What is the UK Charity Worker Visa?
The Charity Worker visa is a sub-category of the Temporary Work visa route that allows foreign nationals to come to the UK to perform voluntary unpaid work for a registered UK charity.
It is ideal for individuals seeking to gain experience in the charitable sector, contribute to causes they care about, and build cross-cultural knowledge through temporary service.
Who is Eligible for a Charity Worker Visa in 2025?
To qualify, you must:
- Be 18 or older.
- Have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK charity licensed to sponsor Charity Workers.
- Be doing unpaid voluntary work, not replacing a paid role.
- Show you have enough money to support yourself (at least £1,270 for 28 days) unless your sponsor certifies maintenance.
- Prove your job is directly related to the sponsor’s charitable purpose.
Note: This visa is not for salaried employment, internships, or training placements. It must be voluntary charity work only.
What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?
A Certificate of Sponsorship is a digital document issued by a UK-based charity that is licensed to sponsor foreign charity workers.
The CoS confirms:
- The role is voluntary and within the charitable scope.
- The start and end dates (must not exceed 12 months).
- That the charity complies with sponsor duties.
Without a valid CoS, you cannot apply for this visa.
Documents Required
You’ll typically need the following documents:
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number
- Valid passport or travel document
- Proof of personal savings (£1,270 for 28 days, unless exempt)
- TB test certificate (if from a listed country)
- Criminal record certificate (for certain roles, especially involving vulnerable people)
Documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation.
Financial Requirements
Applicants must usually show they can support themselves by having:
- £1,270 in their bank account, held for at least 28 consecutive days
Alternatively, your charity sponsor can certify this on the CoS. This means the organisation agrees to financially support you for your first month in the UK.
Visa Duration and Conditions
- You can stay for up to 12 months or the time given on your CoS, whichever is shorter.
- You cannot extend this visa beyond 12 months.
- You can enter and leave the UK multiple times while your visa is valid.
You can:
- Volunteer only in the job stated on your CoS
- Study (some restrictions may apply)
You cannot:
- Be paid for work
- Take a permanent job
- Access public funds
- Bring dependants (partner or children)
- Switch to another visa category while in the UK
Application Process for Charity Worker Visa
Step 1: Secure a Sponsoring Charity
- Use the Home Office register of licensed sponsors to identify charities allowed to sponsor.
- Reach out and apply directly to those advertising Charity Worker roles.
Step 2: Receive Certificate of Sponsorship
- Once accepted, the charity will issue a CoS, valid for 3 months from the date it’s assigned.
Step 3: Apply Online
- Complete your visa application on the official UK Government website.
- Pay the visa fee (£298 as of 2025).
Step 4: Attend Biometrics Appointment
- Visit a visa application centre to provide fingerprints and a photo.
Step 5: Wait for a Decision
- Standard processing time is around 3 weeks for applications outside the UK.
Costs Involved
- Visa application fee: £298
- TB test (if required): varies by country
- Translations/certification of documents: optional/varies
- Travel and living expenses: applicant’s responsibility unless otherwise covered
There is no Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) required for Charity Worker visa applicants.
Common Roles Under Charity Worker Visa
- Community outreach volunteers
- Fundraising assistants
- Education and literacy support volunteers
- Environmental project workers
- Refugee and asylum support volunteers
- Shelter and food bank assistants
All roles must be consistent with the charity’s activities and must not displace local paid staff.
Compliance Tips for Applicants
- Never work outside the scope of the voluntary role on your CoS.
- Maintain contact with your sponsor and adhere to reporting duties.
- Keep your immigration documents (visa, CoS, ID) up to date and secure.
- Abide by visa conditions – any breach may impact future UK visa eligibility.
Conclusion
The UK Charity Worker visa offers a unique opportunity for international volunteers to support charitable efforts across the United Kingdom. With clear guidelines and structured sponsorship requirements, this visa route enables passionate individuals to contribute meaningfully while experiencing life in the UK. Although it doesn’t lead to settlement or paid work, it serves as a valuable stepping stone for international engagement, cultural exchange, and voluntary service. By understanding the application process, eligibility, and compliance expectations, applicants can prepare thoroughly and maximise their UK charity experience.