Hi
We have been living in Manitoba now since September on the PNP route we have just had our medicals for PR, however I have a son that is classed as a Dependant but is not allowed to work until we have PR. As you can imagine he is going stir crazy!!! He now as an opportunity to help a friend who has a local business, we were wondering if this would be ok for him to do on a voluntary basis until our PR comes through. Does anyone know if there would be any implications of him helping this friend. Thanks

I'm a truckers wife, cannot work until we have sponsorship from Sask Governement and have been volunteering since I came to Canada.

I used to think that volunteer work was fine, but one of the forum's immigration experts, set me straight on that.

Apparently it's okay to do volunteer work that normally would be done by volunteers, like doing deliveries for Meals On Wheels.

Apparently it's not okay to do work, even if you're doing it for free, if that work normally would be done by a paid Canadian worker. In that case you would be seen as taking away work from Canadians.

But, in reality, what are the chances that authorities would find out? I think the chances are slim.

I suppose you have to weigh up the probably very small chances of getting caught, the consequences for your whole family's PR application if your son was caught, and the effect on your son's sanity if he doesn't find a meaningful way of using his time.

Risk is made up of two elements -- likelihood and severity. I think in this case the likelihood of things going bad is small. But, in the unlikely event that your son got caught, I think the consequences could be severe.

I think it's a horrible position to be in, I sympathize with you, and I hope your PR comes through soon.
x

I understand what you're saying Judy, my voluntary work is usually carried out by volunteers cos it's with a not for profit organisation. I probably didn't read the post clearly, skip reading as usual

Sorry if I gave you the wrong advice Sally

Hi

You have to remember that a very high percentage of "illegal Immigrants" , I use the term loosely are not found by CBSA investigations, but a disgruntled person who wanted a job, that went to someone who, was working with no status/permission makes a phone call. "Trying out/volunteering at job" just won't fly if you get caught.

so your telling me that I have to have a work permit to volunteer in what is a strictly volunteer position

Hi

No, it is "volunteering" in jobs that normally paid. Volunteering for things meals on wheels (as mentioned) soup kitchens are all fine and no work permit is needed. But the OP talked about "helping out" on a job.

Thanks very much, was just starting to panic