Charity Worker Visa

The Charity Worker Visa allows individuals to come to the UK temporarily to do unpaid voluntary work for a UK-based charity. This visa is part of the Temporary Work visa routes and is ideal for those looking to contribute their time and skills to a charitable cause.

This visa is not a route to settlement in the UK and is intended solely for temporary voluntary work.

Eligibility

To qualify for a Charity Worker Visa, you must:

Be aged 18 or over.
Have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK charity authorized to sponsor temporary workers.
Plan to do unpaid voluntary work that is directly related to the charity’s purpose.
Have at least £1,270 in your bank account to support yourself in the UK, unless your sponsor confirms they will cover your costs during your first month.
Intend to leave the UK at the end of your visa.

Duration of Stay

The Charity Worker Visa allows you to stay in the UK for:

Up to 12 months, or
The time stated on your Certificate of Sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.

Extensions or switching to another visa category while in the UK are not permitted under this visa.

Application Process

Timeline

You can apply for a Charity Worker Visa up to 3 months before your job start date as listed on your Certificate of Sponsorship. As part of your application, you will need to:

Prove your identity.
Provide required documents, including:
- Your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number.
- Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself.
Attend an appointment to provide biometric information if required.

Decision Timeframe

3 weeks if applying from outside the UK.

Rights and Restrictions

What You Can Do:

Volunteer in the job described in your Certificate of Sponsorship.
Travel abroad and return to the UK during your visa’s validity.

What You Cannot Do:

Receive payment for your work.
Take a permanent or paid job.
Apply for most benefits (public funds) or the state pension.
Bring family members (dependents) with you.
Apply to settle permanently in the UK.

Get in touch with us now at Squadlead to make your Charity Worker Visa application process seamless and stress-free!