Short intro: Planning to volunteer for a UK registered charity in 2025? This Temporary Worker route requires a licensed sponsor, a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), and roles that are genuinely unpaid. Below you’ll find typical costs, processing times and practical compliance tips—ideal for first-timers who haven’t travelled yet.
Quick Check: Are you set for the Charity route?
Resultados
#1. Do you already have a licensed sponsor (charity)?
#2. Is the role unpaid volunteering?
#3. Planned length of stay
#4. Documents & funds readiness
Submit and Accept VISA
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Table of Contents
What the Charity Worker visa is (and isn’t)
- Purpose: Allows you to come to the UK to do unpaid voluntary work for a registered charity.
- Paid work: Not permitted—only genuine volunteering (reasonable expenses may be reimbursed).
- Sponsor: The charity must be a licensed sponsor and issue a CoS.
- Length: Typically up to 12 months (temporary route).
- Dependants: Rules may be limited—check the latest policy before applying.
If your role is paid employment, consider other routes (e.g., Health & Care or Skilled Worker where eligible).
Typical costs you should expect (2025)
| Item | Typical Range (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application fee | ~£2xx – £4xx | Varies by location/service level; confirm current fee before paying. |
| Priority / Super Priority | £— (optional add-ons) | Availability varies by VAC/country and can change. |
| Biometrics / VAC charges | £0 – £2xx+ | Depends on centre and chosen services (e.g., out-of-hours). |
| Maintenance funds | Varies | Only needed if your sponsor does not certify your maintenance. |
| TB test (if applicable) | Local clinic fee | Only required for certain nationalities/lengths of stay. |
Fees and policies change—always check the most recent GOV.UK pages before submission.
Processing times & priority options
- Standard: Decision time varies by country/season; allow several weeks.
- Priority: Some VACs offer faster services at extra cost (limited capacity).
- Peak periods: Expect longer timelines around holidays and summer.
Book biometrics early and upload documents clearly to avoid re-checks.
Sponsor & applicant compliance tips
For the charity (sponsor)
- Ensure the voluntary role matches the CoS description (duties, location, dates).
- Keep right-to-work checks and contact details; report non-attendance/changes promptly.
- Do not assign duties equivalent to a paid employee or outside the charity’s scope.
For the applicant
- Keep copies of your CoS, application, and entry clearance documents.
- Stick to the volunteering only condition; paid work can breach visa rules.
- Track your visa expiry; this route is temporary and not a settlement path.
Step-by-step: from CoS to decision
- Confirm sponsorship: Charity is on the licensed sponsor register.
- Receive CoS: Check role title, duties, location, and dates.
- Prepare documents: Passport, maintenance evidence (if needed), TB test (if applicable).
- Apply online: Pay visa fee; book biometrics at a VAC; upload documents.
- Attend appointment: Provide biometrics; consider Priority if available and urgent.
- Decision: Follow vignette/eVisa instructions; start volunteering within the stated conditions.
Interlinking you should read next
FAQ & common mistakes
- Can I be paid? No—this route is for unpaid volunteering (reasonable expenses only).
- Can I switch to a work visa inside the UK? Switching rules are limited—check current GOV.UK guidance for your case.
- Can I bring family? Dependant rules are restricted; verify current policy before planning.
- Common mistake: Using a charity role to cover what is actually a paid job—this can cause refusals/compliance action.
© 2025 NextStep Europe — Educational content only, not legal advice.