The UK Charity Worker Visa allows individuals with a job offer to participate in voluntary work in the UK for up to 12 months. While this visa does not provide a pathway to permanent residency, applicants can bring their partners and children under 18 as dependents.

According to Last Stop Booking, those granted the UK Charity Worker Visa can stay in the UK for up to 12 months or possibly an extra 14 days, depending on the details in their Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

Visa holders are permitted to enter the UK up to 14 days before their official start date in the charitable role. However, they are restricted to performing only the tasks specified in their CoS, though they can take a second job within the same sector. No payment is allowed for the charitable work other than reimbursement for reasonable expenses. Additionally, visa holders cannot access public funds or take on permanent employment.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for this visa, applicants must meet the following key criteria:

1. The role must be voluntary and aligned with the sponsor’s charitable goals.
2. Compensation is limited to reasonable costs incurred during the work.
3. The position must not be a permanent one.

UK Visas & Immigration requires applicants to meet other conditions, such as:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship.
• Ensure the role meets voluntary work standards.
• Intend to fulfill the sponsored role.
• Meet financial requirements.
• Not have held a similar visa in the past 12 months unless outside the UK.
• Submit a tuberculosis certificate if applicable.

A valid Certificate of Sponsorship from an A-rated UK sponsor is essential for this visa. This certificate must confirm that the voluntary role meets all the necessary criteria and must be issued within three months of the visa application.

Applicants must also demonstrate financial stability. Unless they’ve been in the UK for over 12 months, they need to show at least £1,270 in savings, held for 28 consecutive days before applying. Alternatively, the sponsor may confirm their financial support. Dependents also need to meet financial criteria.

Benefits of the Charity Worker Visa

This visa offers the opportunity to contribute to charitable causes while gaining valuable international experience. Some benefits include:

• Engaging in meaningful work with UK charities.
• Developing new skills and enhancing your resume with global experience.
• Networking with charity professionals in the UK.
• Exploring the UK and other European destinations during time off.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted online from outside the UK. Individuals cannot apply if they have held authorization under the Charity Worker or Religious Worker route in the last 12 months, unless they were not in the UK during that time.

A tuberculosis certificate may be required, depending on the applicant’s country of residence. The visa application fee is £244, and an additional healthcare surcharge must be paid. Separate applications and fees are required for dependents, though reduced fees may apply to citizens of certain countries.

With specific eligibility requirements and multiple benefits, the UK Charity Worker Visa allows individuals to contribute to charitable work while gaining international exposure.