Volunteer work

[Sebag 0]

I arrived in NYC under a k1 visa 2 months ago. I just sent my Aos applications.

While waiting for the green card for the next months, is it possible to be a volunteer for a non profit organization like rescuing pets ? I can’t find something clear about that. Thanks for your help 

[bakphx1 789]

Yes.  You can do that.  

[Sebag 0]

On 30/11/2017 at 10:17 AM, bakphx1@aol.com said:

Yes.  You can do that.  

Thank you for your reply I was worried because I heard I can’t do volunteer things but I think the problem is when you work as a volunteer for a firm that normally hires people 

[bakphx1 789]

52 minutes ago, Sebag said:

Thank you for your reply I was worried because I heard I can’t do volunteer things but I think the problem is when you work as a volunteer for a firm that normally hires people 

None of that matters.  As long as you aren't going on a payroll or getting payments under the table it's not a job. Even if it's a hospital that hires people, they can also accept volunteers.  Taking a job as a volunteer  that is normally a paid position can raise flags though. But it happens, some do it to gain experience or to have less of a gap in employment. 

[N-o-l-a 7,168]

3 hours ago, Sebag said:

Thank you for your reply I was worried because I heard I can’t do volunteer things but I think the problem is when you work as a volunteer for a firm that normally hires people 

 

This is more of a concern if you have a tourist or similar visa.  You needn't worry about volunteering at an animal shelter or the like.