You can apply for a Temporary Work – Charity Worker visa if:

• you want to do unpaid voluntary work for a charity
• you meet the other eligibility requirements

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

Sponsorship

You must have a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed employer before you can apply to come to the UK to work.

The work you do in the UK must relate to the work of your sponsor organisation.

How long it takes

You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day you are due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on your certificate of sponsorship.

Getting a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within:

• 3 weeks, if you’re outside the UK
• 8 weeks, if you’re inside the UK

If you need to go to an appointment, you may be able to pay for a faster decision. How you do this depends on whether you’re outside the UK or inside the UK.

How much it costs

You, your partner or children will each need to:

• pay the application fee
• pay the healthcare surcharge, which is usually £624 per year
• prove you have enough personal savings

Application fee

The application fee for each person applying is £259.

The fee is the same whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.

How long you can stay

You can stay for up to 12 months or the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.

You can enter the UK up to 14 days before the start date of your job.

What you can and cannot do

You can:

• study – for some courses you’ll need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate
• work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship
• do a second job in the same sector at the same level as your main job for up to 20 hours per week
• bring your partner and children with you, if they’re eligible

You cannot:

• receive any payment for work
• take a permanent job
• get public funds