United KingdomCulture, faith and volunteering
Explore the five recorded questions, answers and sources for this pathway.
Unpaid voluntary work for a charity; the work in the UK must relate to the work of the sponsor organisation.
you want to do unpaid voluntary work for a charity
The work you do in the UK must relate to the work of your sponsor organisation.
A licensed sponsor recognised by the UK government to issue certificates of sponsorship must assign the applicant a certificate of sponsorship.
You must have a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed employer before you can apply to come to the UK to work.
Your sponsor must be recognised by the UK government to issue certificates of sponsorship.
The certificate of sponsorship reference number (valid for 3 months from assignment, holding the job and personal details) proves the placement, together with the sponsor's job information (e.g. working hours), a valid passport, evidence of savings (unless the sponsor certifies maintenance) and relationship proof for dependants.
A certificate of sponsorship is a unique reference number that holds information about the job you will do and your personal details. It is not a certificate or paper document. Your sponsor will give you the certificate of sponsorship. Your sponsor must also give you the information they used on your certificate about your job, for example your working hours. Your sponsor must be recognised by the UK government to issue certificates of sponsorship. Your certificate of sponsorship is valid for 3 months from the date it is assigned to you.
When you apply you’ll need to provide: your certificate of sponsorship reference number - your employer will give you this a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality evidence that you have enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK , for example bank statements (unless your certificate of sponsorship shows your employer can support you) proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they’re applying with you
The holder cannot receive any payment for work or take a permanent job; they may do a second job in the same sector at the same level for up to 20 hours per week. The sponsor may cover the holder's costs during the first month, up to £1,270, instead of personal savings.
do a second job in the same sector at the same level as your main job for up to 20 hours per week bring your partner and children with you, if they’re eligible You cannot: receive any payment for work take a permanent job
your employer can cover your costs during your first month in the UK, up to £1,270
Stay is up to 12 months or the time on the certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter; entry up to 14 days before the job start. Partner and children can come as dependants if eligible, their visas usually ending with the main holder's. A new visa cannot be obtained if a Religious Worker or Charity Worker visa was given in the last year unless outside the UK for that whole time. The official source does not state whether the host or activity can be changed.
You can stay for up to 12 months or the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter. You can enter the UK up to 14 days before the start date of your job.
bring your partner and children with you, if they’re eligible
If your partner or child’s application is successful, their visa will usually end on the same date as yours.
You cannot get this visa if you were given a Religious Worker or Charity Worker visa in the last year, unless you can prove you were outside the UK for the whole of that time.
These are the answers currently recorded in the catalogue. A missing or partial answer is not an eligibility decision.
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Not legal advice. No eligibility verdict or ranking. Check the linked sources before applying.