Volunteering, hobbies, stipend on visa J1

[arcepinodie 0]

Hello there,

I have been digging google in search of an answer, but it seems like my case is not common.
So I have a visa J1 as research scholar for a few years. I have always been a hobby photographer and from time to time, one of my picture is selected and bought by a magazine or something like that. From what I can read on the IRS website, my practice is definitely a hobby, I don't make profit and have never done anything to make profit, so I am alright with the IRS.

But now I am wondering if I am still in the condition of my visa, in general I think that I am in total right to continue my hobby without breaking the rules. But can someone confirm?

Now an example : I volunteer, with the agreement of my sponsor and during my paid hollidays, for an event as photographer. For the past years I was doing it for free and giving away the picture to the organization for free.
For next year they want to give me a stipend to cover my expense or to buy my pictures at the end of the event. And here is where I am not sure to be in my rights anymore.
I have tried to ask the international departement at my university but they clearly have no idea, I believe that this is a grey area as it depends how this volunteering thing is considered.

I would be so grateful if you could help me out on that one!

Thanks you verry much!

[aaron2020 11,651]

You can not be compensated. You can not receive a stipend. You can not sell your photos at the end of the event. If you look up the regulations, you can get no benefits in return for volunteering. You can donate your time. You can donate the photos.

While you may classify this as a hobby, the US government consider it work. How would you be any different from a paid photographer who is paid for his time and his photos?

You can practice your hobby without a stipend and without selling your photos. You have a "right" to do that. Once you cross the line of getting something back in return, you would illegally be working. You do not have a right to a stipend or a right to be paid for your photos.

Edited November 18, 2015 by aaron2020

[Boiler 45,516]

Agree

I am looking at getting a good Camera, maybe $1,000 mark, any recommendations?