Volunteer While Waiting for AOS

[mch1234 5]

Hello,

I really appreciate how helpful everyone is on VisaJourney! I have a question- is it legal to volunteer while waiting for your EAD? I entered on a K-1 Visa in November, and I got married & filed my documents for EAD/AP and AOS in December. There is a non-profit organization in my town that provides food and clothing to low-income families. They rely heavily on their volunteers, who do work there such as stocking shelves with food and sorting clothes. I would like to volunteer there to stay productive and help pass the time while I wait for my EAD, but I obviously don't want to do anything that could land me in serious trouble. I have read the threads on VisaJourney about volunteering, but most of them are at least a few years old and have mixed responses. Can anyone provide me with a definite answer on whether this type of volunteer work would be acceptable? Thanks!

[WaterLeaf 200]

I'd be interested to know about this as well without getting the risk of such because I heard something like if working for a company for free is still considering working (If worked an hour or more) but they don't send any info to the IRS, questionable.

 

Another weird one is can't work overseas if the company is USA based because they'll still send some info through IRS.

 

My only guess is just observing around and networking, participating in classes or such.

[Dashinka 24,493]

My understanding is that it is legal to volunteer as long as it does not displace a paid worker (i.e. a company brings you in to work at no pay for a job that was recently paid).  I hope that makes sense.

 

Good Luck!

[geowrian 22,337]

Volunteering itself is fine. When it becomes an issue is when you are potentially taking away an opportunity from a work-eligible individual.
Helping in a soup kitchen? Awesome.

Reading to children? Awesome.

Being an unpaid receptionist or assistant for a business? Likely crossing the line - that's something one normally does either for pay or for experience and/or networking in the field.

Edited February 28, 2019 by geowrian

[mch1234 5]

Thank you all for your replies! I won't be applying for an actual job there eventually or doing anything that someone would normally be paid to do. I'm just trying to give myself some purpose and meet people while I wait for the EAD...this wait is so long! 

[USS_Voyager 1,972]

25 minutes ago, mch1234 said:

Thank you all for your replies! I won't be applying for an actual job there eventually or doing anything that someone would normally be paid to do. I'm just trying to give myself some purpose and meet people while I wait for the EAD...this wait is so long! 

Yes, as others mentioned, as long as the volunteer position is truly volunteer, in other words others people volunteer in the same position do not get paid, there is no problem. You are not allowed to work, but you are allowed to apply and interview for jobs. It take times to find a good job in your desired field so it's wise to start early. 

 

 

[junkmart 320]

6 hours ago, mch1234 said:

Hello,

I really appreciate how helpful everyone is on VisaJourney! I have a question- is it legal to volunteer while waiting for your EAD? I entered on a K-1 Visa in November, and I got married & filed my documents for EAD/AP and AOS in December. There is a non-profit organization in my town that provides food and clothing to low-income families. They rely heavily on their volunteers, who do work there such as stocking shelves with food and sorting clothes. I would like to volunteer there to stay productive and help pass the time while I wait for my EAD, but I obviously don't want to do anything that could land me in serious trouble. I have read the threads on VisaJourney about volunteering, but most of them are at least a few years old and have mixed responses. Can anyone provide me with a definite answer on whether this type of volunteer work would be acceptable? Thanks!

Per our attorney, yes volunteering for nonprofit is totally ok. We just filed AOS for my spouse, and he is volunteering as I write. He was here on a B2, and his I-94 has expired. Waiting for NOA-1. BUT, since his I-94 expired, our attorney advised him to not drive until he gets his EAD. Our attorney said that if he were to be stopped, police will see that he is out of status and call ICE to detain him. Now he walks or I give him a ride.