Volunteer Work whilst waiting for ILR

Hi

I don't know if this is the right place to post my question but here it goes.

I can't legally work whilst waiting for my ILR decision. But I want to work even if it's unpaid. I need to feel useful. Some volunteer organisations state you need a valid work permit to even volunteer!!

So my question is what volunteer work can I legally do without a valid visa?

Thanking you in advance

kiwigirl, I doubt very much if work permit is required for volunteer positions! (It's possible they were referring to staff roles in charity orgns?)

Here's a great site that provides info on large numbers of volunteer positions - http://www.forum3.co.uk/parodia/

forum3 also have an annual meet in London, some time in October. It's a great opportunity to explore great openings in the charity sector.

All the best.

Thanks for the reply. I will definitely check out that site

It was on Oxfam's volunteer page. I've just now double checked and it reads ... "If you are not a British National certain visa restrictions apply." But looking under other volunteer positions it doesn't state that. I gave up an opportunity to volunteer for my dream postion based on that statement. I'm so stupid

No you can't I'm afraid, work is work unpaid or not and it's not allowed.

Oh how silly!! I want to put my skills to good use instead of rotting away waiting for the UKBA to make a decision on my future. But, despite the Home Office stating it wants immigrants to contribute to British society, I can't even volunteer for a charity or charities who are screaming out for vounteers. That's unpaid work that no-one else wants, because if people really wanted to volunteer charities like Oxfam wouldn't have two pages worth of volunteer vacancies. The volunteer e-newsletter I get very week wouldn't have the same vacanies time and time again. But I'll happily do unpaid work because I like to feel like I'm contributing and be in active employment. But it's what I deserve isn't it

In the meantime there are British-born citizens who are quite happy to sit around and do nothing while claiming benefits.

Rant over.

Wanderer, thanks for the clarification.