TD -Unpaid internship- your help greatly appreciated.

Hi there,

I just moved to the US with my husband who is working on a TN visa. I'm on a TD. I will be applying to graduate schools for entrance next fall (2011) but in the meantime I'd really love to volunteer and to intern.

I understand that I cannot apply for any position that is paid or that replaces a paid position. In terms of volunteering, I don't think this will be a problem.

But I'd also like to apply to some internships. I would only look at positions that are strictly unpaid policy, health and research type positions similar to what I used to do in Canada. The internships are mainly geared toward recent grads or current students (I just graduated from grad school in Canada).

Could anyone advise if this would be allowed under a TD visa?
Again, I wouldn't get paid or receive compensation (other than the experience).

Thanks so much- this forum has been a fantastic help for us!

Internship will still require a J1 or f1 status, not TD.

Do you know what differentiates an unpaid internship from "unpaid" volunteer work? Or perhaps could you direct me to further information on the TD status? All I seem to come up with is:
1) Cannot work (in a paid position)
2) Can study

Unfortunately the J-1 wouldn't work (home residency requirement at the end of the term...and my spouse has a 4 year contract).

And I'll need to wait until school begins for the F-1.

Any further details would be amazing. Thank you for your time and advice.

Volunteer would work in an organization (typ. non-profit) that regularly uses volunteer help, and in a position that is normally staffed by a volunteer.

In other wiords you can't volunteer for Microsoft (since they don't typically have volunteeers), and you can't volunteer as head of Red Cross (since that is ordinarily a paid position).

To clarify your understanding, a TD cannot work -- paid or unpaid

Thanks so much.

Best wishes!