Charities can use the Charity Worker route to sponsor overseas volunteers for genuine unpaid voluntary work. It is designed for short-term charitable activity, not paid employment or filling permanent vacancies.
Previously known as the Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) Charity Worker route.
Reviewed by the Morgan Smith Immigration team — IAA-regulated UK immigration specialists. Last reviewed 2026-07-14.
TL;DR
The Charity Worker Visa lets overseas volunteers do genuine unpaid charitable work for a licensed UK charity sponsor. The application fee is £340, the maximum stay is up to 12 months, and the usual outside-UK decision time is 3 weeks.
£340
Application fee
12 months
Maximum stay
3 weeks
Typical decision
What is the Charity Worker Visa?
The Charity Worker Visa is for people coming to the UK to do unpaid voluntary work for a recognised charitable organisation. The work must be temporary and directly linked to the sponsor’s charitable purpose.
For charities and HR teams, the crucial check is that the role is genuinely voluntary and tied to the organisation’s charitable purpose — the route cannot be used to back-fill paid posts. The sponsor must keep records, assign the CoS correctly and ensure the volunteer’s activities match the permission granted.
This is a temporary route and does not lead directly to settlement. Applicants who want to remain in the UK longer-term normally need to switch into another eligible route before their permission expires.
Eligibility Requirements
You must satisfy all three conditions to qualify for the Charity Worker Visa.
📄
Valid Certificate of Sponsorship
The applicant needs a CoS from a licensed sponsor on the Charity Worker route. The CoS must describe genuine unpaid voluntary work.
💼
Unpaid Charitable Work
The role cannot be paid employment or a permanent vacancy. The sponsor should keep evidence showing the work is voluntary and charitable.
£
Financial Requirement
The applicant must show enough money to support themselves unless the sponsor certifies maintenance. GOV.UK usually applies the £1,270 savings requirement across Temporary Work routes.
What You Can and Cannot Do
Your rights and restrictions while in the UK on a Charity Worker Visa.
✓ You Can
- Work for the sponsor in the role on the CoS.
- Do a second job in the same sector and level for up to 20 hours weekly.
- Study subject to ATAS rules for some courses.
- Bring eligible dependants where the rules are met.
- Travel and return while the visa is valid.
✗ You Cannot
- Receive payment for work beyond permitted expenses.
- Take a permanent job in the UK.
- Access public funds during the stay.
- Use the route for settlement directly because it is temporary.
- Work outside the sponsored role except where permitted.
Costs & Fees
Current fees as of 2026. Set by the Home Office — subject to change.
Fees set by the Home Office and subject to change. Last reviewed: July 2026.
| Item | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| Application fee | £340 per person |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £1,035 per year |
| Savings required | £1,270 unless exempt |
| Certificate of Sponsorship | £55 (paid by sponsor) |
| Priority services | Additional fee — check current fees |
How to Apply
Five steps from preparation to decision.
Check Route Fit
Confirm the applicant meets the Charity Worker Visa eligibility requirements and that the role or activity fits the route.
Assign or Check Sponsorship
The sponsor should assign the correct Certificate of Sponsorship or approved sponsorship reference before the applicant applies.
Submit the Online Application
Apply online and pay the £340 application fee plus any healthcare surcharge due.
Attend Biometrics or Use the App
Provide identity evidence through the UK Immigration: ID Check app or at a visa application centre.
Receive Your Decision
Outside-UK applications are usually decided within 3 weeks; in-country applications are usually listed as 8 weeks where available.
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Sources
Legal information on this page is based on guidance from GOV.UK, the UK Home Office / UK Visas and Immigration, legislation.gov.uk, and Free Movement. Rules change frequently — speak to our team to confirm current requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Charity Worker Visa from employers and applicants.
What is the Charity Worker Visa UK?
The Charity Worker Visa is a Temporary Work route for unpaid voluntary work with a recognised charitable organisation in the UK.
How much does the Charity Worker Visa cost in 2026?
The Home Office application fee is £340 per person. Applicants may also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge and any optional priority-service fee if available.
How long can you stay on a Charity Worker Visa?
The route allows a stay of up to 12 months, or the time on the Certificate of Sponsorship plus the permitted extra period, whichever is shorter.
Does the Charity Worker Visa require sponsorship?
Yes. The applicant needs a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed charity-sector sponsor for genuine unpaid voluntary work.
Can a Charity Worker Visa holder be paid?
The route is for unpaid voluntary work. It must not be used for paid employment, although permitted expenses should be checked carefully against the rules.
Can Charity Worker Visa holders bring dependants?
Eligible partners and children can apply as dependants if they meet the immigration requirements.
Can a Charity Worker Visa be extended?
Extension options are limited by the maximum stay on the route. Applicants should check their current permission and the CoS period before applying.
Can Charity Worker lead to settlement?
No. The Charity Worker route is temporary and does not lead directly to indefinite leave to remain.
How long does a Charity Worker decision take?
Outside-UK work visa applications are usually decided within 3 weeks; in-country Temporary Work applications are usually listed as 8 weeks.
What should charities check before sponsoring a worker?
Charities should confirm the role is unpaid voluntary work, assign the correct CoS and keep records showing the work fits the route.
Need Help With Your Charity Worker Visa?
Our immigration specialists handle everything from sponsor licence checks to visa approval — for employers and applicants alike.