Charity Worker Visa

The Charity Worker visa is a temporary route for people coming to the UK to do unpaid voluntary work for a charity. The charity must hold a sponsor licence and assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This route is for genuine voluntary work only: you cannot receive any payment for the work.

Who may be eligible

• People offered unpaid voluntary work by a UK charity with a sponsor licence.
• Volunteers whose work contributes directly to the charity's purpose, rather than filling a normal paid job.

Key requirements

• A valid CoS from a licensed charity sponsor.
• The work must be voluntary, and you must not be paid for it.
• Maintenance: £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days, unless an exemption applies.
• A genuine intention to do the voluntary work.
• There is no English language requirement.

At the time of writing, the Home Office application fee is £340.

How long you can stay

You can stay for the shorter of 12 months or the period on your CoS plus 14 days. This is a temporary route and does not lead to settlement.

Partners and children

Your partner and children may be able to apply to join you as dependants, subject to the requirements.

Information for charities

A charity needs a Temporary Worker sponsor licence covering this route. The CoS fee for Temporary Worker routes is currently £55. The charity must make sure the role is genuinely voluntary and must meet its record-keeping and reporting duties.

Recent and upcoming changes

The latest changes to the Immigration Rules, which take effect from 8 October 2026, do not change this route. We check the position again before every application.

How the application works

1. The charity confirms it holds a sponsor licence covering the Charity Worker route, or applies for one.
2. The sponsor assigns a CoS, which gives you a reference number to use in your application.
3. You apply online and prove your identity, which may include attending an appointment.
4. The Home Office decides the application. You must not start the voluntary work until you have permission to do so.

Documents and evidence commonly needed

• A valid passport or other travel document.
• Your CoS reference number.
• Information about the voluntary role and the charity's work.
• Bank statements showing the required funds, unless you are exempt or your sponsor certifies maintenance.
• Any other documents the Home Office asks for, such as translations of documents not in English or Welsh.

Common problems we help with

• Checking that a role is genuine voluntary work and not disguised employment.
• Expenses and benefits that could be treated as payment.
• Sponsor licence applications and compliance for charities.

How Stonebridge can help

We check eligibility, review the CoS and supporting evidence, prepare and submit the application, and advise charities on the sponsor licence and their sponsor duties.

To discuss a Charity Worker application, book a consultation.