Question 1

What exactly is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for the Charity Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a reference number provided by a UK charity that must be included in your Charity Worker visa application. It confirms that the charity is licensed to sponsor temporary workers and that they have agreed to sponsor your voluntary work in the UK. The CoS outlines the nature of your work and demonstrates that it aligns with the visa requirements.

Question 2

What is the Charity Worker visa (Temporary Work) and who is it for?

Accepted Answer

The Charity Worker visa (Temporary Work) is a UK immigration route for individuals wishing to undertake unpaid voluntary work for a charity in the UK. This visa is suitable for those who have secured a sponsorship from a UK-based charity and intend to engage in charitable activities without receiving a salary. It allows individuals to contribute to charitable causes while experiencing life in the UK. However, it does not lead to settlement in the UK.

Question 3

Can I receive any form of payment while on the Charity Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

Under the Charity Worker visa, you cannot receive wages or a salary. However, you may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred while volunteering, such as travel or meals. Your sponsor should outline any expenses they will cover in the Certificate of Sponsorship. Receiving any other form of payment could violate the visa terms and result in penalties.

Question 4

What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and how do I obtain one?

Accepted Answer

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a reference number provided by a UK charity, holding a valid sponsorship license, which confirms your role and personal details. To obtain a CoS, you must have an offer to undertake voluntary work from a charity that agrees to sponsor you. The charity will assess your role to ensure it aligns with their charitable objectives before issuing the CoS.

Question 5

Do I need to prove my English language proficiency for the Charity Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

There is no formal English language requirement for the Charity Worker visa. However, being proficient in English is beneficial for effective communication and integration during your voluntary work in the UK. It may also be advantageous for your personal and professional development while volunteering.

Question 6

How much money do I need to demonstrate I have for the financial requirements?

Accepted Answer

You need to demonstrate that you have at least £1,270 available to support yourself during your stay in the UK. These funds must be held in your account for at least 28 consecutive days, ending no more than 31 days before your visa application. If your sponsor is covering your maintenance, this must be indicated on your CoS.

Question 7

What financial documentation do I need to provide when applying for this visa?

Accepted Answer

You must show evidence of at least £1,270 in funds, maintained for at least 28 consecutive days, ending no more than 31 days before your application. Bank statements or a letter from your bank can serve as proof. If your sponsor covers your maintenance, this must be stated in your Certificate of Sponsorship, potentially exempting you from this requirement.

Question 8

Are there any educational or professional experience requirements for this visa?

Accepted Answer

There are no specific educational qualifications required for the Charity Worker visa. While relevant experience in charity work can be beneficial, it is not mandatory. The main requirement is to have a sponsorship from a UK charity willing to support your voluntary role.

Question 9

How long can I stay in the UK on a Charity Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

You can stay in the UK for up to 12 months on a Charity Worker visa. The exact duration will depend on the period specified in your Certificate of Sponsorship. It's important to note that this visa is temporary and does not allow for an extension or transition to settlement.

Question 10

Is there an English language requirement for the Charity Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

No, there is no English language requirement for the Charity Worker visa (Temporary Work). Applicants are not required to demonstrate proficiency in English as part of the application process.

Question 11

What is the application fee for the Charity Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

The application fee for the Charity Worker visa is £259. This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is unsuccessful. Additional costs may include healthcare surcharges and fees for any necessary documents, such as police clearance certificates.

Question 12

Do I need to provide a criminal record certificate for this visa application?

Accepted Answer

You may be required to provide a criminal record certificate if you have lived in specific countries for 12 months or more. It's essential to have a clean criminal record to qualify for the visa. Check the specific requirements based on your country of residence before applying.

Question 13

How long does it take to process a Charity Worker visa application?

Accepted Answer

The processing time for a Charity Worker visa is typically around 3 weeks from the date you submit your application and biometrics. However, this can vary based on demand and any additional checks required, so it's advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel date.

Question 14

What documents do I need to submit with my visa application?

Accepted Answer

You need to submit a valid passport or travel document, a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK charity, proof of funds, and potentially a criminal record certificate if applicable. Ensure all documents are current and meet UKVI guidelines.

Question 15

Can I switch to a different visa category while in the UK on a Charity Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot switch to a different visa category while in the UK on a Charity Worker visa. You must leave the UK and apply for a new visa from outside the country if you wish to change your immigration status. This visa is strictly temporary and does not lead to settlement.

Question 16

How long can I stay in the UK with a Charity Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

The Charity Worker visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 12 months, or the duration stated on your Certificate of Sponsorship, whichever is shorter. You must leave the UK when your visa expires.

Question 17

What happens if my Charity Worker visa application is refused?

Accepted Answer

If your Charity Worker visa application is refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the decision. You may have the option to request an administrative review if you believe there has been an error in the decision-making process. Alternatively, you can reapply, addressing the issues highlighted in the refusal letter.

Question 18

Can I extend my Charity Worker visa while in the UK?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot extend the Charity Worker visa beyond its initial period of up to 12 months. If you wish to continue working in the UK, you must apply for a different visa category.

Question 19

Can I bring family members with me on a Charity Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

Family members, such as your spouse or children, cannot accompany you on a Charity Worker visa. This visa does not permit dependents to join you in the UK. If your family wishes to visit, they will need to apply for visitor visas separately.

Question 20

What is the application fee for the Charity Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

The application fee for the Charity Worker visa is £259. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid when you submit your application online.

Question 21

What is the character and criminal record requirement for this visa?

Accepted Answer

Applicants must meet character and criminal record standards. This may include providing police clearance certificates from countries where you have lived for a period of time, especially if you will be working with vulnerable groups. Any past criminal offenses must be disclosed, and they could affect your application's success.

Question 22

How long does it take to process a Charity Worker visa application?

Accepted Answer

The processing time for a Charity Worker visa application is typically around three weeks from the date you provide your biometric information. However, it is advised to apply well in advance of your intended travel date to account for any potential delays.

Question 23

Do I need to apply for a biometric residence permit for this visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as part of your Charity Worker visa application, you will need to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) at a visa application center. This information is used to issue your biometric residence permit, which you must collect within 10 days of your arrival in the UK.

Question 24

Can I bring family members with me on a Charity Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

Family members cannot accompany you on a Charity Worker visa. This visa does not allow dependants to join you in the UK, so family members must apply for their own visas if they wish to accompany you.

Question 25

Can I volunteer for multiple charities on a Charity Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

You can volunteer for multiple charities, but all work must be unpaid and aligned with the terms outlined in your Certificate of Sponsorship. Each charity must also be a licensed sponsor, and any additional work should not interfere with your primary role specified in the CoS.

Question 26

What happens if my visa application is refused?

Accepted Answer

If your Charity Worker visa application is refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the refusal. You may have the option to apply for an administrative review or submit a new application if you can address the reasons for the original refusal.

Question 27

Is there a healthcare surcharge for the Charity Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of your visa application. This grants you access to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. The surcharge is calculated based on the duration of your stay, typically £624 per year.

Question 28

Can I switch to another visa category while on a Charity Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

You cannot switch to another visa category while in the UK on a Charity Worker visa. If you wish to change your visa type, you must leave the UK and apply for the new visa from outside the country.

Question 29

What types of activities are considered acceptable work for this visa?

Accepted Answer

Acceptable activities include unpaid charitable work directly benefiting a registered UK charity. Examples include assisting in charity-run educational programs, working at a homeless shelter, or participating in environmental conservation projects. The work must align with the charity's objectives and comply with the terms of your Certificate of Sponsorship.

Question 30

Am I allowed to work outside of my charitable role while on this visa?

Accepted Answer

No, you are not permitted to undertake paid work outside your charitable role while on a Charity Worker visa. The visa is specifically for unpaid voluntary work with the sponsoring charity, and engaging in other employment would violate your visa conditions.

Charity Worker visa (Temporary Work) FAQ

Featured Questions

What exactly is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for the Charity Worker visa?General00

What exactly is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for the Charity Worker visa?

What is the Charity Worker visa (Temporary Work) and who is it for?General0

What is the Charity Worker visa (Temporary Work) and who is it for?

Application Process Questions

Do I need to provide a criminal record certificate for this visa application?00

Do I need to provide a criminal record certificate for this visa application?

What happens if my Charity Worker visa application is refused?0

What happens if my Charity Worker visa application is refused?

Documents Questions

What financial documentation do I need to provide when applying for this visa?00

What financial documentation do I need to provide when applying for this visa?

What documents do I need to submit with my visa application?

What documents do I need to submit with my visa application?

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Can I receive any form of payment while on the Charity Worker visa?00

Can I receive any form of payment while on the Charity Worker visa?

What is the application fee for the Charity Worker visa?

What is the application fee for the Charity Worker visa?

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How long can I stay in the UK on a Charity Worker visa?

How long does it take to process a Charity Worker visa application?0

How long does it take to process a Charity Worker visa application?

General Questions

What exactly is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for the Charity Worker visa?00

What exactly is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for the Charity Worker visa?

What is the Charity Worker visa (Temporary Work) and who is it for?

What is the Charity Worker visa (Temporary Work) and who is it for?

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Can I receive any form of payment while on the Charity Worker visa?Costs & Fees00

Can I receive any form of payment while on the Charity Worker visa?

What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and how do I obtain one?General00

What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and how do I obtain one?

Do I need to prove my English language proficiency for the Charity Worker visa?General00

Do I need to prove my English language proficiency for the Charity Worker visa?

How much money do I need to demonstrate I have for the financial requirements?General00

How much money do I need to demonstrate I have for the financial requirements?

What financial documentation do I need to provide when applying for this visa?Documents00

What financial documentation do I need to provide when applying for this visa?

Are there any educational or professional experience requirements for this visa?General00

Are there any educational or professional experience requirements for this visa?

How long can I stay in the UK on a Charity Worker visa?Timeline00

How long can I stay in the UK on a Charity Worker visa?

Is there an English language requirement for the Charity Worker visa?General00

Is there an English language requirement for the Charity Worker visa?

Do I need to apply for a biometric residence permit for this visa?00

Do I need to apply for a biometric residence permit for this visa?

What happens if my visa application is refused?00

What happens if my visa application is refused?

What is the application fee for the Charity Worker visa?00

What is the application fee for the Charity Worker visa?

How long can I stay in the UK with a Charity Worker visa?00

How long can I stay in the UK with a Charity Worker visa?

How long does it take to process a Charity Worker visa application?00

How long does it take to process a Charity Worker visa application?

What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and how do I obtain one?00

What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and how do I obtain one?

Do I need to prove my English language proficiency for the Charity Worker visa?00

Do I need to prove my English language proficiency for the Charity Worker visa?

How much money do I need to demonstrate I have for the financial requirements?00

How much money do I need to demonstrate I have for the financial requirements?

Are there any educational or professional experience requirements for this visa?00

Are there any educational or professional experience requirements for this visa?

Is there an English language requirement for the Charity Worker visa?00

Is there an English language requirement for the Charity Worker visa?

Can I switch to a different visa category while in the UK on a Charity Worker visa?00

Can I switch to a different visa category while in the UK on a Charity Worker visa?

Can I extend my Charity Worker visa while in the UK?00

Can I extend my Charity Worker visa while in the UK?

Can I bring family members with me on a Charity Worker visa?00

Can I bring family members with me on a Charity Worker visa?

What is the character and criminal record requirement for this visa?00

What is the character and criminal record requirement for this visa?