Am I allowed to volunteer at farms(wwoofing) as a visitor?

[cometkim]

Hello,

I submitted my inland application a few weeks ago, and am currently staying in Canada as a visitor.
I'm looking for things to do during the wait, and I was wondering if I could volunteer at Organic farms.(Wwoof). I won't get paid, but the host will provide me with room and board. Am I allowed to do that?

The website says visitors are allowed to do wwoofing, but they also advise not to mention about wwoorfing at the border if they come to Canada with only the purpose. This sounds a bit suspicious and I wanted to make sure if it would be ok.
Any kind of information would be appreciated!!

 

[rhcohen2014]

how is the position advertised? generally, if the position is advertised to EVERYONE as volunteer work, then it is legitimately volunteering and it's not generally a concern (ie: it's not taking paid work away from a canadian). if they would pay a canadian citizen/resident money AND room and board to do the same work, then it may be an issue.

i know there are some lenient rules about farming help, so i will defer specific farming questions to those more informed about it.

 

[draxz1289]

I found this in the FAQ
http://www.wwoof.ca/FAQ

Do I need a Working / Visitors VISA?
NO, YOU DO NOT NEED A WORKING VISA. You are volunteering, not working! You could be volunteering over many months at many different WWOOF hosts. But as long as you volunteer no longer than 4 weeks at each WWOOF Host, you do not need a Work Visa. See the Requirements to enter Canada link under: Useful Information. However, depending on your nationality you may require a visitor’s visa which will allow you to stay in Canada for up to six months. If you are unsure check the Canadian Immigration Website for more details.

How do I obtain a "Letter of Invitation" for my visa application?
Some visitors to Canada may require a "Letter of Invitation". WWOOFers (volunteers) with this requirement would have to ask a prospective WWOOF Host(s) if they are willing to provide this letter on their behalf. WWOOF Hosts are not obligated to do so, and must make their decision based on the interview they conduct with you, the inquiring volunteer. And you would have to risk paying for a membership in order to contact Hosts and there is no guarantee. Your best bet is to secure your Visa before buying a membership. "The "Letter of Invitation" requirements can be found via this link on the Citizenship & Immigration website "Letter of Invitation for countries whose citizens require a temporary resident visa to enter Canada"

 

[bigredmoose]

Here's what CIC says:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/bulletins/2013/ob503.asp

 

[truesmile]

In short, no longer than 4 weeks at the same farm, as draxx___ posted previously.

 

[Ponga]

There was a person on an episode of Border Security, that aired again yesterday, that had no problem doing this. He was given a 3 month visitor record and told that he could not work at the same farm for more than 4 weeks.

 

[Ponga]

You should also explore options that would allow you to work remotely, via the internet, to companies outside of Canada.

As long as you are not remunerated by a Canadian company, or individual in Canada, you are not violating the terms of your visitor visa.