Charity Worker visa (Temporary Work)
🇬🇧 United Kingdom visas · Work
What it is
Do unpaid voluntary work for a charity in the UK for up to 12 months, with a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed charity sponsor.
Key facts
- Category
- Work
- Duration
- You can stay for up to 12 months or the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.
- Processing time
- 3–8 weeks
- Maximum validity
- 1 year
- Extendable
- Yes
- Dependants
- Yes
- Age
- 18 or over
- How to apply
- Online
- Health insurance
- Not required
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Fees
- Application fee (flat fee (per person, inside or outside))
- GBP 340
- Health surcharge
- GBP 1,035 per year
- Proof of funds
- GBP 1,270
Key requirements
- Certificate of sponsorship from a licensed sponsor (used within 3 months)
- Unpaid voluntary work for a charity only
- No Charity Worker or Religious Worker visa in the last 12 months
Working on this visa
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 ... You cannot: receive any payment for work take a permanent…
Bringing family
bring your partner and children with you, if they’re eligible
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 19 July 2026.