Charity Worker : Volunteer

UK Charity Worker Visa
, The UK Charity Worker Visa (Temporary Work – Charity Worker route) is an excellent opportunity for individuals who wish to contribute their time and skills to charitable causes in the United Kingdom. As of October 2025
, this visa allows foreign nationals to work voluntarily for a recognized charitable organization in the UK for a limited period.

This guide explains in detail the UK Charity Worker Visa requirements
, eligibility criteria
, documents needed
, and a step-by-step visa application process
, helping you apply successfully and avoid common mistakes.

The UK Charity Worker Visa is part of the Temporary Work Visa routes that allow individuals to engage in unpaid voluntary work for a charitable organization registered in the UK. It is suitable for people who want to gain valuable international experience, support community projects, or work in charity roles without receiving wages.

It’s important to note that this visa is not for paid employment
. However, your sponsoring organization can cover living expenses, accommodation, and travel costs
.

Feature

Details

Visa Type Temporary Work – Charity Worker Visa

Duration Up to 12 months or the time stated on your Certificate of Sponsorship (whichever is shorter)

Work Allowed Voluntary unpaid work only

Sponsorship Required Yes, from a licensed UK charity

Visa Fee £298 (as of 2025)

Healthcare Surcharge Approximately £1,035 per year

Processing Time Around 3 weeks (outside the UK)

Family Members Can apply to join you as dependents

Before applying, ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements set by the UK Home Office. These include:

You must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship issued by a UK charity organization approved by the Home Office
.

• The CoS includes details about your role, organization, and duration of stay.
• The work described must be genuinely voluntary
  .

You must be 18 years or older at the time of application.

You need to show proof that you can support yourself in the UK:

• You must have at least £1,270 available in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before applying.
• If your sponsor covers your living costs (up to £1,270), you won’t need to show these funds.

The role must directly benefit the public and cannot replace paid staff or offer any wages.

• Be a licensed sponsor under the Charity Worker route.
• Be registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales or its equivalent in Scotland/Northern Ireland.

To apply for the visa, prepare the following supporting documents
:

• Valid Passport (with at least one blank page)
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number
• Bank statements proving financial stability
• Proof of relationship (if family members are applying with you)
• Tuberculosis (TB) test results
  , if you’re from a listed country
• Details of your UK sponsor
  , including sponsor license number
• Accommodation details in the UK
• Travel history for the past 10 years
• Police clearance certificate (if applicable)

All documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation
.

Follow these steps carefully to apply successfully for your visa:

Your UK charity must issue you a CoS before applying. They will need details about your intended role and stay duration.

• Visit the official UK Government Visa website
  :
• Fill out the online visa application form and upload your documents.

• Pay the visa fee (£298) using a debit or credit card.
• Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).

• Schedule an appointment at your nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC).
• Provide your fingerprints and photograph as part of the biometric process.

• The average processing time is 3 weeks fro…