Starting an S-Corporation while on TN?

I'm on a TN, and would like to start a small business on the side. It would be a website, and I would definitely continue working full-time with my TN job.

The general consensus on this forum seems to be "Do not start an S-Corporation if you are on a TN. Period".

The main concern seems to be that I could get denied future TN renewals if the border agent finds out about the S-Corporation and considers it to show immigration intent or something? (how would they find out anyways?)

As a counter argument: I would think that buying a house in the US (which we are allowed to do) would show much stronger immigration intent than a small website business, no?

Final point: I do not own property in US, but do own a home in Canada (which is strong evidence of my ties to Canada). I also have my entire family in Canada.

This forum rocks. Especially Steven.

Thanks!

The problem is WORK. WORKING in US without authorization is illegal. OWNING a House is not illegal work. Even OWNING a business (as a silent investor) is not illegal.

But you admit that the purpose of starting the business is to WORK at it. That is illegal, regardless of the corporate or non-corporate nature of its creation.

And on TN, you can only do other approved TN work, with other TN approvals.

Thanks for the reply.

It's a disappointing policy, but I suppose I can understand their desire to not allow any loop-holes.

I find it's easy to forget that you don't have the same rights as citizens down here. After a couple years on a TN, you start to think that you're the same as your friends, neighbors and co-workers down here.

A little scary, actually.

Thanks again.