I'm a bootstrapped startup founder considering hiring an international student on an OPT (obtained after recent graduation from graduate program in US). Probably more of an employment law question but nevertheless - can I hire this person under an OPT for an unpaid internship. P.S. I would like to pay him but can afford to do so only on defferred terms e.g. upon funding etc.
During his first year of OPT, his work can be without pay but during his second and third years of STEM OPT (assuming he's eligible), his work must be paid.
