Volunteer while AOS is pending

[JaneW 8]

Hi! I’m planning on doing volunteer work in a hospice place doing office administrative tasks. My husband says it’s not a good idea cause it’s gonna be like I’m gaining work experience by volunteering there. Will the USCIS see it that way? Will it affect my AOS/EAD application? Thank you!

[Ontarkie 13,925]

~~Duplicate post removed. Please do not post more than one thread for the same topic.~~

~~Thread moved to Working and Traveling~~

[gramercygreen 34]

I think this is a grey area IMO. If you were volunteering to help keep patients company and assist family members with odds and ends, I might be more inclined to say it’s volunteering (humanitarian work). Office administrative work might more likely be seen as unpaid employment, and I’m leaning toward your partner’s argument to avoid it.

 

Let’s assume the USCIS construes this as unauthorized employment (which is illegal). Does it affect your AOS? Depends.

 

If you’re married to a US citizen, it will not bar you from adjusting.

 

If you’re married to a permanent resident, you may be barred from adjusting.

Edited January 17, 2020 by gramercygreen

[JaneW 8]

14 hours ago, gramercygreen said:

I think this is a grey area IMO. If you were volunteering to help keep patients company and assist family members with odds and ends, I might be more inclined to say it’s volunteering (humanitarian work). Office administrative work might more likely be seen as unpaid employment, and I’m leaning toward your partner’s argument to avoid it.

 

Let’s assume the USCIS construes this as unauthorized employment (which is illegal). Does it affect your AOS? Depends.

 

If you’re married to a US citizen, it will not bar you from adjusting.

 

If you’re married to a permanent resident, you may be barred from adjusting.

Thank you. Should I avoid volunteer opportunities that requires background checks as well? Will a background check affects my AOS application? Thanks!

[Ontarkie 13,925]

Background checks are not an issue. 

 

Volunteer at places that are truly a volunteer position. So if they never hire someone for that volunteer spot you should be good to go. It cannot be something that can later turn to a paid position. So like animal shelters always need volunteers, nursing homes may have volunteer positions. 

Working an admin position almost always would be a paid position. If they say we just won't pay you until you get your work permit. Walk away. You do not want to get into the habit of letting ppl take advantage of you by doing them a favour of free work. 

[JaneW 8]

1 hour ago, Ontarkie said:

Background checks are not an issue. 

 

Volunteer at places that are truly a volunteer position. So if they never hire someone for that volunteer spot you should be good to go. It cannot be something that can later turn to a paid position. So like animal shelters always need volunteers, nursing homes may have volunteer positions. 

Working an admin position almost always would be a paid position. If they say we just won't pay you until you get your work permit. Walk away. You do not want to get into the habit of letting ppl take advantage of you by doing them a favour of free work. 

Thank you!