For international students, NIL is playing the long game – making connections and growing a community that will reap rewards once they return home. U.S. laws that govern international student visas make NIL challenging for international students. By law, they cannot benefit from NIL based in the U.S. without violating their visa status. However, they can curate NIL connections based in their home country.
Best Practices for International Students
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Former NAIA student-athlete Victor Faria uses his platform as an influencer to give back to his community and help grow the sport of basketball in his home country of Brazil.
"The same approach you have working hard for your sport, you can use it for everything in your life if you want to succeed. Like being a content creator ... you gotta put the hours in and you gotta put your effort, you gotta work hard."
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- Due to the fact that international athletes are governed by the United States Federal Government and the Visa system, we advise that all international athletes seek direct advice from either the international offices on campus or an attorney as all situations are unique and what might be allowed for one athlete may not be allowed for another.
- As an international student-athlete, your restrictions vary and location matters when doing NIL deals.
- Athletes should consult with experienced immigration specialists, personal advisors, and your on-campus office international student services prior to engaging in any NIL monetization opportunities.
