Tier 5 (Temporary worker - charity workers)
This section explains how you can come to the UK or remain here under the Tier 5 (Temporary workers - charity workers) sub-category of the points-based system.
Increased funds required for Tier 5 applications from 14 June 2012
On 15 March 2012, a written ministerial statement was laid in Parliament outlining a number of changes to the Immigration Rules.
From 14 June 2012 (6 April 2012 for the Youth mobility scheme), the personal savings you must have to support your application will increase. If you plan to make a Tier 5 application on or after 14 June 2012, you must ensure the correct funds are held in your account as soon as possible.
On this page
What is the charity worker sub-category?
This sub-category is for people coming to the UK to do voluntary (unpaid) work for a charity. The work must be directly related to the work of your sponsor's organisation.
Who can apply as a charity worker?
Before you apply under Tier 5 (Temporary workers - charity workers), you must have:
- a sponsor; and
- a valid certificate of sponsorship.
When you apply, you will be awarded points based on your sponsorship and available maintenance (funds).
You can make an application if:
- you are currently outside the UK; or
- you are already here in the Tier 5 (Temporary workers - charity workers) sub-category and you want to extend your stay (up to a maximum total stay of 12 months - see below).
If you are already in the UK in a different immigration category, you cannot apply to 'switch' into the Tier 5 (Temporary workers - charity workers) sub-category.
How long can you stay?
If we give you permission to come to the UK under Tier 5 (Temporary workers - charity workers), you can live and work here for a maximum time of 12 months or the time given in your certificate of sponsorship plus 28 days, whichever is shorter.
This time must begin no more than 14 days before the start date given on your certificate of sponsorship.
If you need to be able to go from and return to the UK for your job
If you will need to leave and come back to the UK quite often as part of your job, your sponsor can assign a multiple entry certificate of sponsorship to you. You will be able to enter and leave the UK during the time when you have permission to live and work here.
If you leave the UK and you were given permission to stay for 6 months or less, your permission to stay will end when you leave the UK. You will not be able to come back using your Tier 5 (Temporary workers - charity workers) visa. You will need to apply again from abroad in order to come back to the UK.
Application forms
Tier 5 (Temporary worker) - for applications made inside the UK
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Terms explained
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Non-visa national
A non-visa national is a national or citizen of any country that is NOT listed in Appendix 1 of the immigration rules (nationals of countries listed in Appendix 1 are visa nationals). A non-visa national does not need a visa to come to the United Kingdom for less than six months, unless it is a requirement of the immigration category under which they are entering. A non-visa national coming to the United Kingdom for more than six months will need a visa.