I'm from South Africa and visiting family in Indiana on a B1/B2 visa. My cousin just had a baby and asked if I could help out by babysitting a few days a week while she recovers. She offered to pay me something small as a thank-you. I’m not planning to stay long, and I definitely don’t want to break any immigration rules. But would helping out family in this way, even if it’s paid informally, be considered unauthorized work? Or is it okay as long as it’s just family helping family?

Question

Jibril Elmi · Accepted Answer

Even informal or family-paid work is still considered employment under U.S. immigration law. Accepting payment, even as a favor, could violate the terms of your visa.

Saowalak Suwannarat · Answer

Helping out without pay is usually fine as long as it's truly voluntary and you're not replacing a paid worker. But the moment money changes hands even casually, it can be seen as unauthorized work. That could lead to trouble during future visa renewals or entries.

Marzanna Kowalska · Answer

It might feel like you're just helping family, but accepting money for babysitting counts as work. B1/B2 visa holders aren't allowed to be paid for any services while in the U.S. Immigration officers may take issue with even small "thank-you" payments. If you truly want to help, it’s safer to keep it unpaid and informal. Any kind of compensation could cause problems later on.

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