Charity Worker Visa UK (2025): How to Apply, Requirements & Sponsorship [Guide]

The Charity Worker visa UK is a temporary visa that allows you to come to Britain to carry out unpaid voluntary work for a registered charity. It’s part of the UK’s Temporary Worker route (previously known as the Tier 5 Charity Worker visa). If you’re looking to gain international experience, support a good cause, or explore the UK while volunteering, this visa could be the perfect fit.

In this guide, we’ll cover UK charity visa requirements, costs, application steps, sponsorship rules, and answers to common questions people search for online.

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What is the UK Charity Worker Visa?

The UK charity work visa is designed for people who want to volunteer in Britain with a licensed charitable organisation. Unlike other work visas, it does not allow paid employment, it is strictly for unpaid charity roles.

You must already have an offer of voluntary work from a charity in the UK that is approved by the Home Office as a sponsor. Only registered and licensed organisations can provide sponsorship for this visa.

Who Can Apply for a Charity Visa UK?

To qualify, you must:

• Have a sponsorship certificate from a licensed UK charity.
• Be aged 18 or over.
• Intend to carry out unpaid voluntary work only.
• Show that you can support yourself financially during your stay.

The sponsoring charity will issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is essential for your application.

How Long is a UK Charity Visa Valid?

The visa is typically valid for up to 12 months, or the time given on your Certificate of Sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.

This visa is temporary and does not lead directly to permanent residency. However, some applicants later switch to other visa routes, such as the Skilled Worker visa, if they find eligible employment.

Can a Charity Worker Switch to a Skilled Worker Visa?

Yes, in some cases. If you’re already in the UK on a charity visa and receive a job offer from a licensed Skilled Worker sponsor, you may be able to switch visas without leaving the country. However, this depends on your eligibility and whether the employer is approved.

UK Charity Worker Visa Requirements

Applicants must show they can cover their living costs in the UK. This usually means proving at least £1,270 in savings, held for 28 consecutive days before applying, unless your sponsor confirms they will cover your costs for the first month.

You’ll also need to provide:

• A valid passport
• Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
• Bank statements (unless sponsor provides support)
• TB test results (if required for your country)

UK Charity Worker Visa Sponsorship

You cannot apply for this visa without a sponsoring organisation. Only charities licensed by the Home Office can sponsor volunteers under this scheme. This list is sometimes referred to as the Tier 5 Charity Worker sponsor list.

When searching for opportunities, look for charities that specifically mention visa sponsorship in their roles.

Charity Worker Visa UK Jobs

The Charity Worker visa UK is designed for unpaid voluntary roles, so the type of work you can do must directly support the aims of your sponsoring charity. You cannot take paid employment or perform tasks that would normally be done by a paid worker.

Here are some common roles you can do on a UK charity visa:

• Community Outreach Support – helping with local projects such as food banks, youth programmes, or social inclusion initiatives.
• Fundraising Assistance – supporting charity campaigns, events, and donation drives.
• Administrative Support – volunteering in an office environment, handling calls, emails, or records for the charity.
• Charity Shop Volunteer – assisting in retail stores operated by charities like Oxfam, British Heart Foundation, or Cancer Research UK.
• Event Coordination – helping to organise awareness events, marathons, or community festivals.
• Health or Social Care Assistance – volunteering in hospices, rehabilitation centres, or care homes (as long as the role remains unpaid).
• Environmental or Conservation Work – supporting charities involved in wildlife, sustainability, or climate action.

Every role must be genuinely voluntary, and your sponsoring organisation will outline the specific tasks in your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

You can also take part in training or orientation activities linked to your role, as long as they are unpaid and part of the charity’s volunteer programme.

How to Apply for a UK Charity Work Visa

1. Get a sponsorship offer from a licensed UK charity.
2. Receive your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the organisation.
3. Apply online via the official UK Government website.
4. Submit documents including proof of funds and identity.
5. Provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre.
6. Wait for a decision—usually around 3 weeks if applying outside the UK.

Costs of a Charity Visa UK

The application fee for a Charity Worker visa is £319. You’ll also need proof of funds (£1,270) unless covered by your sponsor. Unlike other work visas, you do not need to pay the annual Immigration Health Surcharge.

Can a UK Charity Visa Lead to Residency?

The UK Charity Worker visa is a temporary visa, which means it does not directly lead to permanent residency. Once it expires, you’ll need to either leave the UK or switch to another visa that offers a longer stay or a pathway to settlement.

If your goal is to stay in the UK long term, here are some other visas that can eventually lead to residency:

🧑‍💼 Skilled Worker Visa

This is one of the most popular long-term work routes. It allows you to live and work in the UK for a licensed employer who offers sponsorship. The visa lasts up to 5 years and counts towards Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), making it a clear route to permanent residency.

🏥 Health and Care Worker Visa

This visa is specifically for qualified healthcare professionals such as nurses, carers, and medical staff. It also offers sponsorship, reduced fees, and exemption from the healthcare surcharge. After 5 years, holders can apply for ILR.

🌍 Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

Designed for young people aged 18 to 35 from eligible countries, this visa allows you to live and work in the UK for up to 3 years. It doesn’t directly lead to residency but is often used as a stepping stone to longer-term visas such as the Skilled Worker route.

🇮🇳 India Young Professionals Scheme

This scheme gives young Indian graduates the opportunity to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years. It’s a temporary visa that doesn’t lead to settlement, but it can be a valuable opportunity to gain UK experience and later apply for other work visas.

🎓 Student Visa

The Student visa allows international students to study in the UK for the duration of their course. After completing their studies, many switch to the Graduate visa or Skilled Worker visa, which can eventually lead to permanent residency.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

📝 How do I get a UK charity work visa?
You must first secure a volunteering role with a licensed UK charity that can provide sponsorship, then apply online with your Certificate of Sponsorship.

🔄 Can a charity worker switch to a skilled worker visa?
Yes, if you receive a job offer from a Skilled Worker sponsor and meet the eligibility requirements.

⏳ How long is a UK charity visa valid?
Up to 12 months, or the length of your sponsorship certificate plus 14 days.

🏠 Can a UK charity visa lead to residency?
Not directly. It is a temporary visa, but some applicants later switch to longer-term visas.

🤝 What is charity work in UK with visa sponsorship?
It’s unpaid voluntary work for a UK charity that is licensed to sponsor overseas applicants.

📑 Where can I find the Tier 5 Charity Worker sponsor list?
The list of licensed sponsors is published on GOV.UK and updated regularly.

💻 How do I apply for a UK charity work visa online?
Applications are made via the UK Government immigration portal after receiving a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Have questions or want help choosing the right visa? Subscribe or explore more articles on UK visas and immigration tips.

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