H-1B VISA and also working as Independent Contractor

[snypeters]

I work in the computer industry and have an H-1B VISA sponsored by my current Employer. I also have been asked on a number of occasions to help out on the side with some contract/consulting work and am wondering if this is allowed or permissable given my H-1B status?

Normally this situation would entail working as an Independent Contractor and filing a Schedule C. My questions are:
1. Is it possible to work as an Independent Contractor while on an H-1B VISA or would I be violating my H-1B status if I engaged in this side work?
2. What is the likelihood that someone would get caught (i.e. would it be only if my taxes are audited)?

Can someone please advise?

[jasonbogart]

1. Is it possible to work as an Independent Contractor while on an H-1B VISA or would I be violating my H-1B status if I engaged in this side work?

Who can an H-1B employee work for?
A: An H-1B employee may only work for the petitioning U.S. employer and only in the H-1B activities described in the petition. The petitioning U.S. employer may place the H-1B worker on the worksite of another employer if all applicable rules (such as Department of Labor rules) are followed. H-1B aliens may work for more than one U.S. employer, but must have an I-129 petition filed by each employer.
[source: http://h1b-faq.peludcarson.com/]

2. What is the likelihood that someone would get caught (i.e. would it be only if my taxes are audited)?

No idea.

[alex_us01]

Is it possible to get an H1-B with a contractor position at a university?

I am currently on F1 OPT and I might be offered a contractor position at a university (=non-profit org). Will they be able to sponsor me an H1-B?

thanks,
Alex