What exactly IS "work"? Is volunteering "work"?

[lizaanne 0]

I'm sitting on hold with USCIS - they tell me it's a 30 minuite wait to speak with a person - SHEESH!!!!

So wondering if you fine people can answer my question - can he do volunteer work for a non-profit while he's waiting for his EAD? It's got to be better than sitting at home for months while waiting for documents to clear!!

Thanks All!!

~Liza

[kc456 0]

Volunteering is fine as long as you are not receiving compensation for it, and it would not otherwise be a paid position (i.e. these positions are normally staffed by volunteers).

Examples: animal shelters, food banks, libraries, etc. You could also volunteer for professional associations -- that will let you build contacts for when you are ready to look for paid work.

[lizaanne 0]

Excellent!!! That's what I thought - but you never know! He may volunteer for a religious organization. It would be nice if it turned into a job later, but in the mean time, it will be nice to be doing something good and productive.

Aside from being my house-husband, that is. hehehe

~Liza

[lizaanne 0]

Just spoke with Officer Forte - he told me exactly what kc456 said - he can "work" at a volunteer position as long as he is not compensated in anyway, and is not taking the job of someone who would otherwise be paid.

Coolness!

Thanks again!

~Liza

[Yodrak 7]

Liza,

And is not doing a function that he will get paid to do once he does get employment authorizaton (a variation on the theme of your 2nd item).

Yodrak

Just spoke with Officer Forte - he told me exactly what kc456 said - he can "work" at a volunteer position as long as he is not compensated in anyway, and is not taking the job of someone who would otherwise be paid.

Coolness!

Thanks again!

~Liza