Work volunteer gig in Europe while on H1B visa

[Amitya Kumar]

Can I work a paid volunteer gig in Europe while I am working for a consulting company on H1B visa?

 

I am working on H1B visa in the US for a consulting company. Because of COVID, we work remotely since some time. My boss and the company allow working remotely while traveling internationally. I always wanted to travel to Europe but waited for COVID situation to be in control. I am getting a paid volunteer gig to teach english to refugees from Ukraine in Poland for few hours every day for 4 weeks. This will be outside my US working hours.

Can I take this opportunity without violating H1B visa norms?

[Zodiac System]

H1b status is only inside USA.  Check if you are allowed to work in Europe.  If yes, you should be good.  Check with a CPA on tax filing.

[JoeF]

The H1 is only valid for the US. What you do while outside the US is not affecting the H1. However, there may be visa issues and tax issues in Poland. The organization that's handling this should be made aware of that.