Charity Worker Visa

The Charity Worker Visa allows overseas nationals to carry out voluntary work — unpaid work for a registered charity — in the UK for up to one year. It is part of the Temporary Worker routes under the points-based immigration system.

To be eligible, you must be sponsored by a UK charity that holds a valid Temporary Worker sponsor licence in the Charity Worker subcategory. Your role must be a genuine voluntary position — you must not receive payment for the work, though reasonable expenses may be covered.

Your sponsoring charity must issue a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, which confirms the details of your placement, the expected start date, and the voluntary nature of the role. You will need to provide this when making your visa application.

You may be able to extend a Charity Worker Visa for a further 12 months from within the UK. However, the total amount of time you can spend in the UK under this route is generally capped at two years.

Importantly, you cannot use this route to carry out paid work. If you wish to work in a paid capacity for a charity, a different route — such as the Skilled Worker Visa — would apply if the role meets the eligibility criteria.

Terence Ray Solicitors advises charities seeking to sponsor overseas volunteers and individuals applying for Charity Worker Visas, ensuring that all Home Office requirements are met.

Call 020 3367 1430 or email info@trsolicitors.co.uk.