The UK Charity Worker Visa is part of the Temporary Work – Charity Worker route, designed for individuals who wish to volunteer for a recognized charitable organization in the UK. It enables non-UK nationals to contribute to meaningful causes while gaining valuable international experience in the charity sector. This visa is ideal for those who want to dedicate their time and skills to unpaid voluntary work in the UK.
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.
To qualify for the UK Charity Worker Visa, you must meet the following criteria:
Only genuine voluntary work is permitted under this visa. This includes:
You cannot:
The sponsoring charity plays a vital role in the Charity Worker visa process:
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.
When applying, you'll need:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Visa Type |
Key Features |
Notes |
Standard Visitor Visa |
Up to 6 months of unpaid volunteering. |
No sponsorship required, but strong ties to home country must be shown. |
Youth Mobility Scheme |
For 18–30-year-olds from eligible countries |
Allows both paid work and volunteering. |
Religious Worker Visa |
For unpaid religious roles such as missionaries or religious outreach. |
Requires sponsorship from a registered religious organization. |
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:
Below is a list of top UK charities that accept international volunteers, along with what they do and how you can get involved.
Charity |
Focus Area |
Volunteer Roles |
Why Join? |
British Red Cross |
Humanitarian aid, emergency response |
Refugee support, emergency responders, event volunteers |
Extensive training and diverse volunteer opportunities |
Oxfam GB |
Poverty reduction, social justice |
Retail shop volunteers, campaigners, fundraising |
Contribute to global efforts in fighting poverty and inequality |
St John Ambulance |
First aid training, emergency services |
First aiders, community support, event volunteers |
Great for those interested in health and emergency care |
Shelter |
Homelessness and housing support |
Advice services, support work, retail shop volunteers |
Help tackle homelessness and support vulnerable communities |
RSPCA |
Animal welfare |
Animal care assistants, fundraisers, education support |
Perfect for animal lovers looking to make a difference |
National Trust |
Environmental conservation, heritage |
Gardeners, tour guides, conservation assistants |
Protect nature and historic landmarks across the UK |
Refugee Action |
Refugee and asylum seeker support |
Caseworkers, interpreters, community outreach |
Directly support refugees in rebuilding their lives |
The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) |
Environmental conservation |
Tree planting, land management, educational workshops |
Ideal for individuals passionate about nature and sustainability |
British Heart Foundation |
Cardiovascular research and support |
Charity shop volunteers, event helpers, admin support |
Help fund life-saving research with flexible volunteering options |
Volunteering Matters |
Youth development, social inclusion |
Mentor roles, community projects, youth programs |
Promote community engagement and social development |
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:
It is a Temporary Work visa that allows individuals to volunteer for a licensed UK charity for up to 12 months without pay.
No, the visa is only for unpaid voluntary roles. Paid employment is not allowed.
The UKVI usually processes applications within 3 weeks from your biometric appointment.
No, extensions are not allowed beyond 12 months.
No, it does not count toward Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK.
Yes, you may study as long as it does not interfere with your voluntary work.
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.
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