The Charity Worker visa (Temporary Work – Charity Worker) route allows overseas nationals to come to the UK to undertake unpaid voluntary work for a recognised charitable organisation for up to 12 months. This route is strictly temporary—there is no pathway to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) under this visa.
Key Features
Feature | Detail |
Duration | Up to 12 months or duration specified on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), plus up to 14 days extra in some cases. |
Unpaid work | Must be voluntary & unpaid (only reasonable expenses allowed). Paid work or salary is not permitted. |
Sponsor required | You must have a CoS from a licensed charity sponsor. |
Age | You must be 18 or over at time of application. |
Dependants | Partners and children may apply as dependants, if eligible. |
Settlement | Not eligible for settlement under this route. |
Cooling-off Period | If previously held a Charity Worker or Religious Worker visa, you may need to wait 12 months since you were last granted permission under those routes. |
Eligibility Requirements
To apply, you must:
- Receive a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a charity that holds a valid sponsor licence for this route.
- Be able to support yourself financially: usually have at least £1,270 in savings for 28 days prior to application, unless your sponsor certifies maintenance.
- Be 18 or older.
- Not have held a Charity Worker or Religious Worker visa in the previous 12 months, unless you were outside the UK for the entire period.
- Ensure the volunteer work relates to the charitable purpose of the sponsor.
What You Can & Cannot Do
You CAN:
- Do the voluntary work described in your CoS.
- Bring eligible dependants (partner and children).
- Study (if permitted) alongside your voluntary work.
You CANNOT:
- Receive any salary or wage for the volunteer work.
- Access public funds (benefits, etc.).
- Fill a permanent paid position in the charity or change job roles outside the scope of what is specified in your CoS.
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Application Process & Timeline
- Sponsoring charity must have a valid sponsor licence and issue you a CoS.
- Apply online for the visa. You may need to use the UK Immigration ID Check or attend a biometric appointment.
- Provide necessary evidence: CoS, proof of financial means (unless sponsor certifies), identity documents.
- Decision times: typically 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK, 8 weeks if applying from inside.
Costs & Fees
- Visa application fee for each applicant. Example: £319 for the main applicant.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) usually applies for stays over 6 months.
- Certificate of Sponsorship fee, and your sponsor will need to pay that.