Charity Worker Visa (Temporary Work) in the UK: Eligibility, Application Fee, and How to Apply

Charity Worker visa (Temporary Work)

This visa allows you to work in the UK as a volunteer for a charity. You must have a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed charity before you can apply. You can stay for up to 12 months or the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must:

• Have a certificate of sponsorship reference number from your UK sponsor
• Have enough money to support yourself in the UK (usually at least £1,270)
• Be 18 or over when you apply

Documents you must provide

When you apply, you’ll need to provide:

• Your certificate of sponsorship reference number
• A valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality
• Evidence that you have enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK (unless your certificate of sponsorship shows your employer can support you)
• Proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they’re applying with you
• Your tuberculosis (TB) test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test

Apply

You can apply online from outside the UK or from inside the UK if you already have a valid visa.

Your partner and children

Your partner and children can also apply to join you or stay in the UK as your dependants if they’re eligible. They must have a certain amount of money available to support themselves while they’re in the UK.

Here is a more detailed breakdown of the above information:

Eligibility

• Certificate of sponsorship: You must have a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed charity before you can apply. Your sponsor will give you this certificate.
• Financial support: You must have enough money to support yourself in the UK. You’ll usually need to have at least £1,270 available. However, there are some exceptions, such as if you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months or your employer can cover your costs during your first month in the UK.
• Age: You must be 18 or over when you apply.

Documents you must provide

• Certificate of sponsorship reference number: This is a unique reference number that holds information about the job you will do and your personal details. You’ll get this from your sponsor.
• Passport or other identity document: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after you plan to leave the UK.
• Evidence of financial support: This could include bank statements, savings certificates, or a letter from your sponsor confirming that they will support you.
• Proof of relationship: If your partner or children are applying with you, you’ll need to provide proof of your relationship. This could include a marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate, or birth certificate.
• TB test results: If you’re from a country where you have to take a TB test, you’ll need to provide your TB test results.

Apply

You can apply online from outside the UK or from inside the UK if you already have a valid visa.

To apply from outside the UK:

1. Go to the UK Visas and Immigration website.
2. Create an account and sign in.
3. Select the “Temporary Work – Charity Worker” visa.
4. Complete the online application form.
5. Pay the visa fee.
6. Book an appointment to have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre.
7. Attend your appointment and submit your supporting documents.

To apply from inside the UK:

1. Go to the UK Visas and Immigration website.
2. Create an account and sign in.
3. Select the “Extend your stay as a Temporary Work – Charity Worker” visa.
4. Complete the online application form.
5. Pay the visa fee.
6. Submit your supporting documents.

Your partner and children

Your partner and children can also apply to join you or stay in the UK as your dependants if they’re eligible. They must have a certain amount of money available to support themselves while they’re in the UK.

To apply for a dependant visa:

1. Go to the UK Visas and Immigration website.
2. Create an account and sign in.
3. Select the “Dependant of a Temporary Work – Charity Worker” visa.
4. Complete the online application form.
5. Pay the visa fee.
6. Submit your supporting documents.

Processing times

The processing time for a Charity Worker visa usually takes 3 weeks if you’re applying from outside the UK and 8 weeks if you’re applying from inside the UK. However, it’s important to note that processing times can vary depending on the volume of applications and the complexity of your case.

Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive a decision by email. If your application is successful, you’ll receive a visa vignette in your passport. This vignette shows that you have permission to enter the UK as a Charity Worker.

What you can and cannot do on a Charity Worker visa

On a Charity Worker visa, you can:

• Work for your sponsor in the role described in your certificate of sponsorship
• Do a second job in the same sector at the same level as your main job for up to 20 hours per week
• Study – for some courses you’ll need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate
• Bring your partner and children with you, if they’re eligible

You cannot:

• Receive any payment for work
• Take a permanent job
• Get public funds

If your visa expires

If your visa expires, you must leave the UK. If you overstay your visa, you may be banned from returning to the UK for a period of time.

Extending your visa

If you want to stay in the UK for longer than the length of your visa, you can apply to extend your stay. You can do this up to 6 months before your visa expires.

To extend your visa, you’ll need to:

• Meet the eligibility requirements for a Charity Worker visa
• Pay the visa fee
• Submit your supporting documents

If your application is successful, you’ll be granted a new visa.