Hello anonymous3141-ga,
I should emphasize the disclaimer at the bottom of this page, which
states that answers and comments on Google Answers are general
information, and not intended to substitute for informed professional
legal advice. In other words, this is only the results of my
research, not a legal opinion. If you need legal advice, you should
contact a lawyer in the state where you are working or living.
The Google Answers FAQ notes that Researchers are "screened and
approved independent contractors who are paid for posting 'answers' to
the site."
"Google Answers: Frequently Asked Questions - What is the difference
between a Google Answers Researcher and a registered user?"
Google Answers
http://answers.google.com/answers/faq.html#researchervsuser
In my view (and again, I cannot provide a professional legal opinion),
this is much closer to work than to a non-work activity such as
earning interest or winning a lottery. I certainly feel that I am
doing work, whether it is for Google Answers, for the people whose
questions I answer, or both. I am being paid for this work. In other
words, I am doing work for someone for money.
There seems to be a possibility that you can work as a Researcher for
Google Answers even if you are also doing other work on an H1-B visa.
"H-1B aliens may only work for the petitioning U.S. employer and only
in the H-1B activities described in the petition. ... H-1B aliens
may work for more than one U.S. employer, but must have a Form I-129
petition approved by each employer."
"H1B Frequently Asked Questions - Who can an H-1B alien work for?"
Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services
http://www.immigration.gov/graphics/services/visas.htm
Incidentally, I am assuming that you are on an H-1B visa. The only
other H-1 visa, H-1C, is relatively specialized (for certain nurses).
"Immigration Classifications and Visa Categories"
Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services
http://www.immigration.gov/graphics/services/visas.htm
In addition to consulting a lawyer, you might want to contact Google
Answers itself. Perhaps Google Answers, or Google generally, has
faced this situation before. You might ask it about this possibility
of a Form I-129 petition.
Good luck -- and if I see that you are answering questions, I'll know
that it worked out for you!
- justaskscott-ga
Search terms used on Google:
visa h-1b
visa h-1b cfr ina |
