A Guide to UK Charity Worker Visa for Volunteers

Understanding the UK Charity Worker Visa

The Charity Worker visa falls under the broader category of temporary work visas in the UK. It is specifically designed for individuals who want to volunteer for a UK charity that is registered with either the Charity Commission for England and Wales, the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR), or the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland. The primary purpose of this visa is to facilitate genuine volunteering activities that contribute to the charity's objectives, rather than filling paid employment roles.

Who Is Eligible for the UK Charity Visa?

To qualify for the UK Charity Worker Visa, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be 18 years or older.
• Have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK charity.
• Intend to do unpaid voluntary work that directly supports the charity’s mission.
• Have enough money to support yourself during your stay unless your sponsor covers it.

What Type of Work Qualifies with the UK Charity Visa?

Only genuine voluntary work is permitted under this visa. This includes:

• Assisting in charity-run events or community projects.
• Supporting administrative or operational functions.
• Engaging in public outreach or advocacy (without being paid).

You cannot:

• Take paid work.
• Enroll in long-term study.
• Access public funds.

The Role of the Sponsoring Charity

The sponsoring charity plays a vital role in the Charity Worker visa process:

• Sponsorship Licence: The charity must hold a valid Tier 5 (Charity Worker) sponsor licence from the Home Office.
• Genuine Volunteering Opportunity: The charity must ensure that the volunteering role is genuine and meets the requirements of the visa category. They need to clearly define the tasks and responsibilities of the volunteer.
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Once they have offered you a volunteering placement, the sponsor will assign you a CoS, which is an electronic record containing information about you and the volunteering role. You will need the CoS reference number for your visa application.
• Compliance Duties: Sponsors have ongoing duties to ensure they comply with the UK immigration rules, such as monitoring their sponsored volunteers and reporting any significant changes to their volunteering arrangements. They must also ensure that volunteers are not undertaking roles that should be paid employment.
• Expense Coverage: The charity must clearly outline what reasonable expenses they will cover for the volunteer.

UK Charity Visa Validity and Duration

The UK Charity Worker Visa allows you to stay in the UK for a duration of up to 12 months or the duration shown on your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and 14 days—whichever is shorter. It is for unpaid short-term voluntary service, and it is typically not possible to extend longer than the 12 months. Additionally, time spent under this visa does not accrue towards settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) in the UK.

Required Documents for the UK Charity Visa

When applying, you'll need:

• A valid passport or travel document.
• Certificate of Sponsorship reference number.
• Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements unless exempt).
• Tuberculosis test results (if from a listed country).
• Evidence of your intended voluntary role.

UK Charity Visa Fees and Costs

Obtaining a UK Charity Worker Visa comes with some fees, such as a standard visa fee and mandatory Immigration Health Surcharge for accessing the National Health Service during your stay. Depending on circumstances, there may be some additional costs in relation to biometric appointments or where any of your documents will need to be translated into English.

How to Apply for a UK Charity Visa

Applying for a UK Charity Worker Visa involves several key steps, starting with securing a sponsorship from a licensed UK charity. Below is a simplified overview of the application process:

1. Secure a sponsorship: Contact a UK charity licensed by the Home Office.
2. Receive your CoS: Your sponsor will provide you with a unique reference number.
3. Apply online: Submit your visa application on the official UK website.
4. Pay fees and book biometrics: Pay the visa fee and IHS, then attend a biometric appointment.
5. Wait for a decision: Most decisions are made within 3 weeks from your appointment date.

Can You Bring Dependents on a UK Charity Visa?

If you are moving to the UK to work as a Charity Worker, you can bring certain family members (dependents) with you. They are your spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, or children under 18. You will have to prove your relationship—e.g., showing you are legally married or having lived together for two years. Your children must live with you, be financially reliant on you, and not be married or have children of their own. To ensure that your child lives with you, you can provide documents like a credit card statement, driving licence, NHS registration, bank statement, or a letter from school or college.

Can You Switch or Settle with the UK Charity Visas in the UK?

You cannot switch to a Charity Worker Visa from another visa while inside the UK. This visa category requires you to leave the UK and apply from your home country or another country where you are legally permitted to apply.

Alternatives to the Charity Worker Visa

If you're not eligible for the Charity Worker Visa or prefer other routes, there are alternative visa options for volunteering in the UK. Each has specific eligibility criteria and conditions depending on your age, purpose, and sponsoring organization.

Restrictions to Keep in Mind While Volunteering in the UK

While the UK Charity Worker Visa offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful causes, it comes with specific limitations that applicants must follow carefully to stay compliant with visa conditions:

• No paid employment is allowed: You must not receive any salary or wages for your volunteer work.
• You must not take on a different voluntary role outside the scope of your CoS: Your role must match the details in your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
• You cannot access public funds or government benefits: Financial support from the UK government is not permitted under this visa.
• No switching to other visa routes inside the UK: If you wish to apply for a different visa, you must leave the UK and apply from abroad.
• No automatic right to bring dependents: Although allowed in some cases, you must meet specific financial and relationship criteria to bring family members.

Top Charities in the UK Accepting International Volunteers

Below is a list of top UK charities that accept international volunteers, along with what they do and how you can get involved.

Pros of the UK Charity Worker Visa

The UK Charity Worker Visa offers a unique opportunity for international volunteers to contribute to charitable efforts while experiencing life in the UK. Below are some of the key benefits of choosing this visa route:

• Meaningful Experience: Offers a chance to contribute to charitable causes and make a real impact in UK communities.
• Cultural Exchange: Gain international experience while learning about British culture and the charity sector.
• No English Test Required: Unlike many other UK visas, this route doesn't require proof of English proficiency.
• No Job Offer Salary Requirement: You don’t need a minimum salary or financial sponsorship beyond living costs.
• Simplified Requirements: Application requirements are relatively straightforward if you have a licensed sponsor.

FAQs

Content Disclaimer: While this information was last updated in May 2025, we strongly suggest confirming all travel details with the appropriate governmental agencies, embassies, and airlines.