Volunteering while waiting for EAD

[FormelyCA 0]

I've seen different answers to this. It is my impression that it is OK as long as obviously, you are not being paid. I did a search and kinda found info on VJ saying it was OK. BUT, I asked the POE guy and he of course didn't know, looked to the guy next to him who shook his head, no. So I asked, "I cannot volunteer?" And he said "No, better to just wait till you get your EAD".

But, that is not a definitive answer really

Any thoughts on this? I would love to get out in the community and put my use to better time then shopping online and watching HGTV all day

[Carlawarla 1]

I've seen different answers to this. It is my impression that it is OK as long as obviously, you are not being paid. I did a search and kinda found info on VJ saying it was OK. BUT, I asked the POE guy and he of course didn't know, looked to the guy next to him who shook his head, no. So I asked, "I cannot volunteer?" And he said "No, better to just wait till you get your EAD".

But, that is not a definitive answer really

Any thoughts on this? I would love to get out in the community and put my use to better time then shopping online and watching HGTV all day

It's a definite "yes" to doing volunteer work. I think the concern comes when you specifically look at doing volunteering work for a company say, where after you get your EAD you might get offered work, and then it looks like you were just working there for either 1. money under the table or 2. taking a position that otherwise might have been filled by a US Citizen or GC holder.

I'm a huge advocate of volunteer work, even if you do work full time. Try and find something that is challenging and is always short of volunteers in your area. The rewards you reap are life changing.

[FormelyCA 0]

Thanks Carla!!

That is refreshing to know. Yes, I too am a HUGE advocate of volunteering, in any capacity. In fact, I am not even sure if I WANT to work. I am thinking about starting up a non profit organization of sorts. But, I would like to volunteer on the side. I suppose I will try to find a job, but in all honesty, my husband makes enough for both of us to live comfortably, and I have always felt that volunteer work was more my calling then sitting in a desk somewhere. We shall see

[CDAgirlMI 51]

That was my plan to do while I wait. I was thinking animal shelters since I work with dogs now. But then again, I might be bringing "residents" home...

[Carlawarla 1]

That was my plan to do while I wait. I was thinking animal shelters since I work with dogs now. But then again, I might be bringing "residents" home...

Can I be so bold as to make a suggestion? Animal shelters and anything to do with either animals or children always get loads of volunteers. Those organizations certainly pull at the heartstrings! There are SO many other organizations that are desperate for volunteers. One of the best sites for looking at volunteer work in your area, and it will really open your eyes as to what's available is www.volunteermatch. com

[FormelyCA 0]

THANK you so much for the link Carla! I have been looking online for sites and nothing really was coming up. This one looks great! I am thinking of doing Habitat for Humanity and heading down there today.

A good idea also is to head to your library, not only do they need volunteers but the resource desk can perhaps guide you in the right direction.

About background checks for volunteer - I am sure there is some protocol they have to follow, but....I mean seriously, if you can get through USCIS, obviously you are good to go. What do they typically do for background checks, or what do they require?? Clearly, all of my references are out of country, even out of North America! Any problems with this?

Edited May 20, 2009 by FormelyCA

[Carlawarla 1]

THANK you so much for the link Carla! I have been looking online for sites and nothing really was coming up. This one looks great! I am thinking of doing Habitat for Humanity and heading down there today.

A good idea also is to head to your library, not only do they need volunteers but the resource desk can perhaps guide you in the right direction.

About background checks for volunteer - I am sure there is some protocol they have to follow, but....I mean seriously, if you can get through USCIS, obviously you are good to go. What do they typically do for background checks, or what do they require?? Clearly, all of my references are out of country, even out of North America! Any problems with this?

I've had several background checks done in my volunteer capacity since I've been here. One was running my name through the State system, probably to see about arrests etc. The reference names...well, for my first volunteer job with the YMCA, they did call my Canadian references, the second volunteer job, I put both Canadian and US references, the US references were my two neighbours. Most don't want family members either to be references. Again, the second volunteer job I've got they called both US and Canadian references.

I guess depending on the volunteer job, they probably just want to make sure you don't have a criminal record. I told them about my journey and the background checks that were done in immigrating to the US, but they could care less. They HAVE to do their own.

Habitat for Humanity is awesome! Let us know how your interview goes!

Edited May 20, 2009 by Carlawarla

[thetreble 19]

That was my plan to do while I wait. I was thinking animal shelters since I work with dogs now. But then again, I might be bringing "residents" home...

[PhiLandShiR 18]

Hi, My wife is volunteering at the day care center across the block from our house. She can walk over in the morning and come home for lunch. Its great. After her green card arrives she is told she will have a full time job there.

Shir works in the nursery, 13 babies!! Of course she shares them with 4 others but she is very fussy when it comes to 'her' babies!

Its so sweet to listen to her talk about her special babies when she gets home. Her eyes just light up and she gets this big smile on her face....

Phil

[amberL 0]

I have a volunteer job at the SC aquarium starting Sept , and I am soo excited, especially since they have a new PENGUIN EXHIBIT!

[Hugglebuggles 60]

I have a volunteer job at the SC aquarium starting Sept , and I am soo excited, especially since they have a new PENGUIN EXHIBIT!

I'm so jealous right now! Penguins are awesome!

I've never thought of volunteering... I should find something cool.

[vanee 13]

About background checks for volunteer - I am sure there is some protocol they have to follow, but....I mean seriously, if you can get through USCIS, obviously you are good to go. What do they typically do for background checks, or what do they require?? Clearly, all of my references are out of country, even out of North America! Any problems with this?

I'm all for volunteering too.

I've done some volunteer work for the local SPCA, and they didn't require a background check. (On a side note, while they have lots of volunteers, they're still understaffed, with some volunteers doing too much work.)

I've also volunteered for Girls on the Run, which does require a background check. They ask for your driver's license number and SSN IIRC. I didn't have a US driver's license (I got mine later), but I gave them my SSN and a copy of the police certificate that was needed for K-1. Explain that you went through a background check to get a visa to come here, and that might help.