Charity Worker Visa UK: Benefits, Eligibility, Requirements, & Application Process

The Charity Worker Visa UK is for applicants seeking unpaid voluntary work in the UK. It is valid for up to one year. To get this visa you require a certificate of sponsorship. Moreover, the work you undertaking must be relevant to the sponsor organisation. The visa permits you to enter 14 days before starting your job. The Charity Worker Visa has replaced the Temporary Worker – Charity Worker Visa (T5). The Charity Worker Visa application costs around £298. Keep reading to learn about the eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, financial requirements, application process, processing time and more.

Benefits of Getting the Charity Worker Visa UK

The Charity Worker Visa grants you the following benefits:

• You can study in the UK. (Some courses do require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate)
• You are also permitted to work for your sponsor (named in the certificate of sponsorship)
• Moreover, you can take up a second job in the same sector, at the same level
• You are also permitted to bring your dependents (children/partner) to the UK (That is if they meet the requirements)

However, there are a few drawbacks. You are not permitted to take up a permanent job or receive any payment for work. You will also not be able to access the public funds.

Basic Eligibility Requirements for a Charity Worker Visa UK

The following are the eligibility criteria to obtain a Charity Worker Visa 

• Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application
• Must get a certificate of sponsorship reference number from the UK sponsor 
• Moreover, you must have sufficient funds to support yourself for the duration of your stay. The minimum amount you need is EUR 1270.

What is the Certificate of Sponsorship Requirement for the Charity Worker Visa UK?

The certificate of sponsorship is not a certificate! Instead, it is a reference number given by the employer who is going to hire you. The certificate of sponsorship will include all the information about the job that you are going to undertake. For example, the job title, description of the job, salary, etc. Aside from that, the reference number would also contain your details. Only a sponsor that is recognised in the UK can grant a certificate of sponsorship.

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What are the Financial Requirements for a Charity Worker Visa UK?

You need to meet the financial requirements to get a charity worker visa. These requirements are as follows:

• You must have a minimum bank balance to support yourself. Proof of the same must be presented. The minimum amount you need is EUR 1270 in your bank account. You must have this amount for at least 28 days in a row.
• Your dependents must also have sufficient funds.
• Your employer can choose to support you. However, this must be mentioned in your certificate of sponsorship. 

Charity Worker Visa UK Requirements (Documents)

Certain documents have to be submitted for the visa application process. These documents verify your eligibility and your identity. 

• Certificate of Sponsorship reference number (provided by your employer)
• You must have a valid passport or a travel document. Your passport must have a blank page.
• Proof that you have sufficient funds in your bank account. For example, past 3-6 months bank statements.
• Submit documents that prove your relationship with your partner and children 
• Aside from that, you have to present a TB test certificate (to prove that you do not have tuberculosis)
• Translate all documents to English (if they are already not in English)

When to Apply for a UK Charity Worker Visa UK?

The Charity worker visa application can be sent at least 3 months before the date of starting work in the UK. You can check the certificate of Sponsorship to know this date. Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria, and have gathered the documents before sending an application.

How to Apply for a UK Charity Worker Visa UK?

Those who are living outside the UK can send in an online application. To apply, follow the steps below:

• VFS Global is the official partner of the UK Government for charity visa application 
• You can identify the visa application centre that is close to your location
• You are then required to submit your biometric information by visiting the centre
• You can then create an account in the  UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, and sign into your account. Otherwise, you can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to scan your documents.
• You wil be informed of further steps when you apply
• It is important to note that you need a visa appointment.  The visa application centre will collect your documents till a decision is made. 
• After a decision is made, your documents including your passport will be returned to you.

To learn more about the UK charity worker visa in this video:

Charity Worker Visa Application Fee

Pay the application fee for a charity worker visa. The visa fees are as follows:

Visa Name	Visa Fees
Charity Worker Visa UK	EUR 298

Charity Worker Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a UK charity worker visa is as follows:

Particulars	Processing Time
If you are applying from the UK	8 weeks
If you are applying from outside the UK	3 weeks

Duration of Stay Permitted to a Charity Worker 

You can stay in the UK for 12 months with a Charity Worker Visa UK. Otherwise, you can stay in the UK for the time specified in your certificate of sponsorship. An additional 14 days of stay is granted in such cases. You wil get the visa depending on whichever option requires a shorter stay.

You are permitted to enter the UK 14 days before the commencement of your job.

Can I Extend my Charity Worker Visa UK?

Yes. You can extend your stay if you are holding a Charity worker visa. However, the application for a visa extension must be sent while you are staying in the UK. Moreover, the application must be sent before your current visa expires. You will typically get the visa extended for 1 more year or for the period of your charity work specified in the certificate of sponsorship (whichever is less).

Learn about the UK Work permit in detail

Can I Bring My Family on a Charity Worker Visa UK?

Yes. You can bring your family with you on a Charity worker visa UK as your ‘dependents’. However, there are certain conditions regarding it:

• In the case of husband/wife/civil partner/unmarried partner: You must be in a marriage/civil that is recognised in the UK. Moreover, you must be living together for at least 2 years, you must be living together for 2 years but cannot live together because of cultural reasons, working in different places, etc. Those who are not living together must prove that they are committed to each other.
• Your child (below the age of 18)- The child must live with you (unless due to educational reasons), and must not be married or in a civil partnership.
• You can bring your child above the age of 18 if they receive permission to stay in the UK as your dependent child.
• Aside from this you or your partner/child needs to have sufficient funds to cover their stay. That is EUR 285 for partners, EUR 315 for 1 child and EUR 200 for each additional child. 

What Happens if My Charity Worker Visa  UK Application is Rejected?

In case of a visa rejection, you have two options. The first option is to identify the reason for the visa rejection, correct the mistake, and apply again. That is, if your visa application has been rejected due to a lack of finances, ensure that you have money before you apply. Another option is to file an appeal. However, for an appeal you need to prove that the visa rejection has been unfair.

Things to Know Before Applying for a Charity Worker Visa UK

There are a few things that you need to keep in mind before applying for a Charity Worker visa. These are as follows:

• The Charity Worker visa is either given for the duration of work specified in the certificate of sponsorship (plus 14 days), or for 12 months (whichever is shorter). You cannot undertake paid work or a permanent position while you are on this visa.
• The dependents have to complete a visa application and pay their visa fee seperately. Applicants from certain countries like Denmark, France, Finland, etc will have their visa fee reduced to EUR 55. Indian applicants are not eligible for visa fee reduction.
• You need to pay for healthcare surcharge while making the visa application
• You can extend your charity worker visa. However, you need to apply for the same before your current visa expires
• Indian applicants will receive a decision on their visa application within 3 weeks. You can apply through VFS Global.

FAQs

We hope you now you know all about the Charity Worker Visa UK. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!

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