Charity Worker Visa UK
Supporting UK Charities Through Volunteering
The Charity Worker visa (part of the UK’s Temporary Worker routes) allows individuals aged 18 and above to undertake unpaid voluntary work with a UK-registered charity. This visa is strictly for genuine volunteering and cannot be used for paid employment.
For those wishing to contribute to community projects, youth services, education, or environmental initiatives, the Charity Worker visa offers a rewarding opportunity to serve while gaining cross-cultural experience.
Who is eligible?
Eligibility focuses on age, sponsorship, the nature of the role, and financial stability:
Age & Sponsorship:
You must be 18 or over and have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK charity licensed under the Temporary Worker scheme.
Nature of Work:
Your role must be genuinely voluntary and not replace paid staff. Jobs in retail, fundraising, administration, or maintenance are excluded.
Financial Stability:
You must show at least £1,270 in savings, held for 28 consecutive days within 31 days of your application, unless your sponsor certifies maintenance for your first month.
Visa History:
If you have previously held a Charity Worker or Religious Worker visa, you must not have been in the UK under those categories in the last 12 months (unless you spent that time outside the UK).
Visa duration and entry
- You may stay in the UK for up to 12 months, or the duration of your CoS plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.
- You may arrive up to 14 days before the start date on your CoS.
- You must leave the UK at the end of your visa unless you apply for another route from abroad.
This visa does not lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settlement.
What you can and cannot do
Permitted activities::
- Volunteer in the role specified on your CoS.
- Take a second unpaid voluntary role (up to 20 hours per week) in the same sector and skill level.
- Study (some postgraduate research subjects require an ATAS certificate).
- Live in the UK and bring dependants if eligible.
Prohibited activities:
- Paid or salaried employment.
- Public funds or government benefits.
- Work outside the role described on your CoS.
Financial requirements:
Personal funds – £1,270 held for 28 days within 31 days of application.
Dependants – must show additional funds:
- Partner: £285
- First child: £315
- Each additional child: £200
If your sponsor certifies maintenance, the personal funds requirement may be waived for your first month.
Dependants: You may bring:
- A spouse or civil partner.
- An unmarried partner (with at least 2 years’ cohabitation).
- Children under 18 (or over 18 if already dependants).
- Children under 18 (or over 18 if already dependants).
Dependants must each:
- Apply separately.
- Pay the application fee and IHS (£1,035 per year).
- Meet the financial maintenance requirement.
Dependants can live, study, and work in the UK (except as professional sportspersons).
Application process
- You must apply within 3 months of your CoS issue date.
- Applications must be submitted online from outside the UK. Switching into this visa in-country is not permitted.
- Biometrics are required, either through the UK Immigration: ID Check app or at a visa application centre.
Processing times:
- Around 3 weeks from abroad.
- Up to 8 weeks for complex cases.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Includes your role description and working hours.
- The charity pays a £55 CoS issuance fee to the Home Office.
- A CoS is an electronic reference number, not a paper certificate.
- Issued by your charity sponsor, valid for 3 months from assignment.
Switching options and visa limitations
You cannot switch into a Charity Worker visa from within the UK — all applications to enter this route must be made from overseas.
However, if you already hold a Charity Worker visa, you can switch from it into other visa categories while inside the UK, provided you meet the relevant requirements. Possible routes include:
- Skilled Worker visa – with a licensed employer and new CoS.
- Student visa – if admitted to a qualifying course.
- Other eligible work or study visas – depending on your circumstances and long-term plans.
This flexibility makes the Charity Worker visa particularly useful for those wishing to begin their UK journey through volunteering and later transition into a different immigration route.
How LawSentis can help
At LawSentis, regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA), we work directly with UK charities to help you secure a Charity Worker visa with confidence. Our services include:
- Assisting with CoS issuance and sponsor compliance.
- Preparing financial documentation and translations.
- Drafting a strong visa application and covering letters.
- Coordinating with visa centres and the Home Office.
- Assessing your eligibility and matching you with suitable charity sponsors.
- Providing post-arrival guidance and advice on long-term immigration planning.
With our expertise, you can be assured that your application is compliant, well-prepared, and positioned for success.
Final thoughts
The Charity Worker visa provides a chance to make a genuine impact in the UK’s charitable sector, while developing international experience and skills. Although it does not lead directly to settlement, it can be a valuable stepping stone toward other immigration routes in the future.
At LawSentis, we simplify the process, protect against common pitfalls, and guide you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions or need more information? Our team is here to help.
Let’s Discuss & Start Visa Consultations
Expert guidance on visas, settlement, citizenship, and asylum — just a message away.