What is a UK Charity Worker Visa?
The Tier 5 Charity Worker Visa UK is designed to allow individuals to engage in voluntary work for a charitable organization in the UK. This visa permits holders to study and work for their sponsoring charity as indicated on the certificate of sponsorship. Additionally, holders may take on a second job within the same sector for up to 20 hours per week, provided there is a shortage of UK workers in that sector. Family members are also allowed to accompany the visa holder to the UK.
Key Points
- Nature of Work: Engage in unpaid voluntary work for a charity.
- Study and Work: Permits studying and working for the sponsoring charity. A second job within the same sector is allowed for up to 20 hours per week if there is a shortage of UK workers.
- Family Members: Allowed to accompany the visa holder to the UK.
Restrictions
- No Payment: The visa holder cannot receive payment for any work or take on a permanent job.
- Public Funds: Not permitted to receive public funds, such as housing benefits.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a Temporary Work – Charity Worker visa, applicants must:
- Intend to undertake unpaid voluntary work for a charity.
- Meet all other eligibility requirements for this visa category.
Criteria of Sponsorship
- Certificate of Sponsorship: Applicants must possess a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed employer. The work must be relevant to the activities of the sponsoring organization.
Duration and Application Timing
- Application Timing: Apply for the visa within 3 months prior to the start date of the work in the UK, as indicated on the sponsorship letter.
- Verification: Identity and documents verification is part of the application process. Additional processing time may be required, depending on the situation.
Decision Timeframe
- Outside the UK: Expect a decision within 3 weeks.
- Within the UK: Expect a decision within 8 weeks.
Application Process
- Application Fee: The fee remains the same whether applying from inside or outside the UK.
- Duration of Stay: Up to 12 months or the duration specified on the sponsorship certificate plus 14 days, whichever is shorter. Entry to the UK is allowed up to 14 days before the job start date.
Permitted Activities:
- Study (certain courses may require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate).
- Work for the sponsor as outlined in the certificate of sponsorship.
- Engage in a second job within the same sector or a job on the Skilled Worker shortage occupation list for up to 20 hours per week.
- Bring eligible family members.
Restricted Activities:
- Receiving payment for work.
- Taking or applying for a permanent job.
- Receiving public funds.
Disclaimer
The information above is not legal advice, and any reference to legal solutions or information regarding UK Immigration is sourced from Gov.uk (the official UK immigration website). ImmigrationHUB.co.uk does not provide legal advice or counsel. Any legal matters are dealt with directly by our partnered firms, which are registered by the governing societies in their area of operations.
