Volunteer in UK CharitiesUp to 12 Months
Expert charity worker visa guidance for unpaid voluntary work with UK charities with 98%+ success rate.
Certificate of Sponsorship required from UK charity. Work must be unpaid or minimal expenses only. £298 application fee. Stay up to 12 months. Age 18+.
Free Charity Worker Visa Assessment
Expert advice on requirements • Same-day callback • Completely confidential
What is the Charity Worker Visa?
The Charity Worker visa (Temporary Work) allows you to volunteer in the UK for up to 12 months with a UK charity or voluntary organisation. This visa enables individuals to contribute to charitable causes while experiencing life in the UK, though it is not a route to permanent residency.
What You Can Do
- Undertake unpaid charity work for your sponsor
- Study (some courses may require ATAS certificate)
- Take on a second job in the same sector for up to 20 hours per week
- Work in a shortage occupation role for up to 20 hours per week
- Bring your partner and children as dependents
Eligible Work
- • Work directly contributing to charity's purpose
- • Unpaid or minimal expense reimbursement only
- • Not filling a permanent position
- • Excludes routine admin, retail, or fundraising
Important Notes
- • No path to settlement
- • Cannot receive payment beyond expenses
- • Must have been outside UK in previous 12 months
- • Can extend if total stay under 12 months
UK Charity Visa Requirements
Basic Eligibility
- You must be at least 18 years old
- Meet the specific requirements for charity work
- Have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from an A-rated charity
- Genuinely intend to undertake the role and have the ability to do so
- Not have been granted permission as Religious Worker or Charity Worker in last 12 months
Charity Work Criteria
Your work must meet three key criteria:
- Direct Contribution: Work directly contributes to the charitable purpose of your sponsor
- Unpaid: Cannot be remunerated except for reasonable expenses
- Temporary: Not attempting to fill a permanent position
Financial Requirements
- Must have £1,270 in savings continuously for at least 28 days
- The 28-day period must be within 31 days before applying
- Not required if sponsor confirms they will maintain you and provide accommodation for first month (£1,270)
- For dependents: £285 per partner, £315 per first child, £200 per additional child
Fees & Healthcare Surcharge
- •Application fee: £298 (reduced by £55 for certain European countries)
- •Immigration Healthcare Surcharge: £1,035 per year
- •Each family member must pay separately
Required Documents
Essential Documents
- Valid passport or travel document issued by government
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
- Bank statements or proof of sufficient funds (£1,270 for 28 days)
- TB test results if from a country where required
For Dependents
- Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate
- Birth certificates for children
- Proof of financial support for each dependent
Document Requirements
- •All documents not in English or Welsh need certified translation
- •Additional documents may be required based on circumstances
- •Your passport must have a blank page for your visa
Application Process
Get Certificate of Sponsorship
Your UK charity must be an A-rated Home Office licensed sponsor. They will provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship confirming the voluntary role meets charity work requirements.
Complete Online Application
Apply from outside the UK. Pay £298 application fee and Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (£1,035/year). Application must be made before Certificate expires (valid 3 months).
Provide Biometrics
Attend an appointment at a visa application centre to provide your photograph and fingerprints.
Wait for Decision
You should receive a decision within 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK.
After Approval
- You can enter UK up to 14 days before your role starts
- Stay up to 12 months or time on Certificate plus 14 days (whichever is shorter)
- Can volunteer with other organizations informally
- Can study (some courses require ATAS certificate)
- Can extend if total stay doesn't exceed 12 months
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