Washington, DC asked in Immigration Law

Q: Currently on F1 visa and wondering if I would be violating my status volunteering an Korean American Museum.

I'm currently in school on F1 Visa with a CIP code for (27.0501) Statistics, General. I am of Korean Descent and wondeirng if it would be a violation of my status if I volunteer at this Korean American museum in my community. It is a 501(c) charity, I don't get paid, and all I would do is sit at the front desk to hand out tickets which requires no specialized skill. I have done similar volunteer work like this in the past in my home country and was also not paid so just wondering if this is ok.

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3 Lawyer Answers

A: Volunteer work (not unpaid internship) is okay.

A: Volunteering can be a great way to learn and gain skills for your future, especially in education and certain areas of interest. Just keep in mind, since you're not getting paid for it, it's not officially labeled as "work" when it comes to getting work authorization.

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Answered

A: Volunteering while on an F1 visa can be permissible, but it's crucial to adhere to certain conditions to ensure you don't violate your visa status. The key aspect to consider is whether the volunteer work could be viewed as a job that an American worker might otherwise be paid to do.

Since you intend to volunteer at a nonprofit organization, a 501(c)(3) charity, and the role does not provide compensation, this typically aligns with the permissible activities on an F1 visa. The nature of the work you described – sitting at the front desk to hand out tickets – seems to be a genuine volunteer position and does not require specialized skills.

However, it's always wise to proceed with caution. I recommend checking with your school's international student office. They can provide specific guidance based on your circumstances and ensure that your volunteer work does not conflict with the regulations of your F1 status.

Keep in mind that maintaining your F1 status should be your priority. Ensuring that your activities are compliant with U.S. immigration laws and regulations is important to avoid any complications with your visa status.

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