Volunteering As An International Student: What You Need To Know

International students on the F-1 and J-1 visa programs need to be aware of the differences between volunteering and unpaid employment to avoid violating U.S. Department of Labor or U.S. Federal visa and immigration laws and regulations. The U.S. Department of Labor defines a 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. F-1 and J-1 students are permitted to volunteer without work authorization if their activities meet the definition of volunteering. However, they must be careful not to participate in any unauthorized employment, as this would be considered a violation of their F-1 or J-1 visa requirements, which could result in the loss of legal immigration status and possible deportation.

Volunteering vs. unpaid employment

Volunteering as an international student can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it is important to be aware of the regulations around unpaid work and how this differs from volunteering.

In Canada, for example, international students need to be mindful that some volunteer opportunities may be considered "work" and therefore require proper work authorization, even if they are unpaid positions. "Work" is defined in the Regulations as an activity for which wages are paid or a commission is earned, or that competes directly with activities in the Canadian labour market. This means that an unpaid internship at a for-profit organization, which offers valuable work experience, would likely be considered "work" and require authorization. On the other hand, volunteering at a non-profit organization, such as helping with fundraising events or community clean-ups, is not considered "work" and does not require work authorization.

In the United States, the Department of Labor defines a volunteer as an "individual who performs hours of service... for civic, charitable, or humanitarian reasons, without promise, expectation, or receipt of compensation for services rendered." Volunteering is distinguished from unpaid employment by the nature of the organization, the type of work, and the individual's reasons for doing it. Unpaid internships, for example, are usually not considered "volunteer" activity as they are primarily offered by the private sector and related to the intern's field of study. Additionally, F-1 or J-1 status holders should be aware that any off-campus unpaid employment must be authorized, or it could result in the loss of legal immigration status.

While volunteering is not a substitute for paid work, it can be a valuable addition to an individual's life, providing experience, skills, connections, and satisfaction. It is important to be aware of the regulations and definitions surrounding volunteering and unpaid employment to ensure a positive and beneficial experience.

Work authorization

International students on the F-1 and J-1 visa programs need to be aware of the differences between volunteering and unpaid employment before getting involved in any volunteer work. This is because, under US law, certain activities are considered employment and are therefore subject to labor laws that require the employer to compensate the employee and the employee to have work authorization.

F-1 and J-1 students need work authorization from the ISSO to undertake paid or unpaid employment. The type of employment authorization (e.g. CPT, OPT, on-campus employment, etc.) needed will depend on eligibility and the details of the specific employment opportunity. For example, students on a 12-month OPT may undertake unpaid employment as long as the work relates to the student's field of study and does not violate any US Department of Labor laws.

Students who are considered interns may engage in unpaid internships at for-profit organizations. However, this does not usually qualify as "volunteer" activity. Unpaid internships are primarily offered by the private sector and are related to the intern's major field of study. Therefore, F-1 and J-1 students are advised to seek work authorization before engaging in unpaid internships.

F-1 and J-1 students who are working off-campus must be authorized before engaging in employment. Without proper authorization, off-campus employment, including some volunteering, would be considered a violation of F-1 or J-1 requirements. The consequences may include the loss of legal immigration status in the US, possible deportation by the US Department of Homeland Security, and great difficulty in any future attempts to acquire a visa to enter the US.

To avoid any violations, students who are not sure whether an opportunity is true volunteering or unpaid labor are advised to check with the ISSO or HR and immigration experts prior to undertaking the activity.

Immigration regulations

International students on the F-1 and J-1 visa programs need to be aware of the differences between volunteering and unpaid employment before getting involved in any volunteer work. This is because, in the United States, immigration regulations and labor laws intersect in complex ways.

Firstly, it is important to understand the distinction between an employee and a volunteer. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, an employee is defined as: "An individual who provides services or labor for an employer in exchange for wages or other remuneration". The term "remuneration" is very broad and includes non-monetary benefits, such as free housing, food, or gifts. On the other hand, a volunteer is defined as: "an individual who performs hours of service for a public agency for civic, charitable, or humanitarian reasons, without the promise, expectation, or receipt of compensation for services rendered". It is important to note that simply being an unpaid worker does not necessarily make one a volunteer, and any off-campus employment for F-1 or J-1 students must be authorized.

Secondly, international students on F-1 and J-1 visas can participate in volunteer opportunities without CPT, OPT, or other work authorization, but only if their activities meet the definition of volunteering. They can freely volunteer for charitable or philanthropic purposes, but with some restrictions. For example, they cannot participate in any fundraising activities, such as selling art or food, and they cannot volunteer within their academic field of study or area of professional expertise. F-1 and J-1 students are also permitted to volunteer without work authorization as long as their activities are not considered employment. Employment, in this context, refers to any work that is normally performed by a paid person, and for which both the company and the employee benefit.

Finally, it is crucial that international students and their volunteer organizations keep documentation of the volunteer activities and hours contributed per week. In the event of applying for future immigration benefits, the U.S. government may request information and documents to demonstrate that the activities were legitimate volunteer work and did not violate any labor laws. If an international student wishes to volunteer in a field closely related to their major, they may need to obtain CPT authorization or Pre-Completion OPT authorization.

Student visa status

International students on an F-1 visa are allowed to engage in volunteer work as long as it meets certain criteria. Volunteering is a great way to get involved in the community, build a network, and achieve personal and professional goals. However, it is important to proceed with caution and be aware of the regulations surrounding volunteer work.

Firstly, it is crucial to understand the difference between volunteering and unpaid internships. Volunteering typically involves donating time to a non-profit or humanitarian organization without receiving any form of taxable income or compensation. Unpaid internships, on the other hand, are usually offered by the private sector and are related to the intern's field of study. While F-1 students can engage in unpaid internships, these may not always qualify as "volunteer" activities under U.S. labor laws.

When considering volunteer opportunities, international students on F-1 visas must ensure that the activity is a true volunteer opportunity and does not violate any U.S. labor laws. This is important because, during future immigration applications, the U.S. government may request documentation to demonstrate that the activity was legitimate volunteer work and not compensated employment. To avoid complications, students should consult with their university's international student advisors or seek legal advice from an employment attorney.

Additionally, international students on F-1 visas should keep documentation of the hours contributed per week while volunteering. This can be important for future reference or if there are any questions about the nature of the volunteer work. It is also recommended to ensure that any volunteer activity is related to the student's major field of study, especially if they are seeking to gain experience in that field.

Overall, volunteering can be a rewarding experience for international students on F-1 visas, but it is important to be well-informed about the regulations and seek guidance when needed to ensure compliance with Department of Homeland Security rules and regulations and maintain nonimmigrant student status.

Volunteer work examples

International students in Canada and the United States can volunteer in their host communities. In Canada, international students need to be mindful that some volunteer opportunities may be considered "work" and therefore require proper work authorization, even if they are unpaid positions. "Work" is defined in the Regulations as an activity for which wages are paid or a commission is earned, or that competes directly with activities in the Canadian labour market.

• Tutoring or teaching workshops: If you love education and teaching, you could tutoring or teaching workshops at a local library or school. This can be a great way to gain experience in education and teaching, and it can also be a valuable contribution to your community.
• Organizing charity events: If event management is your passion, you can get involved in organizing charity events. This can be a great way to gain experience in event management and fundraising, and it can also help you build connections with local organizations and businesses.
• Volunteering with non-profit organizations: Reach out to non-profit organizations in your area and ask about volunteer opportunities. Many non-profit organizations rely on volunteers to carry out their missions, and volunteering with them can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Examples of such organizations include local charities, community clean-up groups, awareness campaigns, religious or spiritual organizations, and humanitarian aid groups.
• Community service: This can be a one-time experience, such as organizing a clean-up day on campus, or an ongoing commitment, such as mentoring and tutoring students once a week over a semester. Community service can be a great way to give back to your host community and make a direct impact on the lives of those around you.
• Virtual internships: Some organizations offer virtual internships for international students, which can be a great way to gain experience in a particular field without the need for travel or relocation.

Frequently asked questions