H4 working voluntarily

[H4struggler]

Hello:

I am on H4 and studying in a community college as a full time student since 1 year.I have received my I-20 from the community college and applied to USCIS and awaiting their response.

Meanwhile my class professor offered me the job in Community college IT department itself. I will not be paid, nor will be involved in any paper work. I will be allowed to work as per my availability and conveniences.

Is it okay if I accept the work? I am on H4, can I work voluntarily?

Will appreciate your advcie!

Thankyou

[JoeF]

Sorry, that is not allowed. You can not work without the appropriate work authorization. The H1 does not allow you to work, not even for free.

You could volunteer only in a non-profit organization where everybody else in similar positions volunteers. A classic example is volunteering in a church.

[H4struggler]

Thank you for your reply.

If I supposely get my F1 till January then can I work voluntarily fom January . Its more of a learning process,like a reserch work.

[JoeF]

Sorry, that is not allowed. You can not work without the appropriate work authorization. The H1 does not allow you to work, not even for free.

I meant H4, of course.

[H4struggler]

Yes I understand on H4 does not allow to work, even for free. But how about f1, if I get my F1 approve by January, then can i accept the offer for free?

[JoeF]

First, there are minimum wage laws. That may prohibit that.

Second, on F1, you can work on campus, up to 20 hours/week. But again, be aware of the minimum wage laws.

Having said that, universities may have exceptions. The usual RA/TA salary for graduate students is probably close to or below minimum wage. I am not sure if that would apply to community colleges, which don't usually have graduate studies.

You would have to discuss this with HR at the university.