From time to time, you may partner with a skilled volunteer who is an F-1 student on Optional Practical Training (OPT), a benefit available to international students in F-1 immigration status who are enrolled in, or completing, a degree program in the United States. F-1 students on OPT are skilled, credentialed professionals, and like any volunteer engagement, working with them comes with a few considerations worth knowing about upfront.
Taproot’s Role
Taproot does not provide:
Visa sponsorship
OPT documentation
Employment verification for immigration purposes
Legal guidance related to immigration status
Volunteers are responsible for confirming their own eligibility to participate in Taproot Plus opportunities.
What Nonprofits Can Do
You are welcome to:
Thank volunteers directly for their contributions
Leave LinkedIn recommendations or endorsements
Offer to serve as a professional reference after the engagement has concluded
Share positive feedback with the Taproot team
If you feel comfortable, provide a simple letter confirming the volunteer’s participation and completed hours after the engagement concludes
Keeping the Engagement in Scope
To support both the nonprofit and the volunteer, keep the engagement clearly framed as pro bono volunteer work rather than employment, and leave immigration questions to qualified professionals.
A few things to avoid:
Issuing letters or documentation related to OPT or work authorization
Representing the engagement as paid employment
Offering immigration advice or guidance
If Questions Come Up
If a volunteer raises immigration-related questions or requests documentation connected to their OPT status, encourage them to consult their university’s international student office or an immigration attorney.
If you are unsure how to respond to a request, reach out to help@taprootplus.org and our team will guide you.