Am I eligible to take on an unpaid internship?

I will agree with the previous lawyer. However, you might have an issue, internship in CA are usually only paid internship. If you mean volunteering it might be Ok. Try to talk to your school for a CPT. Good Luck Shah Peerally Founder and Managing Attorney of Shah Peerally Law Group PC The Law Firm Deals in Immigration law & Debt Relief Note: The above answer is provided for informational use only. One should not act or refrain to act solely based on the information provided. No attorney client relationship is created unless a retainer is signed by the attorney and the client.

We would need additional information. Generally, F-1 students are eligible for a total of twelve months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) per educational level. OPT provides an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge obtained in an academic program to a practical work experience in the US. This employment opportunity must be directly related to your major field of study. Eligible students may apply for "pre-completion OPT" (before completion of program) and/or "post-completion OPT" (after completion of program). Students do not need a job offer in order to apply for OPT. OPT requires the student to have authorization from USCIS before you can beginning employment. This authorization can take up to 3 months to obtain. Students recommended for OPT will receive a new SEVIS I-20 with an OPT recommendation notation. For additional information, please see F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) Request Internship with an International Organization If an F-1 student is offered employment in the form of an internship by a recognized international organization, he or she may accept such employment upon receipt of authorization from USCIS. Examples of recognized international organizations include the United Nations, the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, etc. For more information consult with an ISSS advisor.

The definition of work is that which would normally be paid. Would a US citizen be paid for this internship? If not or if this is through your school, it would generally be okay even if no credit is given. See your DSO at your school to see if you can be given CPT , curricular practical training so all will be above board.