Quick question - is it ok to do volunteer work on a 6 month visitor visa?
I assume yes since it's unpaid, but just want to confirm.

It depends. Under visa rules, you can't do any work, paid or unpaid, so that will cover voluntary work. But suppose you belong to a church and you want to act as server or as usher. This is voluntary activity but since no one gets paid for that kind of work, either directly or indirectly (e.g. in exchange for free board and lodging), that will clearly be allowed. But if you opt to work for nothing in an office in order to gain experience, since such work is usually paid, it won't be allowed. There are other borderline cases, but you get the general drift. There is a charity worker visa under Tier 5 that covers specific volunteer work that often includes an element of salary, free or subsidised board and lodging or honorarium.

 

Hmmm...I'm talking about volunteer work through a non-profit organization that does not have paid positions - they depend on volunteers. For example, volunteering a few hours a day at a nursing home. It wouldn't be in exchange for anything - just helping to give something back to the community?

 

Thank you both. I'd rather be safe then sorry. No volunteer work for me.
Cheers