volunteer on B-2 visa?

[Calebpinter 0]

Hello, I was wondering if it would be possible to enter the US on a B-2 visa to volunteer with a non-profit organization?  If so, would it also be possible to file a I-539 to extend the stay while in the US or would it be necessary to return to host country and re-apply for a B-1 visa or other type of visa?

[Roel 7,193]

Its possible to extend, but if you get approved its another question.

I'd be extremely careful with the volunteering. Even if it's not for money but it exchange for food or place to sleep - its considered illegal and taking the job from the US citizen.

[Boiler 45,946]

Talk to the organisation about which visa's they use, J is more common.

 

PS Non profit does not mean that you do not get paid, lots of non profit's pay very good wages.

[KierenHby 899]

Volunteering on a B2 is tricky. If in doubt, then no. 

 

Is this for your wife?  Is she in the US and filed i485, or back in Bolivia? 

[Californiansunset 336]

A B1/B2 visa can be used to volunteer if you won't get paid for it. I did it myself. I got the help of my local American Chamber of Commerce to assist me with the wording of the documents that I showed to the CO at the consulate but you can also do it yourself. Just have the nonprofit write you a letter in which they say what kind of nonprofit they are, what they do, what your tasks will be (keep it broad otherwise they won't see it as volunteering but you taking someone's job away) and state that you won't receive any money and that you won't do any solicitation for donations for the non profit (the latter is not allowed). 

 

I also filed a successful B1 visa extension. If you do research on it you will find out that they get rarely granted for non-religious nonprofits. However mine was approved. I don't see how you can already know that you will need an extension though?! You have to have good reasons to get this approved. 

[Calebpinter 0]

23 minutes ago, KierenHby said:

Volunteering on a B2 is tricky. If in doubt, then no. 

 

Is this for your wife?  Is she in the US and filed i485, or back in Bolivia? 

No, this is for a friend.  My wife is in the US and has filed a I485.  We are just waiting for her interview now.

[Boiler 45,946]

Obviously money is not an issue, what is it she is looking to do?

[Calebpinter 0]

15 minutes ago, Boiler said:

Obviously money is not an issue, what is it she is looking to do?

He's looking to volunteer at some sort of camp for high risk youth.

[Calebpinter 0]

27 minutes ago, Californiansunset said:

A B1/B2 visa can be used to volunteer if you won't get paid for it. I did it myself. I got the help of my local American Chamber of Commerce to assist me with the wording of the documents that I showed to the CO at the consulate but you can also do it yourself. Just have the nonprofit write you a letter in which they say what kind of nonprofit they are, what they do, what your tasks will be (keep it broad otherwise they won't see it as volunteering but you taking someone's job away) and state that you won't receive any money and that you won't do any solicitation for donations for the non profit (the latter is not allowed). 

 

I also filed a successful B1 visa extension. If you do research on it you will find out that they get rarely granted for non-religious nonprofits. However mine was approved. I don't see how you can already know that you will need an extension though?! You have to have good reasons to get this approved. 

In your experience, were you able to receive housing and food while you were volunteering or did you provide all of that yourself?

[Boiler 45,946]

That sounds like a job people are paid for and if you volunteer under a B then you pay your own way and must be a job that would not be paid, think soup kitchens.

[KierenHby 899]

Saw a CBP video on YT.. a young teen on a b1b2 coming to visit a friend for 5 days and then to volunteer at a US camp. CBP called the camp organizers to validate, were told the teen would be provided food and lodging in return for volunteering - deemed inconsistent with terms of the visa. 

 

Teen was asked to get an appropriate visa. Allowed a 5 day tourist visit, then told to return home. 

[Californiansunset 336]

11 minutes ago, Calebpinter said:

In your experience, were you able to receive housing and food while you were volunteering or did you provide all of that yourself?

I didn't receive any housing or food paid by them, but I know of people that have been volunteering for non-profits and got housing provided as well as transportation costs (train ticket or gas money). All have been in the US on either a B1 or B1/B2 visa. There are definitely nonprofits that do that.

I would have the nonprofit mention that in the letter that he is going to show at his visa interview and upon entry to the US though. He will get asked whether he will receive some sort of reimbursement and obviously he should answer truthfully. 

[Californiansunset 336]

4 minutes ago, KierenHby said:

Saw a CBP video on YT.. a young teen on a b1b2 coming to visit a friend for 5 days and then to volunteer at a US camp. CBP called the camp organizers to validate, were told the teen would be provided food and lodging in return for volunteering - deemed inconsistent with terms of the visa. 

 

Teen was asked to get an appropriate visa. Allowed a 5 day tourist visit, then told to return home. 

That is strange... I know of several people who got lodging provided in return of their volunteer service. They disclosed that at their visa interview and got approved. 

[Californiansunset 336]

Maybe have your friend get a J1 visa to be on the safe side?! You can get paid and definitely get lodging provided legally.

 

 

[Calebpinter 0]

8 minutes ago, Californiansunset said:

Maybe have your friend get a J1 visa to be on the safe side?! You can get paid and definitely get lodging provided legally.

 

 

Thanks, yea I suggested that to him.  Thanks everyone for your inputs.