Working for Free - AOS - K1 Visa - Photography

[sweet01 39]

Obviously this is not a practical issue, no I9 etc involved and this is being something the OP is doing solely for themselves anyway.

Even technically I see no problem, but something no doubt that could be discussed indefinitely.

I guess you're right about this. This was also actually my question way back on my process

[swji89 41]

Good question. This is quite a gray area on my end too but I also have looked on this one article on this website - http://www.usavisanow.com/h-1b-visa/h1b-visa-resources/uscis-views-on-volunteering/. Hope this might help you a bit. We can wait for other senior members here too

I've asked for some advice about my particular situation in the thread you linked me to. Hoping to learn from the senior members as you say. I want to have a clear idea of what i'm going to do with myself during the AOS stage... I'm guessing, however, that once you get your EAD you can volunteer to your heart's content as you are allowed to work. Not that I wouldn't be looking for paid work once I get the EAD of course!

There are some activities that are never paid, the common example is working for a soup kitchen.

Fair point. With some exceptions, then, a lot of voluntary roles could theoretically be paid ones in the case of said organisation having the ability to pay someone to do it This is especially true with charities.

Edited June 13, 2015 by swji89

[Boiler 43,431]

Many people make a nice living under the charity banner, but there are still opportunities available. One of those you know it when you see it.