If you want to apply for a UK Charity Worker visa, call our immigration solicitors in London on 020 3417 3700. We can help with your Charity Worker visa application by providing expert guidance, legal advice, and support throughout the process.

Table of Contents

  1. What is a Charity Worker visa?
  2. Eligibility requirements for a Charity Worker visa
  3. Certificate of sponsorship
  4. Documents required for Charity Worker visa
  5. How to apply for a Charity Worker visa UK?
  6. UK Charity Worker visa application processing time
  7. How long you can stay in the UK?
  8. How can Wembley Solicitors help with the Charity Worker visa?
  9. Need legal advice and assistance?

What is a Charity Worker visa?

The Charity Worker visa is a temporary work visa designed for individuals who want to do unpaid voluntary work for a charity. Like other temporary work visas, applicants needed a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed sponsor in the UK. The sponsoring organisation must be a recognised charity or meet specific criteria for voluntary work.

The temporary work visa category covered various temporary work roles, and the Charity Worker visa specifically focused on those working for charitable or voluntary organizations.

The Charity Worker visa has replaced the “Temporary Worker - Charity Worker visa (T5)”.

For individuals looking to apply for a Charity Worker visa or seek further guidance, it is advisable to consult immigration solicitors. At Wembley Solicitors, we specialise in UK immigration law and visa applications. We can provide expert advice and support throughout the Charity Worker visa application process. For assistance, contact Wembley Solicitors at 0203 417 3700.

Eligibility requirements for a Charity Worker visa

To be eligible for a Charity Worker visa, the applicant must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Age Requirement: You must be 18 years or older.
  • Genuine Job Offer: You should have a genuine offer of employment as a charity worker from a sponsoring organisation in the UK.
  • Job Role: Your role must be related to the charitable or voluntary work carried out by the sponsoring organisation.
  • Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Your employer had to provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is a reference number that you include in your visa application.
  • Maintenance Funds: You had to prove that you could support yourself financially during your stay in the UK. This usually involved providing bank statements or other financial documents.

You must meet all other eligibility requirements depending on your circumstances.

You cannot get this visa if you were given a Religious Worker or Charity Worker visa in the last year unless you can prove you were outside the UK for the whole of that time.

Certificate of sponsorship

To be eligible for a Charity Worker visa, the applicant must have a confirmed job offer from a Home Office licenced sponsor (Employer). Your sponsor will provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) that you will need for your visa application.

A certificate of sponsorship is a unique reference number that holds information about the job you’ll do and your details. It’s not an actual certificate or paper document.

Documents required for Charity Worker visa

When you apply for a Charity Worker visa, you’ll need to provide:

  • a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality.
  • your certificate of sponsorship reference number - your employer will give you this.
  • evidence that you have enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK, for example, bank statements (unless your certificate of sponsorship shows your employer can support you)
  • proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they’re applying with you.
  • your tuberculosis (TB) test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test.

You must provide all other supporting documents depending on your circumstances.

How to apply for a Charity Worker visa UK?

To apply for the UK Charity Worker visa, applicants must gather the required documentation, including a valid job offer, proof of financial stability, and a completed application form. They must also pay the relevant visa fees. The application can be submitted online, and applicants should allow sufficient time for processing and decision-making.

UK Charity Worker visa application processing time

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity, and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your Charity Worker visa within 3 weeks if you’re outside the UK. You should get a decision within 8 weeks when applying from inside the UK.

How long you can stay in the UK?

If the application is successful, you’ll be given a Charity Worker visa to live and work in the UK for up to 12 months, or up to 14 days more than the time on your certificate of sponsorship. You may be sponsored for a shorter period. You can enter the UK up to 14 days before the start date of your job.

How can Wembley Solicitors help with the Charity Worker visa?

When it comes to navigating the complexities of the Charity Worker visa, it's essential to have the right guidance and support. At Wembley Solicitors, we specialise in immigration law and visa applications, offering expert advice to individuals seeking temporary work opportunities in the UK.

Our dedicated solicitors understand the importance of a smooth visa application journey. With Wembley Solicitors by your side, you can have peace of mind knowing that your application is in capable hands. We aim to simplify the process, ensuring that you meet all the necessary eligibility criteria and provide the required documentation.

Applying for a Charity Worker visa can be a complex and time-consuming process. Our dedicated team at Wembley Solicitors has extensive experience in assisting individuals with their visa applications, ensuring a smooth and successful journey. Contact us today at 0203 417 3700 to secure expert guidance and support.

We provide expert advice, practical assistance, and professional representation to guide you through the application and decision-making process, from start to finish. 

We're authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), so you know you're in safe hands.

Contact our solicitor today to get legal advice and assistance with your UK immigration matters.

You can call us on 02034173700 or leave your details here for a callback request regarding your legal matter.

Legal Disclaimer

The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Moeen & Co. Solicitors before making any decisions based on the information provided on this website.

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