Hello,
I am really confused now. I have been listening to ppls and some says that in order to maintain status we do not really need to file h1. If we can get volunteer work, then it will be good for maintaining the status. Please help..

Thank you.

Hi,

yes its true that if you can show you are working voluntarily in your field of education( IT if you are from IT background, administration related jobs if you have Business Administration Degree), you can maintain your status.If the Co. you are with is willing to file h1b for you that's great if not then also u can continue working as long as your OPT period allows you to work.If you are from IT and provided your Co. is an e-verified Co., you can extend your OPT and work for additional 17 months. If you are from Management background(NOT STEM) you don't get a chance to extend your OPT.This is my understanding so far. Hope it helps u to avoid confusion to some extent.

Thanks.