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🇬🇧work Visa

Temporary Work - Charity Worker

United Kingdom

Last updated: December 29, 2025

Duration

1 years

Visa Fee

$431

Time

3-8 weeks

Complexity

Medium

About this Visa

This visa lets you do unpaid volunteer work for a UK registered charity for up to 12 months. You work for free, but the charity can reimburse your expenses. It's a temporary visa—you can't stay in the UK permanently using this route. You can bring your spouse and children with you. You can also study or take a second job if needed. This visa is NOT a path to staying in the UK long-term. After 12 months, you must leave or switch to a different visa.

Key Benefits

  • Do unpaid volunteer work for a registered UK charity
  • Work a second job up to 20 hours per week in the same field
  • Bring your family (spouse and children)
  • Study while in the UK (some courses need extra permission)
  • Travel in and out of the UK with valid visa
  • No daily restrictions on free time activities

Eligibility & Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

  • Be 18 or older when you apply
  • Have a charity sponsor with a UK government license
  • Do unpaid work only (no salary or wages)
  • Work directly for the charity's mission (cannot do office work, retail, or maintenance)
  • No disqualifying criminal record
  • Have saved money (£1,270 or have sponsor support)
  • Cannot have held this visa in the past 12 months (unless outside UK entire time)

Financial Requirement

You must have $1,600 USD (£1,270) in savings and keep it there for 28 days. Your spouse needs $360 USD (£285). Your first child needs $398 USD (£315). Other children need $252 USD (£200) each. You can skip this if: (1) You already lived in the UK with a valid visa for 12+ months, OR (2) Your charity sponsor agrees to support you financially.

Documents

  • Charity sponsor confirmationReference number provided by charity
  • Valid passportRequired for entry
  • Bank statementsShowing $1,600+ USD savings (£1,270+)
  • Marriage certificateIf bringing spouse
  • Birth certificatesIf bringing children
  • TB test certificateIf from certain countries or staying over 6 months
  • Certified English translationIf any documents are in another language

Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.