Charity Worker Visa

UK Charity Worker Visa: A Comprehensive Guide

The UK Charity Worker Visa allows individuals to come to the UK to undertake unpaid voluntary work for a charitable organisation. The route is part of the UK’s Temporary Work category and is intended for eligible voluntary fieldwork that directly contributes to the charitable purpose of the sponsoring organisation.

What is the Charity Worker Visa?

The Charity Worker Visa is a Temporary Work route for individuals who wish to undertake unpaid voluntary work for a charity in the UK.

The work must be genuine voluntary fieldwork that directly contributes to the achievement or advancement of the sponsoring organisation’s charitable purpose. It must not be used to fill a permanent position, even on a temporary basis.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the Charity Worker Visa, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Sponsorship: You need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number from a UK sponsor licensed to sponsor Charity Workers.
2. Voluntary Role: The work must be unpaid voluntary fieldwork that directly contributes to the charitable purpose of the sponsoring organisation.
3. Genuine Intent: You must genuinely intend and be able to undertake the role described in your Certificate of Sponsorship.
4. Age: You must be at least 18 years old when you apply.
5. Financial Requirement: You will usually need to have at least £1,270 available to support yourself in the UK, unless you qualify for an exemption or your sponsor certifies maintenance. The funds generally need to have been held for 28 consecutive days.

You may also be subject to a cooling-off period if you have recently held permission under the Charity Worker or Religious Worker routes.

How to Apply?

Secure Sponsorship: Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK charity or other eligible organisation licensed to sponsor Charity Workers. Your sponsor will provide details of your voluntary role and the period of sponsorship.

Prepare Your Documents:

Collect the necessary documents, which may include:

1. A valid passport or other acceptable identity document.
2. Your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number.
3. Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay, unless you are exempt or your sponsor certifies maintenance.
4. Any other documents required according to your circumstances, such as a TB test certificate where applicable.

Complete the Online Application:

1. Fill out the application form on the official UK government website.
2. Pay the applicable visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge.

Submit Biometrics:

1. Prove your identity and provide your fingerprints and photograph, either through the UK Immigration: ID Check app or by attending a visa application centre, depending on your circumstances.

Await the Decision:

1. Standard processing times are typically around 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK and 8 weeks for applications made inside the UK. You may be able to pay for a faster decision in some circumstances.

Visa Duration

Length of Stay:

1. The Charity Worker Visa allows you to stay for up to 12 months, or the period stated on your Certificate of Sponsorship plus the permitted additional period, whichever is shorter.
2. You can enter the UK up to 14 days before the start date of your sponsored work.

The route is temporary and does not provide a pathway to settlement.

Family Members

Bringing Loved Ones:

1. Your eligible spouse, partner and dependent children can apply to join you or remain in the UK as your dependants.
2. Each dependant must submit a separate application and provide evidence of the relevant relationship.
3. Dependants must also meet the applicable financial requirements, including £285 for a partner, £315 for one child and £200 for each additional child, subject to the relevant exemptions.

Conditions and Restrictions

Unpaid Work: You cannot receive payment for the voluntary work covered by your Certificate of Sponsorship, although reasonable and permitted expenses may be allowed.

Type of Work: The work must be genuine voluntary fieldwork directly related to the charitable purpose of your sponsoring organisation. The route cannot be used to fill a permanent position, even temporarily. Routine administrative, retail, sales, fundraising and office-maintenance roles generally do not qualify as eligible voluntary fieldwork.

Additional Work: You may be permitted to undertake a second job in the same sector and at the same level as your main sponsored work for up to 20 hours per week, subject to the relevant immigration conditions. You may also undertake additional voluntary work where it meets the applicable requirements.

Switching: You cannot normally switch to the Charity Worker route from another immigration route while inside the UK. If you are in the UK on another route and wish to undertake Charity Worker sponsorship, you will generally need to leave the UK and apply for entry clearance from overseas.

Application Fees and Costs

The current Charity Worker Visa application fee is £340 per person, whether you apply from inside or outside the UK. Applicants and eligible dependants will also normally need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is usually £1,035 per year.

Applicants will generally also need to meet the £1,270 financial maintenance requirement, unless an exemption applies or the sponsor certifies maintenance.

Your Next Steps

The UK Charity Worker Visa provides an opportunity to undertake eligible voluntary work that contributes directly to a charitable organisation’s purpose while gaining experience in the UK.

Before applying, you should ensure that your proposed role, sponsoring organisation and personal circumstances meet the current Immigration Rules. UK immigration and sponsorship requirements can change, so applicants and sponsoring organisations should check the latest GOV.UK guidance before submitting an application or assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Written on: 21 August 2026