Charity Worker Visa

What is a Charity Worker Visa?

A Charity Worker visa enables sponsored overseas nationals to work in the UK for a short time to do voluntary fieldwork which contributes directly to the achievement or advancement of the sponsor’s charitable purpose in the UK, for a maximum period of 12 months.

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

What Are the Key Eligibility Requirements for a Charity Worker visa?

In order to successfully apply for a Charity Worker visa, applicants must meet the following key requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age;
• Must have a job offer and a certificate of sponsorship from a Home Office approved licenced sponsor;
• Must genuinely intend to undertake the role for which they are being sponsored for;
• Must evidence they have sufficient money to support themselves or their sponsor must confirm that they will support the applicant. If, however an applicant has been in the UK with a valid visa for 12 months or more,
they
• ll not need to show proof that they have sufficient money to support themselves;
• May need to provide a tuberculosis (TB) certificate depending on which country the applicant resides in; and
• Must not have been given a Religious Worker or Charity Worker visa in the last year, unless they can prove they were outside the UK for the whole of that time.

How Long is a Charity Worker Visa Valid for?

A Charity Worker visa is granted for whichever is shorter of:

• 12 months after the start date of the job detailed in the certificate of sponsorship; or
• The time given on the certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days

Can a Charity Worker Visa be Extended?

Before the expiry of their visa, an applicant must apply to the Home Office to extend their stay in the UK.

The maximum time period applicants can stay on a Charity Worker visa is 12 months.

Can Dependants Join or Accompany Charity Workers?

The partner and children of an applicant can accompany or join them so long as they meet the eligibility criteria. If this is met, they will be issued a visa which will have the same end date as the Charity Worker visa holder.

How Long Does it Take For a Decision to be Made?

The Home Office will usually process a Charity Worker visa application within 3 weeks if the application is made from outside the UK. If an application is made within the UK a decision is usually made within 8 weeks.

If eligible, applicants will be advised whether they can apply to get a decision faster. The Home Office charge additional fees for these priority services.

How Much Does it Cost?

The Home Office fee for a Charity Worker visa is £259.

The fee is the same whether applicants are applying from inside or outside the UK.

Applicants and their dependants will not be required to pay the immigration health surcharge.This is usually £624 per year.

How We Can Help You

Our highly experienced team will provide expert advice and guidance to you throughout your immigration journey.

If you have any questions, please complete our online enquiry form or email us at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can call us on 01724 701111 and one of our experts will be happy to assist you.