How to land anything in Project Finance, M&A, Renewable Energy Finance as an H1b in US

I currently work on a mediocre position in some kind of FP&A role in small start up - had to pick whatever was available after the layoff or alternatively leave the country. However, for the last two years I am also actively involved in probono as an independent advisor in M&A and Renewable Energy Project Finance across the globe, mostly in Eastern Europe and Middle East. Do not even ask how I can do that - literally, no sleep at all. I helped to close few pretty good deals and technically I was the one building models etc. 

How can I utilize this experience in recruiting in US? So far I am trying but not much luck, very few interviews. Maybe someone now any place that are more or less welcoming for internationals? I even consider working for free for some time to prove the value, though not sure whether this allowed by law actually

Would appreciate any advice