Temporary workers - charity workers
This section explains how you can come to the United Kingdom or remain here as a charity worker (Tier 5 Temporary Worker) under our points-based system to work in the United Kingdom.
On this page
What is the charity worker category?
The charity worker category is for people coming to the United Kingdom to do voluntary work for charity, which is not paid work. 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 the charity worker category, you must have:
- a sponsor; and
- a valid certificate of sponsorship.
When you apply you are awarded points based on your sponsorship and available maintenance (funds). (85)
You can apply under the charity worker category now if you are:
- applying for permission to enter the United Kingdom (known as 'entry clearance') under the charity worker category;
- already in the United Kingdom as a charity worker and want to extend your permission to stay if you have been here for less than 12 months, which is the maximum time you are allowed to stay.
Switching is not allowed in or out of the charity worker category.
Go to our visa services website if you are applying from outside the United Kingdom. There you can find out more about the process in the country you are applying from and download the application forms.
How long can you stay?
If you are given permission to stay as a charity worker, you will be able to live and work in the United Kingdom for a maximum time of 12 months, or the time given in your certificate of sponsorship plus 28 days, which ever time is shorter.
If you need to be able to come and go from the United Kingdom with your job
If you need to leave and come back to the United Kingdom quite a few times as part of the job you are doing, you can get a multiple entry certificate of sponsorship. Your sponsor will give you a multiple entry certificate of sponsorship that allows you to come and go from the United Kingdom a number of different times during the length of your certificate.
If you have permission to come (entry clearance) for any length of time, you will be able to leave and come back to the United Kingdom during the time you have permission.
If you leave the United Kingdom and you were given six months or less permission to stay (leave to remain), you will not be able to come back as your permission to stay ends when you leave the United Kingdom. You must apply again to be able to come back.
News & updates
- Tier 5 (temporary worker) - government authorised exchange - additional guidance
- Overseas government employees switching into Tier 5 (temporary worker) - international agreements
- Points-based system: approved English language tests for Tier 1 and Tier 2
- Government-approved shortage occupation list for Tier 2 of the points-based system
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.