In limited circumstances, F1 students may be able to participate in volunteer opportunities without CPT, OPT, or other work authorization. However, some unpaid work may still be considered employment. Before participating in any volunteer opportunities, contact the ISO to determine whether work authorization is necessary.
The U.S. Department of Labor defines volunteer as “an individual who performs hours of service for a public agency for civic, charitable, or humanitarian reasons, without promise, expectation or receipt of compensation for services rendered”.
In general, volunteer service must meet the following criteria:
- No form of compensation is provided (including non-monetary compensation, promise or consideration of future employment, etc.)
- The service is civic, charitable, or humanitarian in nature .
- The volunteer work is not a typically paid position and is not displacing a U.S. employee.
- The service is primarily for the benefit of the organization, not for the benefit of the volunteer.
If you are participating in a volunteer opportunity, you may request documentation from the organization which states that your service is volunteer-based, and that the above-mentioned criteria are met. We recommend that you retain this documentation for your records.
Any unauthorized employment is a violation of your F1 visa status and will result in termination of your SEVIS record. You must confirm with the ISO prior to accepting a volunteer opportunity.
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