Fema Employment
Voluntary work while on a visitors visa?
I'm currently in Canada on a 6-month visitors visa, I woud like to undertake voluntary work (ie. receiving no payment, no contract, no benefits etc) just so I can be useful and contribute whilst I'm here. Would this breach the conditions of my visitors visa? I'm aware I'm unable to undertake paid employment whilst on a visitors visa, but I'm hoping voluntary work would be acceptable, I can't find any info on this on the immigration or government websites. Many thanks Lori, just out of interest, are you based in Canada? Many thanks for your replies, at home I Manage a day care cetnre for the elderly so I'm looking for volunteering opportunities working with seniors, I've found a great company that advertises volunteer positions with various organisations and now with your answers I've made an appointment to go and see them. Thanks
Public Comments
- Volunteer work is very laudable and perfectly legal. ***edit*** No, I'm not Canadian, but I did work at GM Canada for a year. It's a very nice country.
- YES you can do that (ignore those who say you cant) BUT it must only be with a company (usually non-profit companies) that regularly or have always used volunteers. You cannot volunteer to work at a corporate office, because they do not use volunteers and you would taking a job away from someone. examples of groups you can work with include - local theatre companies, drama/music groups, the humane society, the red cross, st john ambulance, choirs, groups working with children (except daycares) etc etc. hope this helps. If you are in Ontario, you can check out the following job board for volunteer jobs in the arts sector. http://www.workinculture.on.ca/apps/index.cfm?fuseaction=job.showJobs
- Yes, volunteer all that you can, its the best way to get people to know your work and perhaps that can help you if you plan on staying there permanently
