A UK Charity Worker Visa lets people from overseas do unpaid voluntary work for an approved charity in the United Kingdom for up to 12 months. It's honestly a fantastic way to get real experience, support something meaningful, and also see what it’s like to live and work in the UK.

Plenty of folks use this route to help out while picking up new skills. If you’re even a little curious, it’s worth looking into.

If you’re interested, you’ll need a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed charity before anything else. The process isn’t too complicated, but you’ll have to show you have enough savings, pay the fee, and sort out healthcare.

Anyone hoping to make a difference through volunteering with a UK charity will probably find this visa a good fit.

Understanding the Charity Work Visa UK

The UK Charity Worker Visa lets people from outside the UK join unpaid charity work with licensed UK charities. There are set rules to make sure it’s only for genuine voluntary roles, with requirements for both the worker and the sponsoring charity.

Who Is a Charity Worker?

A charity worker is someone who comes to the UK to do voluntary, unpaid work for a registered charity. The work has to be tied directly to what the charity is about.

These aren’t paid jobs. Charity workers support projects, help with services, or join community outreach—basically, they pitch in wherever needed to help the charity’s mission.

People who pick this route are usually into charitable causes and want to make a difference. You can be from any country outside the UK, but you’ll need a solid offer from a licensed charity before applying.

Key Features of the Charity Worker Visa

The UK Charity Worker Visa falls under the Temporary Work — Charity Worker category. It’s really for those wanting to do unpaid work with a charity.

Some main points to know:

• Eligibility: You need a valid certificate of sponsorship from a licensed UK charity.
• Restrictions: Paid work isn’t allowed. Only voluntary, unpaid work counts.
• Family members: Partners and kids can apply to come along if they meet the criteria.

This visa doesn’t lead to settlement. It’s just for temporary roles—no permanent contracts or salaries here.

For a full breakdown, check the government’s official visa overview.

Duration and Conditions

A UK Charity Worker Visa usually lasts up to 12 months or for the period on your certificate of sponsorship, plus 14 days—whichever is shorter.

Main conditions to keep in mind:

• Work start date: You can show up in the UK up to 14 days before your sponsored role begins.
• Second job: You’re allowed a second job in the charity sector at the same skill level, up to 20 hours per week.
• No public funds: You can’t claim benefits or access public funds.

If you want to stay longer or take a paid job, you’ll need to switch visas. Once your visa runs out, you’ll have to leave the UK and might have to wait before you can return under the same route.

Licensed UK Charities as Sponsors

Only charities with a sponsorship licence from the Home Office can sponsor people for this visa. Before you apply, the charity must give you a valid certificate of sponsorship with the job details and duration.

A licensed UK charity has to:

• Be a real charity, registered with the right authorities.
• Pass regular checks by UK Visas and Immigration.
• Make sure the charity worker sticks to all visa rules.

Not every voluntary group can sponsor, so double-check your charity’s status before you go further. More info is in the list of licensed sponsors in the UK.

Eligibility Criteria and Requirements

To get a UK Charity Worker visa, you’ll need to meet some requirements set by the Home Office. These are there to make sure only genuine volunteers get approved.

Core Eligibility Requirements

You’ll need to plan on doing unpaid voluntary work for a registered UK charity. The work must match the charity’s aims and can’t replace a paid employee.

Applicants must be at least 18 by the time they arrive in the UK. Payment for your work isn’t allowed in any form. If you’re after a permanent paid role, this isn’t the visa for you. Medical and teaching jobs are generally excluded, too.

And if you’ve broken immigration laws or have a criminal record for serious offences, you’re probably out of luck. The official UK government guidance has more on this.

Certificate of Sponsorship Process

You’ll need a certificate of sponsorship before applying. This is a unique reference number from a licensed UK charity. The sponsor must be approved by the Home Office to hand these out.

The certificate lists the job details, start and end dates, what you’ll be doing, and info about the organisation. It’s only good for one use and must be used within three months of issue.

Sponsors need to make sure the job fits with the charity’s work and doesn’t replace paid staff. Each applicant—including dependants—needs their own certificate if they’re applying, too. Find out more on the UK government overview.

Financial Requirement and Proof

You have to show you’ve got enough money to support yourself while you’re here. The minimum is £1,270, and it needs to have been in your bank account for at least 28 days before you apply.

If your charity sponsor is covering your costs, they’ll need to confirm that on your certificate of sponsorship. If not, you’ll need to show your own savings. Bank statements or supporting documents are required.

You’ll also have to pay a healthcare surcharge of £1,035 per year and an application fee of £319. The UK government guidance covers the details.

Restrictions on Public Funds

If you’re on a Charity Worker visa, you’re not allowed to access public funds. That means no government benefits like Universal Credit or housing help.

You’ll need to support yourself or have your sponsor do it. If you break this rule, your visa could be cancelled and you might get removed from the UK.

This visa is strictly for voluntary work—no salaries, no public money. The rules are there to protect the UK’s welfare system, as explained in the official visa conditions.

How to Apply for the UK Charity Worker Visa

Applying for a UK Charity Worker Visa is pretty clear-cut. You’ll need the right documents, pay the fees, and complete biometric or online ID checks as told.

Step-by-Step Application Process

First, get a Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK charity with a sponsor licence. It’s electronic and has a unique reference number you’ll need for the visa application.

Next, fill out the online application on the UK government’s site. You’ll give personal details, info about your sponsor, and your travel plans.

Don’t apply more than three months before your role’s start date. If you’ve got family coming, each person needs a separate application.

After sending in your form, you’ll be told to book a visa centre appointment for biometrics or use the UK Immigration: ID Check App if you qualify. Decisions usually take about three weeks if you’re applying from outside the UK.

More on the application steps is at this Charity Worker visa overview.

Required Documents and Biometrics

You’ll need a valid passport or other travel document. The Certificate of Sponsorship reference number from your UK sponsor is also a must.

Other documents you might need:

• Proof of personal savings for your stay
• Proof of relationship for family members
• Tuberculosis test results (depends on your country)

At the visa centre, you’ll give fingerprints and a photo (biometrics). If you’re using the ID Check App, you might do this digitally.

Everything has to be in English or Welsh, or include a certified translation. Missing documents can slow things down with the Home Office.

The full list of required documents is on the official guidance.

Application Fee and Immigration Health Surcharge

The fee for each person applying is £319. It’s the same for main applicants and dependants, whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.

On top of that, there’s an annual Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035 per year, per person. Paying the IHS gives you access to the NHS while you’re in the UK.

Fee summary:

Payments are made online when you submit your application. If you miss a fee or underpay, your application won’t move forward until you sort it out.

For a full fee breakdown, see the official GOV.UK page.

Using the UK Immigration: ID Check App

Sometimes, you can use the UK Immigration: ID Check App to prove who you are. This option is only open to certain passport holders, and you'll need a compatible smartphone to get started.

The app lets you scan your passport’s biometric chip with your phone. After that, you’ll snap a photo for identity verification and upload the digital documents they ask for.

Once you’ve finished these steps, you don’t have to go to a visa application centre in person. The whole thing is meant to make life easier if you’re eligible—no long queues or extra hassle.

You’ll find out during your online application whether you can use the app or if you’ll need to book a biometrics appointment instead. If you’re curious about the nitty-gritty, there’s more info in the official guidance.

Dependants and Additional Considerations

Charity workers who qualify can bring their immediate family to the UK, but the rules for dependent partners and kids are pretty strict. Before you start, make sure you understand the requirements, paperwork, and financial commitments.

Bringing a Dependent Partner

Your partner can apply to join you in the UK if they’re your spouse, civil partner, or you’ve been living together for at least two years. You’ll need to prove the relationship—joint bills or a rental agreement usually work.

There’s also a financial requirement: your partner must show they have £285 available. This money needs to be in their or your account for 28 days straight, with day 28 falling within 31 days of applying.

If your partner is outside the UK, they have to apply online before traveling. By the way, if you or your partner have had a valid UK visa for over a year, you might not need to meet the financial requirement.

Partners can work (just not as a professional sportsperson or coach), study, and travel around the UK. For all the fine print, check the GOV.UK guidance for Charity Worker dependants.

Including Dependent Children

A dependent child is anyone under 18 at the time of applying, or an older child who already has dependent status. Each child needs to show at least £315 for the first child and £200 for each additional child, held for 28 days in a row.

Usually, kids need to live with you unless they’re at boarding school or university. You’ll have to provide official proof of address—think bank statements or a letter from the school.

Every child needs their own online application before coming to the UK. Children can study and get health care, but they can’t access public funds or most benefits.

If you have a baby in the UK during your stay, the child needs a dependant visa to leave or return to the country with you. There’s more detail in the UK Charity Worker visa guide for dependents.

Limitations, Extensions, and Future Options

The Charity Worker visa is temporary. It doesn't lead to settlement or permanent residency in the UK.

Usually, the visa lasts for up to 12 months. Partners and kids can only stay as long as the main applicant’s visa is valid.

Once the main visa expires, dependents have to leave too—unless they manage to get a new visa. It’s not really a route for putting down roots, honestly.

Sometimes, visa holders can extend their stay, but there are strings attached. Family members need to apply for their extensions at the same time, or before their current visas run out.

Family members aren’t allowed to access most public benefits or the State Pension. That’s just how it is on this visa.

If the main applicant switches to another eligible UK visa, like the Skilled Worker visa, dependents might be able to switch too. It’s not automatic, but there’s a path if you qualify.

It’s always smart to check the latest rules for switching or extending. The official info is here: Immigration Rules Appendix for Charity Worker.