There are several temporary UK immigration routes available to overseas nationals who want to work or contribute in the UK. For those specifically seeking to take on an unpaid, short-term voluntary role within the charitable sector, the appropriate visa route is the Temporary Work – Charity Worker visa.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about the UK Charity Worker visa, including what it allows, who can apply, the eligibility rules, how to apply, the costs involved, and the role of sponsoring charities. It also answers frequently asked questions and outlines the responsibilities for both applicants and sponsors.
Section A: What is the Charity Worker visa?
The Charity Worker visa is a temporary UK immigration route for overseas nationals aged 18 or over who want to undertake unpaid voluntary work for a licensed charitable organisation in the UK. It is a sponsored route, meaning the applicant must have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by an approved UK charity.
The route replaced the T5 (Temporary Worker – Charity Worker) visa following the introduction of the UK’s points-based immigration system. While sometimes informally referred to as the “UK volunteer visa”, its formal legal title is the Temporary Work – Charity Worker visa.
The purpose of this route is to allow overseas nationals to contribute to genuine charitable objectives in the UK without remuneration, for a limited period. The work must be directly connected to the sponsoring charity’s activities and cannot be routine roles such as administration, fundraising, or retail duties.
Section Summary: The Charity Worker visa enables overseas nationals aged 18 or over to undertake unpaid, temporary voluntary work for a licensed UK charity. It is a sponsored route, requiring a Certificate of Sponsorship, and is strictly limited to genuine charitable roles under the points-based system.
Section B: What does the Charity Worker visa allow?
The Charity Worker visa permits an overseas national to come to the UK for up to 12 months, or for the duration stated on their Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) plus 14 days, whichever is shorter. During this time, the visa-holder can undertake voluntary work for their licensed sponsor, provided the work is unpaid and directly connected to the charity’s objectives.
All activities must be temporary and voluntary. The role cannot involve remuneration of any kind, beyond reimbursement for actual and reasonable expenses such as food, accommodation, or travel. This ensures the role does not amount to paid employment and remains within the rules of this immigration category.
Visa-holders cannot take on paid work in the UK. However, they may undertake additional voluntary work, provided it remains unpaid, genuinely charitable, and does not interfere with the role for which they were sponsored. They are not permitted to fill a role that would otherwise be a permanent, salaried position.
1. Dependants
Charity Worker visa-holders can be accompanied or joined in the UK by eligible dependants. Dependants are defined as the worker’s partner (spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner) and children under the age of 18. If the partner is not married to the main applicant, they must have lived together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least two years. The relationship must be genuine, subsisting, and the parties must intend to live together during their stay in the UK.
Dependent children must be under 18 at the date of application, unless they were last granted leave as the dependant child of the same parent(s). A child aged 16 or over must not be living independently, must not be married or in a civil partnership, and must remain financially dependent on their parent(s).
The visa length granted to dependants will be in line with that of the main applicant. Each dependant must make their own application and meet the relationship and financial requirements. Dependants cannot access public funds and must also comply with the conditions of their visa.
Section Summary: The Charity Worker visa allows an overseas national to carry out temporary, unpaid voluntary work in the UK for up to 12 months. No paid work is permitted, but additional voluntary work is allowed if unpaid and appropriate. Partners and children under 18 may accompany or join the visa-holder if they meet the eligibility and financial rules.
Section C: Who is eligible for the Charity Worker visa UK?
The Charity Worker visa is aimed at overseas nationals aged 18 or over who have an offer to undertake unpaid voluntary work in the UK for no longer than 12 months. The role must be sponsored by a UK organisation that holds a valid licence to sponsor Charity Workers.
To be eligible to sponsor Charity Workers, an organisation must be one of the following:
- A registered, excepted, or exempt charity in accordance with the legislation of the relevant part of the UK (England and Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland)
- An ecclesiastical corporation established for charitable purposes
The voluntary work undertaken by the applicant must be directly related to the work of the sponsoring organisation and cannot involve routine roles such as administrative tasks, fundraising, or retail functions. The work must also not fill a position that is required on a permanent basis.
1. Visitors and volunteering
It is important to distinguish between volunteering as a visitor and applying for a Charity Worker visa. Standard visitors are allowed to carry out volunteering for up to 30 days during their stay, provided this is for a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales, the Scottish Charity Regulator, or the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland. However, the volunteering must be incidental to their visit and cannot amount to employment.
If an individual intends to undertake voluntary work for more than 30 days, or where the role requires sponsorship, they must apply for entry clearance under the Charity Worker route before coming to the UK. Switching from visitor status to a Charity Worker visa from within the UK is not permitted.
Section Summary: To qualify for the Charity Worker visa, applicants must be aged 18 or over and sponsored for genuine voluntary work by a UK charity that holds a valid sponsor licence. Visitors can undertake limited short-term volunteering, but anyone seeking to volunteer for more than 30 days or in a role requiring sponsorship must apply for the Charity Worker visa from outside the UK.
Section D: Charity Worker visa requirements
The requirements for the Charity Worker visa are set out in Appendix Temporary Work – Charity Worker of the UK Immigration Rules. To qualify, an applicant must meet all of the following conditions:
- Be aged 18 or over on the date of application
- Have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by a licensed UK sponsor for an eligible voluntary role
- Be able to demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves, unless the sponsor certifies maintenance
- Intend and be able to carry out the sponsored role in the UK
- Not intend to undertake any paid employment or roles outside the scope of the visa conditions
- Not fall for refusal under the general grounds for refusal in the Immigration Rules
1. Cooling-off period
Applicants are subject to a cooling-off restriction if, during the 12 months before applying, they held permission under either the Charity Worker route or the Religious Worker route. This prevents a charity worker from completing a full 12-month stay, leaving the UK, and immediately applying for another 12 months on the same route.
Where the cooling-off period applies, the applicant will not be eligible for a new Charity Worker visa until at least 12 months have passed since the date their last permission on either the Charity Worker or Religious Worker route expired, or the date they last left the UK, if earlier.
2. Eligible charity work
For work to qualify under this route, it must meet three strict criteria:
- The role must constitute voluntary fieldwork directly related to the sponsor’s charitable objectives
- The role must be unpaid, except for reasonable expenses such as food, travel, or accommodation
- The role must not fill a position that is required on a permanent or salaried basis
Routine activities such as administration, retail work, or fundraising do not qualify as eligible charity work under this visa.
3. Financial requirement
Applicants must usually show they have at least £1,270 available to support themselves on arrival in the UK. The money must have been held for a consecutive 28-day period, with day 28 falling within 31 days of the application date.
Additional funds are required for dependants:
- £285 for a dependant partner
- £315 for the first dependant child
- £200 for each additional dependant child
The funds for dependants must be held in addition to the £1,270 required for the main applicant. Alternatively, the sponsor can certify maintenance on the Certificate of Sponsorship to cover the applicant and their family.
Section Summary: Applicants must meet age, sponsorship, financial, and suitability requirements to qualify for a Charity Worker visa. The route is subject to a 12-month cooling-off period, and only genuine, unpaid voluntary roles directly related to a charity’s objectives are eligible. Proof of maintenance funds is required unless certified by the sponsor.
Section E: Charity Worker sponsor requirements
UK charities that are licensed to sponsor workers under the Temporary Work – Charity Worker visa route must comply with strict sponsorship duties. These duties are set out in the Home Office’s sponsor guidance and are designed to ensure the route is used only for genuine voluntary work, while safeguarding against abuse of the immigration system.
Failure to comply with sponsor duties can result in Home Office enforcement action, including suspension or revocation of the sponsor licence. Charities must therefore understand their obligations in full and maintain compliance throughout the sponsorship period.
1. Assigning Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS)
A sponsor may only assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to an individual who will be undertaking unpaid voluntary fieldwork that is directly related to the charity’s objectives. The role must not involve paid work, nor can it be used to fill a role that is required permanently or on a salaried basis.
Routine roles such as administrative support, fundraising, or retail work are ineligible. Before assigning a CoS, the charity must ensure that the role meets the requirements of Appendix Temporary Work – Charity Worker.
2. Reporting changes
Sponsors must use the Sponsorship Management System (SMS) to report specified changes to the Home Office within 10 working days. Situations requiring reporting include:
- The sponsored worker failing to start their voluntary role as expected
- The worker ending their role earlier than planned
- Any change in the location or nature of the voluntary role
- Unauthorised absences of 10 consecutive working days or more
- Breaches of visa conditions, such as the individual undertaking paid work
3. Record-keeping duties
Charities must keep clear and up-to-date records for each sponsored worker, including:
- Copies of the worker’s passport and visa, or confirmation of digital status (eVisa)
- A volunteer agreement setting out the nature of the role, duration, working hours, and confirmation that no remuneration will be provided
- Evidence that the role is directly linked to the charity’s objectives
- Current contact details for the individual, including their UK address and phone number
- Records of any expense reimbursements, ensuring these are limited to actual and reasonable costs
Records must be retained for at least one year after sponsorship ends or until a Home Office compliance visit has taken place, whichever is later.
4. Compliance with wider obligations
Sponsors must not only follow immigration requirements but also ensure compliance with relevant UK employment and equality laws. While charity workers are not considered employees, they must be treated fairly and must not be exploited. Sponsors should maintain robust systems to track compliance, keep accurate records, and be prepared for unannounced Home Office audits.
Section Summary: Licensed charity sponsors must comply with strict duties, including proper CoS allocation, timely reporting of changes, and thorough record-keeping. They must also ensure fair treatment of volunteers and be prepared for Home Office compliance checks, as breaches can result in licence suspension or revocation.
Section F: How to apply for a Charity Worker visa
Applications for a Charity Worker visa must be made online from outside the UK. Switching into this route from within the UK is not permitted, meaning applicants who are already in the UK on another visa must leave the country and apply for entry clearance from overseas.
As part of the application, the applicant will need to complete the online form, pay the required fees, and submit supporting documents. They will also need to prove their identity, either by providing biometrics at a visa application centre or by using the UK Immigration: ID Check app if eligible.
1. Required documents
Applicants must provide a valid passport or travel document to confirm their identity and nationality. They must also submit their Certificate of Sponsorship reference number, which is issued by their licensed sponsor, and evidence of sufficient funds to meet the financial requirement unless maintenance has been certified by the sponsor.
Additional documents may include:
- Bank statements showing proof of savings
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results, if applying from a country where testing is required
- Evidence of the relationship with dependants applying at the same time or joining later
2. Biometric information
The method for proving identity will depend on the applicant’s nationality and type of passport. Many applicants will need to attend a visa application centre overseas to enrol fingerprints and a facial photograph. Others may be able to use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to scan their identity document and upload a photograph digitally.
3. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
In addition to the visa fee, applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This allows access to the National Health Service (NHS) during their stay in the UK. The IHS is payable upfront at the time of application.
Section Summary: Charity Worker visa applications must be submitted online from overseas. Applicants must provide a valid passport, CoS reference, and financial evidence unless certified by the sponsor. They will need to prove their identity, usually by biometrics or the ID Check app, and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of the process.
Section G: How much does it cost to apply for a Charity Worker visa UK?
The application fee for a Charity Worker visa is £319. This fee applies to both the main applicant and to each dependant, regardless of whether they apply at the same time or separately.
In addition to the application fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) must also be paid. The surcharge allows access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during the period of stay. For applicants aged 18 and over, the IHS is £1,035 for a 12-month visa. For applicants under 18, the IHS is reduced to £776 for a 12-month visa.
These costs are separate from the financial requirement that applicants and their dependants must meet to show they can support themselves in the UK. However, in some cases the UK sponsor can certify maintenance on the Certificate of Sponsorship, which removes the need for the applicant to evidence savings.
Section Summary: The Charity Worker visa costs £319 per applicant, including each dependant. In addition, the Immigration Health Surcharge is £1,035 per year for adults and £776 for children under 18. These fees are separate from the maintenance funds requirement unless the sponsor certifies maintenance on the CoS.
Section H: How long does it take to get a Charity Worker visa?
An application for a Charity Worker visa can be submitted up to three months before the intended start date in the UK. The start date will be specified on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
After submitting the online application, paying the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge, and proving identity, most applicants will receive a decision within three weeks. The timeline may vary depending on the applicant’s location and whether additional documents are requested.
In some cases, applicants may be able to pay for a priority or super priority service to receive a faster decision. The availability of these services depends on the applicant’s country of application and local visa application centre capacity.
Once granted, the visa-holder can travel to the UK up to 14 days before the start date of their role as recorded on the CoS.
Section Summary: Applications for a Charity Worker visa can be made up to three months before the role’s start date. Standard processing takes around three weeks, with faster priority services sometimes available. Successful applicants may enter the UK up to 14 days before their role begins.
Section I: Can a Charity Worker visa UK be extended?
The Charity Worker visa is a temporary immigration route, capped at a maximum stay of 12 months. This means the visa cannot be extended beyond one year. However, if an applicant was originally granted less than 12 months, they may be able to apply for an extension so long as their total stay does not exceed 12 months in any 12-month period.
The extension application must be made before the existing visa expires. Applicants must still meet the eligibility criteria of the route, including holding a valid Certificate of Sponsorship and satisfying the financial requirement unless certified by their sponsor.
Applications to extend can usually be made online from within the UK. Depending on their circumstances, applicants may be able to use the UK Immigration: ID Check app or may be required to attend a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) appointment to provide biometrics.
The standard processing time for extension applications is up to eight weeks. In some cases, priority services may be available for a faster decision. The extension fee is £319 per applicant, in addition to the Immigration Health Surcharge.
It is important to note that dependants must also apply separately to extend their visas. Their permission will not automatically renew when the main applicant extends. If dependants do not apply, their leave will expire on the original end date of their visa.
Section Summary: The Charity Worker visa cannot be extended beyond 12 months, but an extension is possible if the initial grant was shorter. Both the applicant and their dependants must reapply before expiry, paying the required fee and IHS. The maximum permitted stay remains 12 months within any 12-month period.
Section J: Can a Charity Worker visa-holder apply to settle in the UK?
The Charity Worker visa is not a direct route to settlement in the UK. This means holders of this visa cannot apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) based on time spent under this category, regardless of the length of stay. The maximum permitted stay is 12 months.
However, a Charity Worker visa-holder may later apply for a different visa that does provide a pathway to settlement, provided they meet the eligibility requirements of the new route. Importantly, switching from the Charity Worker route to another immigration category is not usually permitted from within the UK. Applicants must normally leave the UK and apply for entry clearance from overseas under the new route.
Potential long-term options may include skilled work routes, family visas, or other categories that can lead to ILR. Each of these requires meeting separate eligibility criteria, including sponsorship, financial thresholds, or relationship requirements, depending on the route.
Section Summary: The Charity Worker visa does not provide a route to settlement in the UK. Visa-holders wishing to stay long term must leave the UK and apply under a different immigration route that leads to ILR, if they meet the eligibility requirements.
Section K: Need assistance?
Applying for a Charity Worker visa involves strict eligibility criteria, sponsorship requirements, and financial rules. Both applicants and sponsoring charities must ensure they fully understand the Immigration Rules and sponsor guidance before proceeding. Mistakes or omissions can lead to delays or refusals, while sponsors risk compliance action if their duties are not met.
Those considering this route may benefit from reviewing the official Home Office guidance and preparing applications carefully with all required supporting documents. Charities should also ensure they have robust systems in place to meet their sponsorship responsibilities and to evidence compliance in the event of a Home Office audit.
Section Summary: Applying for a Charity Worker visa requires careful preparation by both the applicant and sponsoring charity. Reviewing official guidance and ensuring compliance with the rules will help reduce the risk of refusal or enforcement action.
Section L: Charity Worker visa FAQs
1. What is the Charity Worker visa?
The Charity Worker visa is a Temporary Work visa that allows overseas nationals aged 18 or over to carry out unpaid voluntary work for a licensed UK charity for a period of up to 12 months.
2. Do I need a Certificate of Sponsorship to apply?
Yes. You must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by a UK charity that is licensed by the Home Office to sponsor workers under this route. Sponsors do not pay a fee to assign a CoS to a Charity Worker.
3. Can I be paid for my work under this visa?
No. The visa only allows unpaid voluntary work. You may receive reimbursement for actual and reasonable expenses such as food, travel, and accommodation, but no salary or wages are permitted.
4. How long can I stay in the UK on this visa?
You can stay in the UK for up to 12 months, or for the duration stated on your CoS plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.
5. Can I extend the Charity Worker visa?
No. The visa cannot be extended beyond 12 months. If your initial visa was granted for less than 12 months, you may apply to extend your stay provided your total time does not exceed 12 months.
6. Can I bring dependants with me?
Yes. You can bring your partner and dependent children under 18, provided you meet the financial and relationship requirements. Each dependant must apply separately and pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge.
7. Can I switch to another visa from within the UK?
No. You cannot switch to another visa category from inside the UK. If you wish to apply for a different visa route, you must leave the UK and apply for entry clearance from overseas.
8. Can I study while on a Charity Worker visa?
Yes. Studying is permitted as long as it does not interfere with your voluntary role.
9. How far in advance can I apply?
You can apply for the Charity Worker visa up to three months before the date your role in the UK is due to start, as stated on your Certificate of Sponsorship.
Section Summary: The FAQs confirm the key points: the visa requires a CoS from a licensed sponsor, permits only unpaid voluntary work, lasts up to 12 months, and does not allow in-country switching. Dependants can apply, and limited study is permitted.
Section M: Glossary
| Charity Worker visa | A UK Temporary Work visa that allows overseas nationals to undertake unpaid voluntary work for a licensed UK charity for up to 12 months. |
| Temporary Work visa | A category of UK visa for individuals undertaking specific short-term work, including charity, creative, and religious roles. |
| Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) | A unique reference number issued by a licensed sponsor confirming details of the role, required as part of the visa application. |
| Home Office | The UK government department responsible for immigration, security, and law enforcement. |
| Sponsor | A UK-based organisation licensed by the Home Office to sponsor overseas nationals under certain visa routes. |
| Unpaid voluntary work | Work carried out without salary or wages. Volunteers may be reimbursed for actual and reasonable expenses such as food, travel, or accommodation. |
| Dependants | The partner and children under 18 of a visa-holder who may accompany or join them in the UK if eligibility and financial rules are met. |
| Immigration Rules | The legal framework that governs the entry, stay, and rights of non-UK nationals in the UK. |
| Visa conditions | The restrictions and permissions attached to a visa, such as permitted work, study, and duration of stay. |
| Reasonable expenses | Actual costs that may be reimbursed to volunteers, such as travel, meals, or accommodation, provided these do not amount to payment for work. |
