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Charity Worker Visa

lexenlaw.co.uk > Charity Worker Visa

What is the UK Charity Worker Visa?

The UK Charity Worker Visa is a subcategory of the Temporary Worker Visa. It allows overseas nationals to come to the UK for up to 12 months to carry out unpaid voluntary work for a licensed charitable organisation. It is designed for people supporting charitable objectives, not for paid employment or permanent settlement.

Key Points:

Duration: Up to 12 months or as stated on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) + 14 days.

Work must be voluntary and unpaid.

Cannot access public funds or take paid/permanent work.

Allows study and limited secondary work in the same sector.

Charity workers can volunteer in the UK for up to 12 months without being paid, as long as the role genuinely helps the community.

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    Eligibility Requirements for the Charity Worker Visa

    Applicants must meet both the work-related and general immigration requirements. Work must be unpaid and directly contribute to the charity’s purpose rather than administrative or commercial roles.

    Key Points:

    Age: Must be 18 or over.

    Valid CoS from a licensed UK charity sponsor.

    Minimum personal savings: £1,270 available for 28 consecutive days.

    Work cannot be administrative, fundraising, or retail-focused.

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    Application Process for the Charity Worker Visa

    You can apply up to 3 months before starting the role. Applications are submitted online, followed by an identity check through the UK Immigration app or a biometric appointment.

    Key Points:

    Apply online via the gov.uk website.

    Provide CoS reference number and financial evidence.

    Identity verification via app or at a visa application centre.

    Standard processing time: 3 weeks after biometrics submission.

    Required Documents for the Charity Worker Visa

    Applicants must submit evidence proving identity, sponsorship, financial stability, and, if applicable, relationship to dependents.

    Key Points:

    Valid passport or travel document.

    CoS reference number from the sponsoring charity.

    Bank statements proving financial requirement.

    TB test results if applicable.

    Relationship documents for dependents (e.g., marriage or birth certificates).

    Bringing Family Members on the Charity Worker Visa

    Eligible dependents can accompany the charity worker to the UK if financial and relationship requirements are met.

    Key Points:

    Eligible dependents: spouse/civil partner/unmarried partner, children under 18, or older children if already dependents in the UK.

    Financial requirement: £285 for partner, £315 for the first child, £200 per additional child.

    Each dependent applies separately online.

    Conditions and Restrictions of the Charity Worker Visa

    While this visa offers flexibility for voluntary work and study, it comes with strict limitations regarding paid employment and public funds access.

    Key Points:

    Paid work not permitted.

    Public funds not accessible.

    Secondary work allowed only if in the same sector or on the shortage occupation list.

    Contact our team today to discuss your situation in confidence.

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