The Charity Worker Visa is part of the UK’s Temporary Work visa category, enabling individuals to come to the UK for short-term unpaid voluntary work with a registered charitable organisation. This route is ideal for volunteers who wish to contribute to charitable causes while experiencing life in the UK.

Charity Worker Visa

The Charity Worker visa allows non-UK nationals to do unpaid voluntary work for up to 12 months with a UK-registered charity. This work must directly relate to the charity’s core mission and must not include paid employment.

Visa Highlights:

• Duration: Up to 12 months
• Requires sponsorship by a UK-licensed charity
• Strictly unpaid work only
• Ideal for short-term volunteering projects

Official Government Page:
👉 GOV.UK – Charity Worker visa

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Charity Worker visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS):
  A valid CoS reference number from a UK charity that holds a sponsor licence.
• Age:
  Applicant must be 18 years or older at the time of application.
• Genuine Role:
  The work must be voluntary and related to the sponsor’s charitable purpose. It cannot be a paid or commercial role.
• Maintenance Funds:
  Must show at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days unless the sponsor covers your costs.
• TB Test Results:
  Required if you are from a listed country and staying for more than 6 months.

Documents Required

1. Valid passport or travel document
2. Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
3. Proof of funds (unless sponsor is covering costs)
4. Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applicable)
5. Documents must be in English or Welsh, or accompanied by certified translations

Application Process

1. Secure a sponsorship offer from a UK-licensed charity
2. Obtain your Certificate of Sponsorship
3. Apply online from outside the UK via the UK Visas and Immigration portal
4. Pay visa fee and health surcharge
5. Book a biometrics appointment at a Visa Application Centre (UK Bloom Finder)
6. Receive a decision within 3 weeks

Visa Fees and Costs

💡 Note: Charities may cover some of your costs. Confirm with your sponsor.

Visa Validity and Extensions

• Maximum validity: 12 months, or the duration listed in your CoS plus 14 days
• Extensions: Not allowed. You must leave the UK or apply for a different visa category from abroad if eligible
• No path to settlement (ILR) under this route

Work Conditions and Restrictions

Permitted:

• Unpaid voluntary work for your sponsoring charity
• Study (if it does not interfere with your role)
• Travel in and out of the UK

Not Permitted:

• No paid work
• No setting up a business or self-employment
• No public funds (benefits)
• Cannot work for an organisation other than your sponsor
• No extension beyond 12 months

Bringing Dependants

You can bring dependants (partner and children) if:

• You prove your relationship is genuine and subsisting
• You meet the financial requirements to support them:

They must apply separately, pay visa fees, and the healthcare surcharge.

Switching and Path to Settlement

• Switching from other visa types (like Visitor or Student) is not allowed
• You must apply from outside the UK
• This visa does not lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
• Switching to a long-term work route like the Skilled Worker visa may be possible after returning to your home country and meeting all criteria

Internal and External Resources

Explore More UK Visa Guides:

• UK Skilled Worker Visa Explained
• How to Apply for a UK Sponsorship Licence
• UK Visa Processing Times 2025
• Switch Visitor Visa to Work Visa in the UK

Helpful Government Links:

• UKVI Charity Worker Visa Page
• List of Licensed Sponsors
• Immigration Health Surcharge Details
• UK TB Test Requirements

Disclaimer

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration policies and requirements may change. Always consult the official UK government website or a qualified immigration adviser before making visa-related decisions.