1. What is the UK Charity Worker Visa?
The UK Charity Worker Visa falls under the Temporary Work – Charity Worker Visa (T5) category, which allows individuals to come to the UK for unpaid voluntary work for a registered UK charity. This visa is designed for people who want to contribute to charitable causes in the UK by volunteering, typically for a period of up to 12 months.
The Charity Worker Visa does not allow paid work but gives individuals the chance to engage in meaningful charity projects across the UK.
2. Who is Eligible for the UK Charity Worker Visa?
To be eligible for the Charity Worker Visa, applicants must meet several key criteria:
Eligibility Requirements:
- Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor: You must have an offer for voluntary work from a UK-based charity that is approved and licensed by the Home Office as a sponsor. The charity must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- Unpaid Role: The position you are offered must be an unpaid voluntary role, meaning you cannot earn a salary, though some living expenses (like accommodation and food) may be covered by the charity.
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old at the time of applying for the visa.
- Proof of Funds: You must demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself while in the UK, unless your sponsor can certify they will cover your costs. You need to show you have at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before applying, unless exempted.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Your sponsoring charity must issue a valid Certificate of Sponsorship before you can apply. The CoS is a reference number that confirms your job offer and provides details about your role.
- No Criminal Record: You may need to provide a criminal record certificate from any country you’ve lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
3. How to Apply for the UK Charity Worker Visa
Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for the UK Charity Worker Visa:
Step 1: Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
The first step is to secure a job offer from a licensed charity in the UK. Your charity sponsor will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship, which is necessary for your visa application.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
To apply for the Charity Worker Visa, you’ll need to gather the following documents:
- Valid passport or another travel document.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number.
- Proof of funds (bank statements showing at least £1,270 in savings).
- Criminal record certificate (if required).
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results if you’re from a country where testing is mandatory for UK visas.
Step 3: Complete the Visa Application
Submit your application online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website. You will be required to fill out the necessary details, upload your documents, and provide your CoS reference number.
Step 4: Pay the Visa Fees
The fee for the Charity Worker Visa is £259. If your charity is covering your costs through your sponsorship, you might not need to show proof of personal funds.
Step 5: Biometrics and Visa Appointment
Once the application is submitted, you will need to book a biometrics appointment at a visa application center in your home country. At the appointment, your fingerprints and photograph will be taken for your biometric residence permit (BRP).
Step 6: Wait for a Decision
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) typically processes Charity Worker Visa applications within 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK. You will receive a decision letter and, if approved, a visa vignette in your passport.
4. How Long Can You Stay in the UK on a Charity Worker Visa?
The Charity Worker Visa is usually granted for up to 12 months or the length of time specified on your Certificate of Sponsorship, whichever is shorter. The visa cannot be extended beyond 12 months, but if you wish to continue volunteering, you may apply for a different visa or leave the UK and reapply after a cooling-off period.
You are allowed to enter the UK up to 14 days before the start date of your voluntary work, as listed on your CoS.
5. What You Can and Cannot Do on a Charity Worker Visa
What You Can Do:
- Volunteer for the charity listed on your Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Receive allowances to cover living expenses, such as accommodation and food.
- Study part-time, as long as it doesn’t interfere with your volunteer work.
- Travel in and out of the UK during your visa’s validity period.
What You Cannot Do:
- Paid work: You cannot take on any paid employment while on the Charity Worker Visa.
- Switch to another visa: You cannot switch to a different visa category while in the UK on a Charity Worker Visa.
- Apply for public funds: You are not eligible for public benefits or government financial support.
6. Required Documents for the Charity Worker Visa
Here’s a checklist of the required documents for the Charity Worker Visa:
- Passport (valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay).
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your charity.
- Proof of funds (bank statement showing at least £1,270 unless covered by your sponsor).
- Criminal record certificate (if required).
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applicable).
Ensure that all documents not in English or Welsh are translated by a certified translator.
7. Charity Worker Visa Fees and Costs
The Charity Worker Visa application fee is £259. However, there are additional costs to consider:
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): This fee grants access to the National Health Service (NHS) during your stay. The IHS for the Charity Worker Visa is £624 per year.
- Biometrics fee: Some visa application centers may charge for collecting your biometric information.
- Additional documents: Costs for obtaining criminal record certificates or translations of documents.
8. Processing Time for Charity Worker Visa
The standard processing time for the Charity Worker Visa is approximately 3 weeks if you apply from outside the UK. It’s recommended to apply at least 3 months before your planned travel date.
Priority Service
In some countries, you can pay extra for priority service, which speeds up the decision-making process to 5 working days or 1 working day (for super priority). Be sure to check if this service is available in your location.
9. Can You Extend the Charity Worker Visa?
The Charity Worker Visa is valid for a maximum of 12 months and cannot be extended. However, after your visa expires, you may apply for a different visa category (such as a Skilled Worker Visa) if you meet the requirements.
If you wish to return to the UK as a charity worker after completing your 12 months, you must wait 12 months (cooling-off period) before applying for another Charity Worker Visa.
10. Benefits of the UK Charity Worker Visa
The Charity Worker Visa allows you to:
- Contribute to charitable causes: Engage in meaningful voluntary work with a recognized UK charity.
- Explore the UK: While volunteering, you can travel and explore the UK during your stay.
- Gain valuable experience: The visa offers a unique opportunity to gain experience working for a charity and enhancing your personal and professional development.
- Live in the UK for up to 12 months: Although the visa is temporary, you can live in the UK for up to a year and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Conclusion
The Charity Worker Visa is a great opportunity for those looking to volunteer with a UK charity and make a positive impact on communities. By following the application process, meeting the eligibility criteria, and submitting the correct documents, you can successfully obtain this visa and enjoy a fulfilling experience in the UK. Remember, while you won’t be able to work for pay, this visa allows you to contribute to a good cause, gain valuable life experience, and explore the UK.