Should I Accept an Unpaid “Volunteer” Position at an NGO as an International Student

Hey everyone,

I’m an international student currently in the U.S., having just completed my first semester of a master’s program. I was recently offered an unpaid internship at an NGO, but when I inquired about paperwork, they said they’d classify it as a volunteer position for now, since I haven’t completed the required two semesters to be eligible for CPT (Curricular Practical Training). They also mentioned that if they like my work, they might turn it into a proper internship over the summer.

I’ve already consulted my university’s international office, but they couldn’t give me a clear answer on whether it’s okay to start this as a volunteer right now.

A few concerns: 1. Is it safe to pursue this “volunteer” position legally? I don’t want to risk my F-1 visa status. 2. Does doing an unpaid internship (or volunteering) affect my chances of getting an H1B visa in the future with another employer?

Has anyone been in a similar situation or has advice on how to proceed? I want to make sure I stay compliant with visa rules but also don’t want to miss out on this opportunity.

Thanks in advance for your input!