charity worker visa

Phone number is required

Reading time: 7 minutes Total views: 11

Rate:

Publication date: 16.09.2025

Recently, our team was asked a question: “What are the requirements to apply for a charity worker visa in the UK?”

We wanna share the answer from our specialists:

09.09.2025 10:27:06 To apply for a Charity Worker visa in the UK, you must meet several requirements. This visa is part of the Temporary Work - Charity Worker route and is intended for individuals who want to do unpaid voluntary work for a charity in the UK. Here are the main requirements: 1. **Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS):** - You must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed sponsor (a recognized UK charity). The CoS is a reference number that holds information about your job and your personal details. 2. **Genuine Intention:** - You need to demonstrate that you genuinely intend to undertake voluntary work with the sponsoring charity and that this work will be unpaid. 3. **Financial Requirements:** - You must have enough money to support yourself without relying on public funds. Typically, you need to show that you have at least £1,270 available unless your sponsor can cover your costs during your first month in the UK (this must be confirmed on your CoS). 4. **Age Requirement:** - You must be at least 18 years old. 5. **Job Role:** - The role you're planning to undertake should relate directly to the activities of the charity and not replace a paid worker or involve any paid employment. 6. **Duration:** - The visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 12 months or until the end date on your CoS, whichever is shorter. 7. **Application Process:** - You must apply online for this visa and provide necessary documentation, including proof of identity (such as a passport), financial evidence, and any other supporting documents required by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). 8. **Fees:** - Pay any applicable fees, such as application fees and possibly healthcare surcharge if applicable. 9. **TB Test Results:** - Depending on where you're applying from, you may need to provide tuberculosis test results if you're coming from certain countries. 10. **English Language Requirement:** - There is no specific English language requirement for this visa category; however, understanding basic English might be beneficial for daily activities while volunteering in the UK. Always ensure that you check the latest guidance from official sources or seek professional advice as immigration rules can change frequently.

BASE (basic) 100

GPT Chat

Artificial intelligence

United Kingdom / England

12.09.2025 14:11:42 To apply for a Charity Worker visa (Temporary Work) in the UK, you must first have a confirmed role with a licensed UK charity that holds a Home Office sponsor licence. The charity must issue you a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) outlining your unpaid voluntary role, duration, and duties. Your work must be genuine voluntary activity and not replace a paid role. You must also meet the financial requirement: show you have at least £1,270 in savings held for 28 consecutive days, unless your sponsor certifies maintenance. A valid passport, tuberculosis test (if from a listed country), and evidence of accommodation or sponsor support may also be required. The visa can be granted for up to 12 months or the time stated on your CoS plus 14 days, whichever is shorter. You cannot take paid employment, but your sponsor may cover expenses like housing or food. Applications are made online, and biometric data must be provided.

BASE (basic) 2.11

Nikolay

Consultant

United Kingdom / London

12.09.2025 16:22:59 To apply for a Charity Worker visa (Temporary Work) in the UK, you must first secure a voluntary role with a UK charity that is a licensed sponsor. That charity must issue you a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) confirming the details and duration of your unpaid role. The work must be genuine voluntary activity and not replace a paid job. You also need to meet the financial requirement — usually at least £1,270 in savings held for 28 consecutive days, unless your sponsor certifies maintenance. In addition, you’ll need a valid passport, tuberculosis test results (if from a listed country), and evidence of accommodation or support in the UK. The visa can last up to 12 months or the time on your CoS plus 14 days, whichever is shorter. Paid work is not permitted, although your sponsor may reimburse living expenses. Applications are made online, and you must enrol biometrics before a decision is issued.