Overview and Definition

Volunteering while on an F-1 student visa is not as simple as it may first seem. Keep in mind that any off-campus employment MUST be authorized. Without proper authorization, it is considered a status violation and will result in the loss of the student's immigration status.  It is important to know the rules about volunteering and unpaid internships before you engage in any off-campus activity. 

Here are some important reminders if students plan on volunteering: 

•  Students must not receive any taxable income.
• The primary purpose of volunteering must be charitable or humanitarian in nature.
• Incentives such as "per-diem" and reimbursements for transportation are not allowed for volunteer positions. 
• If the volunteer position is one for which an employer would otherwise officially hire someone, you may work there only with employment authorization.

icon Meet with an International Student Advisor to discuss any volunteer or unpaid internship opportunities. 

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Volunteering

Volunteer work can generally be identified as a position in which a person is not normally paid or would expect to be paid for their time and efforts. Additionally, volunteering does not require any special skills, and a wide range of individuals could perform the same work.  Below are examples of volunteer work:

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Unpaid internships vs volunteering

Most often, unpaid internships are related to the student's program of study and the student may be using the internship as professional or career-based experience. 

 

icon   Unpaid internships REQUIRE work authorization. Please be mindful that work-authorization is not based on whether a position is paid or unpaid. 

 

Students must be approved for either Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) in order to participate in an unpaid internship. If students do not obtain work authorization for unpaid internships, their F-1 status will be at risk of being terminated for unauthorized employment. 

 

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Volunteering while on post-completion optional practical training (OPT)

Students on approved Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) may count paid or unpaid internships towards OPT, as long as the opportunity is related to the student's program of study and is at least 21 hours or more per week.

icon Please be mindful of U.S. Labor Laws when accepting volunteer positions. 

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volunteering while on stem Optional Practical Training (opt)

Employment during STEM OPT must be paid as outlined on the I-983 Training Plan. Unpaid internships, volunteering, community service work, and unpaid research are not valid employment types on STEM OPT.Employment during STEM OPT must be paid as outlined on the I-983 Training Plan. Unpaid internships, volunteering, community service work, and unpaid research are not valid employment types on STEM OPT.

 

Students who are employed on STEM OPT may perform volunteer services (in addition to fulfilling all employment requirements) if the volunteering is a true humanitarian volunteer opportunity and does not violate federal labor laws.