Tweet
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!
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!
