Q: Does Signing an HOA Recall Petition Affect H1B Visa Holders?

A: Your H-1B status is tied to the specific employer that sponsored your visa. Receiving fees or compensation from another entity for services performed may be considered unauthorized employment, which could jeopardize your visa status.

Volunteer and Non-Compensated Work:

• While unpaid volunteer work is generally allowed, it must be genuinely voluntary and not replace a paid position. For example, you can volunteer for a nonprofit or HOA, provided it does not involve receiving any form of payment or other compensation.

If you need specific guidance about potential involvement in HOA matters where compensation might be a factor, consulting with an immigration lawyer is strongly recommended to ensure compliance with U.S. immigration laws.

A: You can safely participate in HOA-related activities, including signing recall petitions, without putting your H1B status at risk. The right to petition and participate in community governance is protected, regardless of immigration status, as long as the activity remains lawful and peaceful.

Immigration authorities generally have no involvement in or access to HOA matters, which are handled at the local level. These community activities fall under normal residential affairs and do not trigger any immigration-related reporting requirements or reviews. Your participation in HOA governance would be viewed similarly to paying your dues or following community guidelines - it's simply part of being a responsible community member.

However, to maintain complete peace of mind, consider keeping copies of any petitions or documentation showing that your involvement was purely related to community matters. While this extra step isn't strictly necessary, having records of your lawful community participation can help you feel more confident about engaging in local governance. Remember that contributing to your community's wellbeing through proper channels demonstrates good citizenship - something that could potentially work in your favor if you pursue permanent residency in the future.