GOV.UK
Temporary Worker - Charity Worker visa (Tier 5)
Overview
You can apply for a Tier 5 (Temporary Worker - Charity Worker) visa if:
- you want to do unpaid voluntary work for a charity
- you’re from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland
- you meet the other eligibility requirements
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 will take
The earliest you can apply for a visa is 3 months before the date you’re due to start work. This date is on your certificate of sponsorship.
You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.
Check the guide processing times to see how long getting a visa might take in your country.
Fees
How much you pay for a visa depends who you’re applying for.
| Who you’re applying for | Fee |
|---|---|
| You | £244 |
| If you’re a citizen of Turkey or Macedonia | £189 |
| All dependants | £244 each |
Healthcare surcharge
You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application. Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.
If you’re applying to extend in the UK
You’ll need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.
Get a faster decision on your application
If you’re applying to extend in the UK you can pay an extra £800 for the super priority service. You’ll get a decision:
- by the end of the the next working day after your UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) appointment if your appointment is on a weekday
- 2 working days after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is at the weekend
Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.
How long you can stay
You can stay for up to 12 months or the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 28 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
- do a job on the Tier 2 shortage occupation list for up to 20 hours per week
- bring family members with you
You cannot:
- receive any payment for work
- take a permanent job
- get public funds