With H1b pending (told it will be after Oct 1st) and Opt finished, can I work though Oct 1st without pay?

US immigration law does not prevent anyone from working as a volunteer. This means of course no compensation whatsoever, including payment for transportation or lunches or deferred pay. By the same token, federal and state labor laws could penalize an employer who does not compensate someone who works for them. Due to the limitations of the Lawyers.com Forums, Alan Lee, Esq.'s (the "Firm") participation in responding to questions posted herein does not constitute legal advice, nor legal representation of the person or entity posting a question. No Attorney/Client relationship is or shall be construed to be created hereby. The information provided herein by the Firm is general, and requires that the poster obtain specific legal advice from an attorney. The poster shall not rely upon the information provided herein as legal advice nor as the basis for making any decisions of legal consequence.