United Kingdom•Europe

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Charity Worker Visa (Temporary Work)

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

3 weeks – 2 months

Varies by processing route

Estimated Cost

From GBP £340

Other charges may apply

Stay Duration

1 year

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in United Kingdom

Cost of Living

2% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary£31,000

Quality of Life

174/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

For unpaid voluntary charity work in the UK.

The UK Charity Worker visa is a Temporary Work visa for people who want to do unpaid voluntary work for a licensed UK charity for up to 12 months. It requires a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed sponsor; no English language test or formal qualifications are needed.

The visa lasts up to 12 months with no extension or settlement pathway, and a 12-month cooling-off period applies before reapplying. Partners and children can apply as dependants. Applicants must hold £1,270 in savings unless the sponsor waives this. The fee is £340 plus £1,035/year IHS.

This visa is ideal for international volunteers with a confirmed charity placement who want a structured legal pathway for unpaid UK service without taking paid employment.

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Cost Breakdown

Application feeGBP £340

Immigration Health Surcharge (per year)GBP £1,035

recurring

TotalGBP £340

Processing Time

Standard (outside UK)	3 weeks
Standard (inside UK - extension)	2 months

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

1 year

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

United Kingdom

Skilled Worker Visa

Validity5 years per grant (renewable indefinitely)

Processing3 weeks

View Visa Details

United Kingdom

Spouse/Partner Visa

Validity33 months

Processing2 months – 1 year

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be 18 years of age or older.

Must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK-licensed charity sponsor.

The role must be unpaid and voluntary.

Must have at least £1,270 in personal savings available for at least 28 consecutive days (unless the sponsor certifies maintenance).

Must not have held permission as a Religious Worker or Charity Worker in the 12 months immediately preceding the application (unless specific exemptions apply).

Must intend to leave the UK upon visa expiry.

Must provide a valid tuberculosis (TB) test certificate if required by the applicant's country of residence.

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Savings

1,270 GBP

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport or travel document

Certificate of Sponsorship reference number

Bank statements showing £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days (unless exempt)

TB test results if from a listed country

Proof of relationship for any dependants

Certified translations of any non-English or non-Welsh documents

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

No English language test required
Dependants (partner and children) can apply
Can apply up to 3 months before the start date
Maintenance requirement waived if sponsor certifies it on the CoS

Worth Knowing

Unpaid/voluntary work only — paid work is strictly prohibited
Maximum stay of 12 months with no pathway to settlement
12-month cooling-off period applies after visa expires before a new one can be granted
Cannot switch into this route from within the UK (must apply from overseas for entry clearance)