My boyfriend and I are moving to Canada for 6 months in a
couple of weeks time, he has a job visas etc but I haven't
got a working visa. Can I still do voluntary work? As I
can see myself getting very bored after a time, and would
like to do something.
Any ideas??
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Most cities in Canada have a regional violunteer office that
has listings of many places & events that need volunteers.
There are all sorts of fascinating positions for people of
all different levels of skills. If not the local hosptials
and old folks homes are always looking for help. I
personally have found that major-event volunteering is the
most rewarding tho. Great people, lots of ebergy and
good volunteer parties. Culture, Music, Sport Events etc.
Sure you can do volunteer work, the only exception would be
to places like government offices and police depts where
security checks would be needed. Without knowing where your
going I don't have a lot of suggestions, but charties are
always looking for volunteers. So try the food banks soup
kitchens, the cancer society. The other option is to look
for events in the area your going to be, many of the events
are run by volunteers. I live in Calgary and have
volunteered for things like the 88 Olympics, Winter
Festivals, world Police and Firemen games, etc.
I live in Victoria and if you go to the University there are
a lot of postings for volunteer opportunities. I also belong
to the volunteer club at the University and we always have
lots of lists of places to volunteer. In the summer it's a
great place because there are so many different festivals
and concerts or you could spend your days walking all the
cute dogs at the SPCA.
technically, if you don't have a work permit you can't even do unpaid work in canada. i've seen an american put through more paperwork than she could imagine because the purpose of the trip was to work for free at some camp run by a religious organization, and she said so up front. another example: a friend of the family who's a retired american engineer offered to do plans for and supervise a minor building project at my parents' home, in return for nothing but hospitality. he had to phrase himself very carefully at the border, lest he be taking a job from a canadian. BUT, just don't mention anything along those lines in dealing with immigration/consulate staff and there is next to no chance of getting in any trouble for offering to walk dogs at a shelter, or as mentioned above anything else that doesn't require a security check.