Can Dependents (E-1 Visa) Have an Unpaid Internship
This question has been asked to counselors, lawyers, and anyone with knowledge on visas. No answer has been achieved for quite a long time. So here I go again.
Can dependents (specifically of E-1 visa) that are students (attending a university in California) work for an UNPAID internship position?
*This position is regulated by the university's internship program/system. (program director sets limits on maximum hours, gives assignments about the internship learning opportunity and holds weekly meetings with the student)
Essentially, do I have to have a work permit to volunteer for free?
Any input/advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Re: Can Dependents (E-1 Visa) Have an Unpaid Internship
I would take the conservative position that if there's an expectation of receiving a benefit from the "internship", even if not in the form of wages, it's not compatible with your status as an E-1 dependent.
As I don't have the details of your situation, I would defer to any qualified immigration lawyers who have advised you based upon the actual facts of your situation.
Re: Can Dependents (E-1 Visa) Have an Unpaid Internship
Have you spoken with the DSO in the international student support office at the university? They are the most likely to know if the particular situation is possible under the student's visa status. If they do not know immediately, the university should have an attorney who can advise the DSO.