UK Charity Worker Visa: Complete guide for 2024
Know about requirements, benefits, limitations, and the application process
Are you passionate about volunteering for charitable organisations abroad? The UK Charity Worker Visa offers an exciting opportunity for individuals from around the world to contribute to the charitable sector in the United Kingdom.
This visa allows applicants to volunteer with registered UK charities for up to 12 months, providing a meaningful cultural and professional experience.
Here is the eligibility criteria, limitations, benefits, fees, and application process—everything you need to know to secure your place in the UK’s charity sector.
What is the UK Charity Worker Visa?
The UK Charity Worker Visa is part of the Temporary Work - Charity Worker route, designed for individuals coming to the UK to engage in volunteer work for a UK-based registered charity.
This visa offers short-term work authorisation, allowing individuals to work unpaid while contributing to a cause.
Key Features of the UK Charity Worker Visa
| Duration | Up to 12 months (extendable by 12 months) |
| Job Type | Voluntary, unpaid work |
| Sponsor Requirement | Licensed charity in the UK |
| Processing Time | 3 weeks (after biometric appointment) |
| Application Fee | £298 |
| Healthcare Surcharge | £1035 per year (unless exempt) |
| Dependents | Spouses and children can accompany the main applicant |
| Switching visas | Not allowed within the UK |
| Path to Settlement | This visa does not lead to permanent residency or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). |
Eligibility Requirements for the UK Charity Worker Visa
To apply for a UK Charity Worker Visa, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Job Offer from a UK Charity: You need a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK charity. The work must be directly related to the charity’s mission and unpaid.
- Age Requirement: Must be 18 years or older at the time of application.
- Proof of Funds: You must show you have at least £1,270 in your bank account, held for at least 28 consecutive days before applying, unless your sponsor agrees to cover these costs.
- Valid Passport and Documents: Passport with a validity of at least six months.
- Health Insurance (Immigration Health Surcharge): Pay £1035 per year for healthcare.
- English Language Requirement: No formal English language test is required.
Limitations of the UK Charity Worker Visa
Although the visa provides meaningful volunteering opportunities, it comes with certain restrictions:
- Paid Employment: You are not allowed to engage in paid employment.
- Visa Switching: You cannot switch to another visa type from within the UK.
- No Settlement Pathway: This visa does not lead to permanent residency.
- No Public Funds: Visa holders cannot access social benefits or public funds.
Benefits of the UK Charity Worker Visa
While it has its limitations, the UK Charity Worker Visa offers a range of unique benefits:
- Cultural exchange: You can experience the UK’s diverse culture and contribute to impactful causes.
- Study: For some courses, you’ll need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate.
- Second Job: You can do a second job in the same sector at the same level as your main job for up to 20 hours per week
- Spouse and Dependents: Family members can accompany you and may be eligible to work.
- Networking opportunities: You can build professional connections within the UK charity sector.
- Flexible travel: You can travel freely in and out of the UK during your visa period.
- No English language test required: Unlike many other visa routes, no English proficiency test is needed.
Application Process for UK Charity Worker Visa
To apply for UK Charity Worker Visa, you must:
Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Your sponsoring charity will provide a CoS reference number, which is essential for the visa application.
Gather necessary documents: Ensure you have the following documents ready:
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the charity.
- Passport (with at least one blank page) or valid travel document.
- Proof of Funds showing at least £1,270 for 28 consecutive days.
- TB Test Certificate (if applicable).
- Proof of Accommodation arrangements (if not provided by the charity).
Apply online: Visit the UK Home Office Website and complete the online visa application here.
Select Charity Worker Visa from the available options.
Pay the Visa Fee:
- The application fee for each person applying is £298. The fee is the same whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.
- Health surcharge, which is usually £1,035 per year - you can check how much you’ll have to pay
Attend the Visa Appointment: Book an appointment at a local Visa Application Centre (VAC) to submit your biometrics and documents.
Wait for the Decision: Standard processing time is 3 weeks after submitting biometrics.
UK Charity Worker Visa Fee Structure
| Visa Application Fee | £298 |
| Healthcare Surcharge (per year) | £1035 |
| Priority Processing (Optional) | £500 |
What happens after your visa is approved?
Once your UK Charity Worker Visa is approved:
Travel to the UK: You can travel immediately and begin volunteering with your sponsor.
Collect Your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit): If your stay exceeds 6 months, you must collect your BRP within 10 days of arrival.
Start Volunteering: Report to your charity sponsor to begin your work.
Extending your UK Charity Worker Visa
You can extend your visa for an additional 12 months, provided you continue volunteering with the same or another licensed charity sponsor. However, the total stay under this visa route cannot exceed 24 months.
Can family members join you?
Yes, your spouse and children can accompany you on this visa. Your partner or children must have a certain amount of money available to support themselves while they’re in the UK.
You - or your partner or child - will need:
- £285 for your partner
- £315 for one child
- £200 for each additional child
Your spouse can work in the UK during the visa period, adding flexibility to your family’s stay.
Can you convert the Charity Worker Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa?
No, you cannot switch from a Charity Worker Visa to another visa type while in the UK. You would need to leave the UK and apply for a new visa from your home country.