November 21, 2009
i got a valid tourist visa. can i legally get an unpaid internship in the US? how about freelance writing?
i’m a writer from the philippines. and i’m kindof confused about this one thing: since i can contribute freelance articles from my home country, can i also work in a magazine or a newspaper? i am also willing to work as an unpaid intern (if that makes any sense).
Image taken on 2007-07-01 19:29:32 by Letcombe. Image Source. (Used with permission)



You must get a J1 student visa for this or a work visa before you come, the tourist visa will not work…Call the American embassy for help doing this.
You cannot work at any job which pays you in any way while in the U.S. on a tourist visa. See article below and read the print in RED.
Hello. I got an internship on Broadway and I’m from the Philippines too.
You have to apply for an Exchange Visitor or Student Visa to legally work in the US. Even if it is an unpaid internship.
You have to get accepted into an internship program first. If they can’t sponsor your work visa, they’ll supply you with a letter of employment and from there you can apply for a visa.
The first thing they ask for when you arrive on your first day of internship is your social security number or visa.
Look into magazine and news groups for internships. Most will have information for international applicants.
Other useful websites:
http://www.internships.com
http://www.internshipprograms.com
http://www.rsinternships.com
http://www.monster.com
http://www.internjobs.com