platform that connects freelancers with businesses and charge a commission on every transaction. Basic skills required to get started include web development skills, marketing, and financial management skills.
Freelancer platform is a place where people come with skills and services to offer and people come who need those skills and services. So we can say freelancer platforms are a marketplace for sellers and buyers of services and skills.
The freelancing industry is growing rapidly and it's becoming a popular career option for people who are "non-traditional" employees. The global Freelance Platforms market size is expected to reach $6.7B by the year 2025. While working on a full-time job, freelancers simultaneously work on a freelance career. The platforms available online help them to increase their business by attracting new clients.
With all of the businesses looking for help on their websites, it would be a good idea to start a freelancer platform. Freelance platforms do well because people have jobs that need to be done and businesses have the resources to pay for the job at hand.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $5,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 80 days (?)
CloudDevs, a tech talent platform that sources and vets freelance tech talent and matches them with companies, has achieved $1 million in GMV in its first year, plans to achieve 100% growth year on year, and focuses on customer loyalty through its Net Promoter Score metric.
29. Start a sustainable clothing line
Starting a sustainable clothing line is a great passive income idea for F1 students who are passionate about sustainable fashion. Students can sell their products online or at local stores. Basic skills required to get started include fashion design skills, marketing, and website design.
Starting a sustainable clothing company can seem like a daunting task, but with the right skills and resources in place, it doesn't have to be. And thanks to more and more technologies becoming available there is a greater chance of success than has ever been had before.
The sustainable clothing market shrunk from $6.35B in 2019 to $6.14B in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its adverse economic impact. But the sustainable clothing market size will keep growing in the coming years, Experts predict it will reach $8.25B by 2023.
How much you can make: $8,000 — $88,000/month
How long does it take to build: 250 days (?)
Minimalismbrand is a sustainable and durable clothing brand that has achieved $200k in annual revenue after starting with just €2k, focusing on quality over quantity, and prioritizing transparency through showing their numbers and production process.
30. Start an online language coaching business
Starting an online language coaching business is a great passive income idea for F1 students who are skilled in a particular language. Students can offer their coaching services online and charge a fee. Basic skills required to get started include language skills, communication skills, and marketing.
The world has become more globalized. Businesses have become cross-border, and executives have to travel to meet new customers. One thing that is obvious is that there is a need for language translation services.
If you have proficiency in one or more foreign languages then you can consider working as a language coach.
Teaching a language online is intensive as you have to meet and communicate with the audience often, and check their progress. If you are looking for an opportunity to earn working online, consider starting online language lessons.
How much you can make: $240 — $13,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 212 days (?)
Marlena Jorn started Marlena Jorn Tutors in teaching German to a group of people privately; she learned through experience what worked best to design her class structure and advertising/marketing materials, and from word of mouth has gained a very successful response so far.
31. Start a musician booking app
Starting a musician booking app is a great passive income idea for F1 students who have knowledge of mobile app development. Students can create a platform that connects musicians with event organizers and earn revenue through commission fees. Basic skills required to get started include mobile app development skills, marketing, and financial management skills.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $25,000/month
This case study highlights how a men's apparel company founded by Paul in California successfully raised $15,000 through Kickstarter.
32. Become a financial advisor
Becoming a financial advisor is a great passive income idea for F1 students who have knowledge of finance and investment. Students can offer their services to individuals and earn revenue through commissions or fees. Basic skills required to get started include financial management skills, communication skills, and marketing.
A financial advisor helps people manage their money and reach their financial goals by providing personalized advice on investments and overall financial planning.
To start a business in this field, you should consider a solid financial background, relevant certifications, and good people skills.
Building credibility through education, gaining experience, and networking are key steps to success in the financial advisory business.
How much you can make: $5,600 — $2,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 22 days (?)
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner earns $100,000 a month from Making Sense of Cents, a personal finance and lifestyle blog where she writes informative and fun articles about financial freedom and her life on the road, thanks to a diversified traffic approach and monetization strategies, such as affiliate marketing, sponsored partnerships, and course sales.
33. Become a freelancer
Becoming a freelancer is a great passive income idea for F1 students who have a particular skill. Students can offer their services to businesses or individuals and charge a fee. Basic skills required to get started include a particular skill, marketing, and communication skills.
As a Freelancer, you have the freedom to choose your own projects and work hours, making it a great business idea for anyone seeking a flexible side hustle or full-time entrepreneurship.
You can offer your skills and services to clients on a project-by-project basis through a digital platform that connects you with a global network of clients.
The services range from writing and design to programming and marketing.
It’s an opportunity to showcase your expertise, build a diverse portfolio, and earn income on your own terms.
With the rise of remote work and the gig economy, becoming a Freelancer empowers you to turn your skills into a thriving business.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $10,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 7 days (?)
ArrowUpz founder M Waseem Aziz shares how he started his digital agency as a freelancer, learned multiple skills, and outsourced tasks to build a team, resulting in a revenue boost from $250 as a graphic designer to $5K per month selling various digital services primarily via freelancing sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you build passive income as an F1 student?
Yes, it is possible for F1 students to build passive income. However, it is important to understand the legal limitations and restrictions on F1 visa holders. F1 students cannot engage in unauthorized employment or work off-campus without prior approval from the designated school official and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). F1 students are only allowed to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during school breaks.
How to make passive income as an F1 student?
F1 students can make passive income by investing in stocks, mutual funds, real estate, or starting a passive income business that complies with the legal limitations and restrictions on F1 visa holders. Examples of passive income businesses that F1 students can start include creating digital products, such as ebooks, courses, or software, building a blog, affiliate marketing, creating a YouTube channel, or developing an app or software. However, it is important to seek guidance from the designated school official and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to ensure compliance with the F1 visa regulations.
Is passive income for an F1 student truly passive?
Passive income for an F1 student can be truly passive, but it requires initial work and effort to set up the income stream. Examples of passive income streams that can work for F1 students include creating digital products, such as ebooks, courses, or software; building a blog, affiliate marketing, creating a YouTube channel, or developing an app or software. However, F1 students need to ensure that their passive income streams comply with the legal limitations and restrictions on F1 visa holders and seek guidance from the designated school official and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Conclusion
Online passive income is an excellent option if you are an F1 student looking for ways to make some extra money. Several options are available; many can be started with little to no investment.
Do your research, find something that interests you, and get started! You may be surprised at how quickly those extra dollars start adding up. What have you got to lose?
- 4,818 founder case studies
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- 8,628 business ideas
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- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
