UK Charity Worker Visa
Volunteer and work with charitable organizations in the United Kingdom
Charity Worker Visa Overview
The UK Charity Worker Visa is a specialized visa category that enables international individuals to engage in volunteer work with registered charitable organizations throughout the United Kingdom. Unlike conventional employment visas, this route specifically facilitates unpaid charitable work while offering flexibility for study and supplementary employment opportunities.
This visa is particularly valuable for those passionate about community service, humanitarian work, or contributing to social causes. The visa allows holders to spend up to one year engaged in meaningful charitable activities while maintaining the flexibility to pursue educational goals and supplementary volunteer work within related sectors.
Eligibility Criteria and Requirements
Primary Requirements
- •Age Requirement: Must be 18 years old or older
- •Certificate of Sponsorship: Valid CoS from a UK-registered charity organization with three-month validity
- •Financial Proof: Minimum £1,270 available for 28 consecutive days
- •Charity Verification: Sponsoring organization must be registered with UK Charity Commission
Financial Flexibility & Exemptions
You may be exempt from financial requirements if:
- ✓You have held a valid UK visa for a continuous 12-month period
- ✓Your charity sponsor commits to covering your first month (£1,270) in writing
Important Restriction: You cannot receive this visa if approved within the last 12 months under Charity Worker classification
Required Documentation for Application
Identification & Travel
- • Valid passport with blank visa page
- • Passport valid for full visa duration
- • Previous travel documents if applicable
Financial & Sponsorship
- • Certificate of Sponsorship reference
- • Bank statements showing £1,270 (28 days)
- • Employer financial support letter (if applicable)
Family & Relationship
- • Marriage certificate (if bringing partner)
- • Birth certificates (if bringing children)
- • Evidence of shared residence
Important: All documents in languages other than English or Welsh must include certified professional translations with translator credentials.
Complete Application Process
Access the Online Portal
Visit the UK Government's official immigration application website. Create an account or log in with existing credentials. Ensure you have all required information before starting.
Complete Application Form
Fill all sections with accurate English-language information. Provide your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number from your charity. Answer all questions thoroughly and honestly. Save your application progress regularly.
Upload Supporting Documentation
Submit all required documents in accepted formats (PDF, JPG, PNG, JPEG). Ensure documents are legible and complete. Include all supporting evidence for dependents if applicable. Follow system instructions for file sizing.
Process Payment
Pay the application fee (£259) and Healthcare Surcharge (£624/year) online. Both fees are required for a complete application. Payment is non-refundable regardless of application outcome.
Book Biometric Appointment
Schedule an appointment at an approved Visa Application Centre using the government locator tool. Select a convenient date and location. Biometric collection (fingerprints, photograph) is mandatory.
Attend Biometric Appointment
Bring original documentation and completed application printout. Provide fingerprints and allow photograph capture. Officials may request additional supporting documents or clarifications during the appointment.
Processing Timeline
Applied Outside the UK
Approximately 3 weeks from biometric appointment for decision notification
Applied Inside the UK
Approximately 8 weeks for full processing and decision
Timeline Variation
Additional checks may extend processing by 1-2 weeks depending on individual circumstances
Visa Duration & Validity
Initial Duration
One year or period stated in Certificate of Sponsorship, whichever is shorter, plus 14 days
Biometric Residence Permit
Collect upon UK arrival; proves legal status and immigration rights
Extension Eligibility
Can extend for maximum 12 months if continuing with same organization and meeting requirements
Visa Costs and Associated Fees
| Fee Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | £259 |
| Healthcare Surcharge (per year) | £624 |
| Total First Year | £883 |
Rights and Work Restrictions
Permitted Activities
- ✓Volunteer work at your sponsoring charity organization
- ✓Full-time study at accredited educational institutions
- ✓Secondary volunteer work (up to 20 hours/week) for related charities
- ✓Bring eligible family dependents to accompany you
Prohibited Activities
- ✗Receive salary or financial compensation for volunteer work
- ✗Accept permanent employment or long-term paid work
- ✗Access public funds, benefits, or social assistance
- ✗Work for organizations outside the charitable sector
Bringing Dependents to the UK
Unlike many other visa categories, the Charity Worker visa permits eligible dependents to accompany you to the United Kingdom. You must provide comprehensive relationship documentation for all family members.
Eligible Dependent Categories
- •Spouse or Civil Partner: Married partner or registered civil partner with UK-recognized marriage certificate
- •Unmarried Partner: Cohabiting partner with proof of 2+ years cohabitation with shared residence evidence
- •Dependent Children: Children under 18 living with you, dependent financially and not married/in civil partnerships
Required Dependent Documentation
- • Birth certificate or certified copy
- • Marriage or civil partnership certificate
- • Proof of shared residence (utility bills, mortgage/rental agreements)
- • Evidence of financial dependency and support arrangements
- • Recent photographs together
Visa Switching and Extension
Switching to Charity Worker Visa
You cannot switch to the Charity Worker visa from other visa categories already held within the UK. Applications must be submitted from outside the country with fresh sponsorship from the receiving charity.
However, you may be able to switch to different visa types from Charity Worker if your circumstances change and you secure appropriate sponsorship.
Extending Your Stay
Extension is available if you continue meeting all eligibility requirements and your sponsoring charity provides ongoing commitment. Extensions are granted for additional 12-month periods.
Apply before your current visa expires through the online portal to maintain continuous legal status.
Settlement and Permanent Residence
The Charity Worker visa does not provide a direct pathway to indefinite leave to remain or permanent settlement in the United Kingdom. This is a temporary work visa category with no provisions for converting to long-term resident status.
If you wish to establish permanent residence in the UK following your charitable work, you will need to explore alternative visa routes such as Skilled Worker, family sponsorship, or other settlement-eligible categories.
Essential Information Summary
- →Charity Worker visa valid for 1 year (or CoS period, whichever is shorter)
- →You work as a volunteer with no salary, but can study and do secondary volunteer work
- →Minimum £1,270 required or charity can provide financial support for first month
- →Family members can accompany you with proper relationship documentation
- →Processing: 3 weeks outside UK, 8 weeks inside UK for extensions
- →Total first year cost: £883 (£259 application + £624 healthcare surcharge)