DS 160 Form Question: Were you previously employed?

[IlovemyIndia]

Hello Fellow forum members,

I am trying to get Visa Interview date for Chennai, IN consulate. Currently, I am filing out DS-160 form and I am stuck at this question.

Q: Were you previously employed?

in my case, I graduated in December'2010 and from december 2010 to Jun 2011 I was on OPT and I was doing volunteer work in a software company.

that company's manager gave me hiring letter as well. I gave all the details to my school's International student advisor as well and he updated it to USCIS/Sevis as well.

My question is, Do I need to say yes in this case?

Thanks for reading so far.

[IlovemyIndia]

Can any one give me feedback please?

[sharing123]

Well, you have the letter from hiring manager, if you got paid say yes, if you didn't got paid it's your choice both works, you can mention also and avoid also. Choice is yours,

[IlovemyIndia]

I didn't get pay for that work. He agreed to give me letter and training so that I can be on valid visa status. I don't have any paystub or anything.

Now say for example, in DS-160 if I mention my On Campus job From Sep 06 - May 2010 and then my new job in June 2011 He may ask me that what was I doing for this period being on OPT?

What can be my answer in that case?

[sharing123]

I don't think he will ask. Don't mention in DS-160 for that volunteer work. If he asks, just say you were volunteering and this is the letter from manager.

Mainly he will be concerned about ur H1B that started last October.

[IlovemyIndia]

Awesome. Thanks a lot @sharing123. I will keep you posted what I will fill out.