Q: Will I need authorization to volunteer at a museum?
I am Chinese International Student studying on a F1 visa and was offered a volunteer position at a Chinese American Museum. I was wondering if I would require any type of work authorization to perform this. The positions are all completely staffed by volunteers, but I'm worried that it might be a violation because it could be interpreted as requiring specialized knowledge (due to my cultural background).
A: Volunteering while on an F1 visa can be a complex issue. The general rule is that if the position could be paid employment, then it would typically require work authorization. You should consult an immigration attorney to assess the specifics of the volunteer position and whether it might be considered a violation of your F1 status.
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