Voluntary workers
This section explains how you can apply to come to the United Kingdom to take part in voluntary work.
There is no provision under the immigration rules for voluntary workers to come to the United Kingdom. The information in this section is a concession outside the rules that has been made to support charity work and youth mobility.
As a voluntary worker there are strict rules on the type of work you can come to the United Kingdom to do and the length of time you can spend in the United Kingdom.
The voluntary worker category is a short-term immigration category. You will only be given permission to stay in the United Kingdom as a voluntary worker for a maximum of 12 months. At the end of this period you will need to return home. There is no limit to the number of times you can come to the United Kingdom as a voluntary worker, however you must not stay longer than 12 months on any visit and you must not plan to live permanently in the United Kingdom.
If you are currently in the United Kingdom under a different immigration category you will be able to extend your stay to undertake voluntary work if you meet all the eligibility requirements for the voluntary worker category.
Policy & Law
Contact
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Immigration enquiry bureau
0870 606 7766
UK Border Agency Lunar House, 40 Wellesley Road, Croydon, Surrey, CR9 2BY