If you’re a Nigerian considering volunteering in the UK, the UK Charity Worker visa (Temporary Work) offers a fantastic opportunity to legally engage in short-term unpaid work in the nonprofit sector. This guide breaks down what the visa entails, eligibility criteria, costs, and application steps, making it easier for you to plan your journey.
What is the Charity Worker Visa?
The UK Charity Worker visa is a short-term visa for individuals aged 18 or older who wish to volunteer with a UK-registered charity. It allows foreign nationals to perform temporary, unpaid charity work for a licensed sponsor, provided the organisation is authorised by the UK Home Office.
This visa replaces the previous Temporary Worker-Charity Worker visa (T5) under the updated immigration rules.
What Does the Charity Worker Visa Allow?
With a Charity Worker visa, you can:
- Stay in the UK for up to 12 months or the duration specified on your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), plus an additional 14 days.
- Bring your spouse and dependent children under 18, provided they meet specific relationship and financial requirements.
However, all work must be voluntary and unpaid. Permanent jobs, paid work, and access to public funds such as pensions or benefits are not permitted.
Who Can Apply?
This visa is open to foreign nationals who:
- Are at least 18 years old.
- Agree to perform voluntary work for a UK-licensed charity for up to 12 months.
- Have a Certificate of Sponsorship from a registered UK charity.
Visitors to the UK can volunteer during their stay if working with a charity registered in England, Wales, or Scotland. However, they cannot switch to the Charity Worker visa while in the UK—they must apply from their home country.
Key Requirements for a Charity Worker Visa
To apply, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be 18 years or older.
- Hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK charity.
- Meet the financial requirements: have at least £1,270 in personal savings.
- Genuinely intend to carry out unpaid, voluntary charity work.
- Avoid work outside of the sponsored role.
- Not be affected by the “cooling-off period” (if you previously held this visa within the past 12 months).
Dependents (spouse or children) must meet specific conditions:
- Spouses must prove they’ve been in a relationship for at least two years if unmarried.
- Dependent children must be under 18 and living with the visa holder.
Financial Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and any dependents:
- £1,270 for the main applicant.
- £285 for a dependent partner.
- £315 for the first dependent child.
- £200 for each additional child.
Funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days before applying.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online from outside the UK. Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Pay the application fee (£259 per person) and the Immigration Health Surcharge (£624 for adults, £470 for children under 18).
- Submit required documents, including your passport, proof of financial savings, and a Certificate of Sponsorship.
- If applicable, provide a TB test result.
- Verify your identity via the UK Immigration: ID Check app or at a visa application centre.
Processing typically takes three weeks.
Costs
- Application Fee: £259 per applicant (including dependents).
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £624 for adults, £470 for children under 18.
Can You Extend the Visa?
Extensions are only possible if the initial leave was less than 12 months, and applicants must still meet all eligibility criteria. The extension application fee is £259. Dependents must apply separately for their extensions.
Can a Charity Worker Visa Lead to Settlement?
Unfortunately, the Charity Worker visa does not lead to indefinite leave to remain (settlement). However, you may switch to a different visa pathway that offers settlement opportunities later.
For Nigerians in the UK aspiring to contribute to the nonprofit sector, this visa offers a fulfilling opportunity to make a difference while staying compliant with UK immigration laws.
For more information, visit the official UK Government website: UK Charity Worker Visa Guide.
Feel free to share this article with your friends and family through Naija UK Connect! Together, we can help each other navigate life abroad.
Join Our WhatsApp Channel
Stay updated on the latest UK news, including education, health, job openings, and more for those living in the UK!
Join here: Naija UK Channel
Also, follow us on our social media channels for the latest updates and discussions:
- Twitter: @NaijaUKConnect
- Facebook: Naija UK Connect
- Instagram: @naijaukconnect
Good day.
My name’s are Endurance Ihanza, a Nigerian, married with (2) two kids age 6/4, I’m very much interested in participating in the charity work in the UK.
You can apply directly following the link by clicking it! Have you joined our WhatsApp channel yet? If not, feel free to join for more updates: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029VasSEmu2ER6hpgxlyh3n📲