Expert: Alun Hill MCIJ - 4/20/2011

Question
QUESTION: Good morning,
Have you any idea what type of visa an American needs to volunteer at the London 2012 Olympics?  I am already in the selection process, but I have gotten 5 different answers, including conflicting ones from the Olympics staff and the UK Border Agency.  Thanks very much.

ANSWER: Thank you for your question.

Which type of volunteer are you in the selection process, please, and are you over or under 18?

I will then confirm with the Press Office.

Many positions need a background check, which is easier for EU citizens. I presume you will be able to support yourself and have somewhere available to stay in the UK during the Games?


Alun Hill, MCIJ

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks very much for your reply.  I am under consideration for a volunteer position in the shooting team competition, but I would be considered a generalist, as I do not have specialist knowledge of the sport.  

I am 55, retired, with a healthy pension and savings.  We are coming to the UK for six months regardless as tourists, and I've already leased a house in the U.K.  They tell me that a tourist visa is not sufficient for volunteering. I have a phone interview next week, so I assume I have already passed the background check.
Thanks very much for your assistance.

Answer
Hi - I've been unable to find anyone who thinks you'll get an appropriate Visa, frankly.

EU rules are quite strict - and the UK is actually tightening the restrictions - and USA passport holders would normally find it very hard to get any working or volunteer Visa for the UK.

Whatever you do, of curse, don't come to do this without a Visa!

Sorry I can't help you further.

Alun Hill, MCIJ