UK Charity Worker Visa 2025 – Application Process

Imagine spending a year in the UK, working side-by-side with people who share your passion for helping others. This is a voluntary, unpaid role, so there’s no salary but you won’t need formal qualifications or prior experience to apply.

Instead, it’s about the heart and time you’re willing to give. The work is in-person at UK-registered charities, so you’ll be part of real communities, making a visible difference every day.

Details:

Eligibility Requirements:

To apply for the Temporary Work – Charity Worker Visa, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Hold a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an A-rated, Home Office–approved charity.
• Take on a voluntary role that directly supports the charity’s main mission (for example, community aid, education, healthcare, or environmental protection).
• Not engage in commercial tasks such as retail, administration, or fundraising.
• Prove you have at least £1,270 in savings, held for 28 consecutive days before applying.
• Provide a Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate if you are from a listed country.

Some charities may reimburse reasonable expenses such as travel or meals, but you cannot receive a salary.

Visa Validity and Restrictions:

• Granted for up to 12 months or the period stated on your CoS plus 14 days.
• You cannot take paid employment, start a business, or access public funds.
• You may be reimbursed for reasonable volunteer-related expenses.

What is the UK Temporary Work Visa (Charity Worker Route)?

The UK Temporary Work Visa (Charity Worker Route) is designed for people who want to carry out unpaid voluntary work for a UK-based charitable organisation. It’s part of the UK’s Temporary Work visa category and is suitable for individuals who:

• Have an official job offer from a licensed charity sponsor in the UK.
• Plan to do work that directly supports the charity’s mission.
• Can support themselves financially during their stay.

Tier 5 Charity Worker Visa:

Previously known as the Tier 5 Charity Worker Visa, this route now falls under the UK’s points-based immigration system. The process generally involves:

• Getting a Certificate of Sponsorship from your charity sponsor.
• Applying online for the visa.
• Proving you have enough funds to cover your expenses.

Check Also: Visa Sponsorship Jobs in UK

UK Immigration Charity Route:

The UK immigration charity route is not intended for paid work—it’s solely for voluntary roles. However, it provides an excellent opportunity for networking, skill-building, and experiencing UK culture while contributing to meaningful projects.

Switch from Charity Worker Visa to Skilled Worker Visa:

You cannot switch from a charity worker visa to a skilled worker visa while inside the UK. If you want to move into paid employment under the Skilled Worker route, you’ll need to return to your home country and apply from there with a valid job offer from a licensed Skilled Worker sponsor.

Pathway from Charity Worker Visa to Permanent Residence:

The charity worker visa does not lead directly to permanent residence (Indefinite Leave to Remain). However, some people use their volunteer experience to:

• Build UK-based references.
• Gain relevant skills for a sponsored job.
• Transition into visa routes that do lead to settlement, such as the Skilled Worker visa or other long-term work categories.

Application Process:

1. Get a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

• Your UK charity must be a licensed sponsor and provide a CoS reference number.
• The CoS must be issued within three months of your visa application.

2. Apply Online

• Complete the application form on the UKVI website.
• Pay the £298 visa fee.

3. Submit Your Documents

Required documents include:

• Valid passport.
• CoS reference number.
• Proof of savings (£1,270 for at least 28 days).
• TB test certificate (if applicable).
• Certified translations for any documents not in English or Welsh.

4. Attend a Biometric Appointment

• Book an appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre to provide fingerprints and a photo.
• Processing time is usually around three weeks after biometrics.

Benefits:

• Work with respected UK charities in areas such as healthcare, education, environmental protection, and community services.
• No formal qualifications required, making it accessible to applicants from diverse backgrounds.
• No English language test needed for the application.
• Gain valuable international experience that can strengthen your career in the non-profit or humanitarian sector.
• Bring your family — your spouse and children under 18 can join you in the UK.
• Healthcare savings — the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is waived for charity workers.
• Potential to switch to another visa if you meet the eligibility for a different route, such as the Skilled Worker Visa.
• Personal growth and cultural exchange, working closely with UK communities and learning from diverse environments.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Applying with an expired or invalid CoS.
• Taking on paid work beyond allowed reimbursements.
• Assuming the visa leads directly to permanent residency.
• Failing to provide full proof of financial maintenance.

Conclusion:

The UK Charity Worker Visa lets you volunteer with registered UK charities for up to 12 months, gaining meaningful experience without needing formal qualifications. While unpaid, it offers the chance to bring your family, work directly with communities, and grow your skills in the non-profit sector. Careful preparation, from securing a valid CoS to meeting financial requirements, is key to a smooth application.

Frequently Asked Questions: