Internship during AOS

[senzaflash 0]

Hi everyone,

I know this has been asked before but I haven't found our exact situation in the archives, so I hope you don't mind helping me out this one.

My husband entered on a K-1, we married, and are now waiting on AOS - just submitted before Jan. 1. We are also waiting on EAD and AP.

Is it all right for him to take an unpaid internship at a publishing house? This is not a position that is ever paid - it is volunteer work for a small, nonprofit publisher, and will not lead to future employment. It's my understanding that he cannot hold a job that anyone could be paid for, and I think this passes that test. Any input will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your help.

Lisa

[vadelice 0]

I am wondering the same thing, my wife is waiting her AOS.

Will anyone know if they are working before getting an EAD or green card?

[YuAndDan 153]

Yes, that's fine, it is not considered to be a Job because it is un-paid. Just like volunteer work.

This is a work/travel during immigrations topic.. Moving..

[Brother Hesekiel 2,235]

Sure.

[HeatDeath 430]

As long as the intern position is not taken with an expectation or handshake-promise of eventually being hired for the same position. That starts to look like an under-the-table deal to work before the EAD comes through.

[Dodi 69]

Volunteer work is ok, it is even recommended by many people. It will be much harder for your future employers to check references in your home country other than by email or extremely long distance phone charges, so having someone local who can vouch for your work ethic and willingness to learn can be beneficial in the end.

Volunteer work is not only good for you (learn a new skill, help others), but it also looks good on your CV.

[HeatDeath 430]

+1 above.

Only thing to avoid, as I said, is any situation where a volunteer position is the same as, or is strongly expected to turn into a paid position, including and especially any arrangements that will see you paid later, "under the table", for work done as a volunteer prior to getting the EAD.

An example would be volunteering at a school. If you are doing a normal volunteer position, that's fine. If you are a teacher "volunteering" as a classroom teacher, that would be a no-no, especially if, as mentioned above, the principal offered to pay you later for the "volunteer" work.

The main guideline to follow is that you cannot fill any position "for which a US citizen could be paid." That means volunteering [in a properly "volunteer" position] is great, unpaid interning should be ok, and continuing to work remotely for a foreign employer is fine.