Who is this visa for?

This route is for a person who wants to come to the UK to do voluntary work for no more than 12 months.

This visa has replaced the Temporary Worker – Charity Worker visa (T5).

What are the basic eligibility requirements?

• you must have have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship
• you must have enough money to support yourself when you arrive in the UK – you’ll usually need to have at least £1,270 available (unless you’re exempt).

How long can I stay in the UK?

If the application is for entry clearance, the applicant will be granted whichever is the shorter of:

• the period of the job on the Certificate of Sponsorship plus 14 days before and after; or
• 12 months.

Can dependants join me on this route?

Your partner and children can also apply to join you or stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible.

If your partner or child’s application is successful, their visa will usually end on the same date as yours. If a child’s parents have visas with different expiry dates, the child’s visa will end on the earlier date.

If you extend or switch your visa, your partner or child’s current visa will still be valid until its original end date. Your partner or child need to apply to extend or switch their visa, either:

• at the same time as you
• at any time before their current visa expires

This includes children who have turned 18 during your stay.

Your partner or children cannot apply to switch to your visa as your dependants if they are currently in the UK:

• on a visit visa
• on a short-term student visa
• on a Parent of a Child Student visa
• on a seasonal worker visa
• on a domestic worker in a private household visa
• on immigration bail
• because they were given permission to stay outside the immigration rules, for example on compassionate grounds

If your partner or child is currently in the UK on a Student visa, they can only switch if they have either:

• completed the course they were sponsored to study
• studied for a PhD for at least 24 months

How much does it cost?

• you must pay the £298 application fee
• you must also pay the immigration healthcare surcharge if your visa will be issued for longer than 6 months – this is currently set at £1,035.00 per annum for applicants 18 years of age and over, and £776.00 per annum for applicants under the age of 18
• support yourself when you arrive in the UK – you’ll usually need to have at least £1,270 available (unless you’re exempt)

How long does it take?

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within:

• 3 weeks, if you’re outside the UK
• 8 weeks, if you’re inside the UK

If you need to go to an appointment, you may be able to pay for a faster decision. How you do this depends on whether you’re outside the UK or inside the UK.

When should I apply?

You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day you are due to start volunteering in the UK. This date is listed on your certificate of sponsorship.

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide your documents.

You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. You’ll find out if you need one when you start your application.

What you can and cannot do:

With a Charity Worker visa you can:

• study – for some courses you’ll need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate
• work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship
• do a second job in the same sector at the same level as your main job for up to 20 hours per week
• bring your partner and children with you, if they’re eligible

You cannot:

• receive any payment for work
• take a permanent job
• get public funds

If you require assistance with applying for the Charity Worker Visa, please contact us for a quote.