The introduction of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) in college athletics has been a great way for student-athletes to earn income, however unfortunately the obstacles for international student-athletes have been too much for this to be an accessible reality.

There are many different restrictions at play, for very legitimate reasons, when international student-athletes are temporarily studying in the United States with a F-1 Visa. International student-athletes are limited to working on-campus jobs, such as at university dining halls and recreation centers, and may not partake in off-campus employment with exception to special situations. A select few go through careful scrutiny to accept limited off-campus internships that are required for their academic degree. There are other nuanced exceptions beyond this, but the reality for most international student-athletes is that they are restricted from making income while in the United States. 

This legislation was written prior to the emergence of social media influencing, therefore international student-athletes participating in NIL was understandably not considered. There is an opportunity to allow international student-athletes to actively participate in NIL while on United States soil, the same way domestic student-athletes do. With such adaptations, international student-athletes will have rights to earn from their marketability and provide possibilities on-par with their teammates.

Change is needed for the betterment of lives that align with NIL. International student-athletes should be able to benefit the most from being themselves and creating a brand for themselves in today's economic world.

We are not asking for a drastic overhaul. We want to advocate to lawmakers the current state of NIL with hope that recognizes the voices of all international student-athletes, ultimately provoking a slight change to F-1 guidance.

Sign this petition to show your support!  

*NCAA Research, 2020