Korean Job Discussion Forums

[WasteCase]

I work for a University and was asked to do volunteer work for 1 hour a week at a kindergarten that the University supposedly owns. I say supposedly because I have no evidence to support this except the fact that one of the top bosses at the school has stated this.

It is my understanding that this school is a business. They own and run a small hospital, eye stores and other campus locations. So it is not inconceivable that they under their umbrella they control this kindergarten. I was told "it's in the same company".

I like to help the school out and do favors for them and in return they are always good to me. I am however a little hesitant to do this favor as I feel they may be giving no regards to the fact I am on an E-2 visa and may be required to add an addition of workplace at immigration. I have told them I am on an E-2 visa and can not work anywhere else but our school. They have assured me it is the same company. Again they could just be acting lazy and even though it is the same company it is another workplace and they don't want to go through the hassle for 1 hour of volunteer work a week.

In your expert opinion do you think that if it is part of the same company I will not need an addition of workplace on my E-2 visa? How would I prove that it is the same company? I am assuming the business license number will be different but perhaps there is some documentation I could ask for that would prove it is part of my University.

If I do need to get an addition of workplace on the visa what would be required to get this?

Thanks you very much for your help

[pmwhittier]

If it is the same business, then it's OK. Also, you stated 'volunteer' work, so that assumes no payment. If that's correct, then you have nothing to worry about. You can work for free at any place you want. If you make money at a business that's separate from your E2 sponsor then you have to add it as an additional workplace.

[WasteCase]

I believe I may have to read a book as part of my volunteer duties. I phoned the immigration number at 1345 and they said volunteer work is ok but then asked me what the duties would entail. I said I may be reading a book to children and they said any teaching of the English language would be classified as teaching duties. So I asked if I needed to add a workplace if it was the same company and they said to check with the local immigration office. I don't want to go there yet. And I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with this?

[BigBuds]

[ttompatz]

^^ what he said.
Do it with the blessing of immigration and there are no worries.
Do it otherwise and you are hooped.

NEVER trust any employer who tells you it is "OK" to work at other locations.
Their best interests are not necessarily in YOUR best interests.

.