the UK Visas and Immigration department continues to offer the Temporary Work Charity Worker Visa. This visa is for people who want to do unpaid voluntary work in the United Kingdom for a registered charity. It allows you to live in the UK for a short time while helping a charitable cause.
Details About UK Charity Worker Visa
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Name | UK Charity Worker Visa 2026 |
| Visa Type | Temporary Work Visa |
| Purpose | To allow individuals to do unpaid voluntary work for a UK charity |
| Validity Period | Up to 12 months |
| Eligibility Age | 18 years or older |
| Certificate of Sponsorship | Required from a licensed UK charity |
| Financial Requirement | At least £1,270 in savings or sponsor support |
| Visa Fee | Around £298 |
| Health Surcharge (IHS) | About £1,035 per year |
| Work Permission | Only voluntary unpaid charity work allowed |
| Settlement Option | Not eligible for permanent residence |
| Dependants | Allowed with extra financial proof |
| Decision Time | 3 weeks (outside UK) or 8 weeks (inside UK) |
| Extension | Possible within 12-month limit |
| Application Method | Online via UK Government visa portal |
| TB Test | Required for some countries |
| Public Funds | Not allowed |
What Is the Charity Worker Visa
The Charity Worker Visa is part of the Temporary Worker category. It lets foreign nationals volunteer for UK charities under specific rules. The work must be unpaid except for basic expenses and it must directly support the charity’s goals.
Features of the Visa
- Valid for up to 12 months or the time listed on your Certificate of Sponsorship plus 14 days whichever is shorter
- You may arrive in the UK up to 14 days before your work begins
- You cannot get permanent residence through this visa
- You must only work in the role you were sponsored for
- You are not allowed to earn a salary except for reasonable expense reimbursements
Eligibility Criteria
Age
You must be 18 years or older when applying.
Certificate of Sponsorship
You need a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed charity in the UK. The sponsor must be rated A and hold a valid licence. The certificate proves that your work is voluntary and supports the charity’s activities. It must be issued within 3 months before applying and the start date must be within 3 months ahead.
Financial Maintenance
You must show at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 continuous days before you apply. Your sponsor can also confirm on the certificate that they will support you with that amount. Extra funds are required for your partner or children if they apply with you.
Previous Visa Rule
You cannot have held a Charity Worker or Religious Worker visa in the last 12 months unless you can prove you were outside the UK during that time.
Nature of the Role
The work must be voluntary and part of the charity’s main mission. It must not be a paid job or a position that is normally filled by employees.
Other Conditions
You must meet immigration standards such as having a clean record and following previous visa rules. You may need a TB test certificate depending on your home country. You must also show your passport or travel document to confirm your identity.
Documents
- Passport or travel document
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
- Proof of bank balance or sponsor support
- TB certificate if required
- Proof of relationship for dependants
- Identity photos or ID cards
- Any previous visa details
Also See: UK Work Visa 2026 – New Rules Skill Levels Salary and Eligibility Explained
Application Process Step by Step
Apply Online
Complete the form on the UK government visa website.
Pay Fees and Health Surcharge
You must pay an application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge to use NHS services.
Biometrics or ID Check
You will either use the UK Immigration ID Check app or visit a visa application centre to give fingerprints and photos.
Submit Documents
Upload or hand over your documents as instructed in your country.
Wait for a Decision
If applying from outside the UK the decision usually takes 3 weeks. If applying from inside the UK it can take 8 weeks. Faster options may be available with priority or super priority services.
Fees and Costs
- The visa fee is around £298
- The Immigration Health Surcharge costs about £1,035 per year
- Faster processing options cost extra
- Each dependant must pay their own visa and health fees
Rules After Arrival
Once you enter the UK you must follow these rules
- You can only do the voluntary role listed on your sponsorship
- You can study part time but some courses need extra permission
- You can do a second unpaid role in the same field up to 20 hours per week
- You cannot take paid jobs
- You cannot apply for settlement
- You cannot claim public funds or benefits
Extension Rules
You can extend your visa if it is shorter than 12 months but the total stay cannot go beyond one year. You must still meet all the requirements. To apply again for this visa you need to wait 12 months after your previous one ends unless you stayed outside the UK during that period.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying too early or too late based on your Certificate of Sponsorship
- Using an expired or used certificate
- Submitting documents that are not in English without translation
- Doing work that looks like a paid job
- Ignoring the 12 month cooling off rule
Conclusion
The UK Charity Worker Visa 2026 is an ideal choice for people who want to volunteer for a UK charity on a short term basis. To qualify you need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed charity and enough money to support yourself. The work must be unpaid and directly linked to the charity’s goals. The visa lasts up to 12 months and does not lead to settlement. If you follow the process carefully and provide all required proof your application has a good chance of success.