Temporary Work - Charity Worker visa
For people doing unpaid voluntary work for a UK charity on a temporary basis.
The Temporary Work - Charity Worker visa is a UK work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~£319 application; CoS required; IHS ~£1,035/year) and processing time (~3 weeks), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Temporary Work - Charity Worker visa is for
For people doing unpaid voluntary work for a UK charity on a temporary basis.
Does not lead to settlement; temporary volunteering route.
Temporary Work - Charity Worker visa - eligibility criteria
- Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed charity sponsor
- Work is genuinely voluntary and unpaid
- Work directly furthers the charity's purpose
- Enough money to support yourself
- Not filling a paid role
Temporary Work - Charity Worker visa cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Temporary Work - Charity Worker visa (United Kingdom) is ~£319 application; CoS required; IHS ~£1,035/year, with an indicative processing time of ~3 weeks. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at GOV.UK.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Outside or inside the UK |
| Length of stay | Up to 12 months |
| Work rights | Unpaid voluntary work for the sponsoring charity only |
| Study rights | Study allowed |
| Government fee | ~£319 application; CoS required; IHS ~£1,035/year |
| Processing time | ~3 weeks |
| Route to PR | Does not lead to settlement; temporary volunteering route. |
Pathway & next steps
Does not lead to settlement; temporary volunteering route.
Many applicants also compare Creative Worker · Temporary Work - Creative Worker visa, Religious Worker · Temporary Work - Religious Worker visa, GAE · Temporary Work - Government Authorised Exchange visa. Run a free VisaChief check to see which UK route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Temporary Work - Charity Worker visa pitfalls we fix
Temporary Work - Charity Worker visa - frequently asked questions
How much does the Temporary Work - Charity Worker visa cost?
The Temporary Work - Charity Worker visa government fee is ~£319 application; CoS required; IHS ~£1,035/year. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at GOV.UK before applying.
How long does the Temporary Work - Charity Worker visa take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~3 weeks. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Temporary Work - Charity Worker visa lead to permanent residence?
Does not lead to settlement; temporary volunteering route.
Can I work on the Temporary Work - Charity Worker visa?
Work rights: Unpaid voluntary work for the sponsoring charity only.
Who can apply for the Temporary Work - Charity Worker visa?
For people doing unpaid voluntary work for a UK charity on a temporary basis.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official United Kingdom government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- GOV.UK - official United Kingdom immigration authority