Are there UK Charity Organizations Offering Visa Sponsorship? The prospect of moving to the United Kingdom is an enticing opportunity for individuals from all corners of the world. It offers the chance to experience a rich cultural tapestry, pursue career opportunities, and embrace a new way of life.
Among the various visa options available, the UK Temporary Worker Charity Worker Visa has emerged as one of the most straightforward pathways to make this dream a reality. In this blog post, we will explore the intricacies of this visa category in detail. We will cover how to find organizations authorized to sponsor your visa, its advantages, and the potential opportunities that await you.
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Understanding the UK Temporary Worker Charity Worker Visa
WHILE NOT NEW, the UK Temporary Worker Charity Worker Visa has recently garnered increased attention. This surge in interest is due to the rising number of individuals already residing in the UK on this visa and successfully navigating the charity sector. This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive overview of this visa, offering insights into the intricacies of obtaining it, the avenues for securing sponsorships, and the nature of the work it entails.
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The UK Charity Worker Visa, sometimes called the UK Volunteer Visa, is a short-term temporary work visa that permits overseas nationals to work in the UK’s charitable sector. This visa offers several benefits, such as studying, pursuing a secondary job in the same sector as your primary role, and bringing your spouse and children (or dependents) with you to the UK. Notably, there is no requirement for an IELTS score to apply for this visa.
When granted a UK Charity Worker Visa, you can stay in the UK for up to 12 months or for the duration indicated on your COS, plus an additional 14 days. The flexibility of this visa is a significant advantage, as you can extend it repeatedly as long as the 12-month limit has not been reached.
Eligibility for the Charity Worker Visa
The UK Charity Worker Visa eligibility criteria are open to applicants from various countries. Individuals from countries such as Albania, Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Ivory Coast, Japan, Kosovo, Mali, Mauritius, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Senegal, Serbia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tunisia, and more have successfully applied for this visa.
One of the fundamental prerequisites for obtaining a UK Temporary Worker Charity Worker Visa is securing a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) from an authorized sponsor organization. These licensed organizations play a pivotal role in facilitating the process for individuals seeking to work in the charitable sector in the UK.
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To identify these sponsoring entities, you can refer to the official UK government website, which maintains a comprehensive register of licensed sponsors. This registry encompasses various visa categories, including the Skilled Worker Visa, Temporary Worker Visa, and Creative Worker Visa. To streamline your search and focus exclusively on charity worker sponsors, apply the following filter:
Steps to Find Licensed Charity Worker Sponsors:
Access the official UK government register of licensed sponsors.
Select “Temporary Worker” from the available visa types.
Further, refine your search by specifying “Charity Worker” as the subcategory.
By following these steps, you will gain access to a curated list of organizations with the authority to sponsor charity worker visas. It’s important to note that inclusion in this list does not guarantee that these organizations are hiring. Instead, it signifies that they possess the credentials to sponsor your visa should you secure a position with them.
Another Method For Finding and Applying for UK Charity Worker Jobs
To secure a COS and proceed with your Visa application, you can take one of two approaches:
1. Directly Visit the Company Websites:
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Navigate to the websites of the companies mentioned above and search for charity worker job openings that align with your qualifications and interests. Most of these companies post job listings on their websites.
Explore popular job search engines like CompanyJob.co.uk, Total Jobs, LinkedIn Jobs, and Indeed. Use relevant keywords, such as “charity worker jobs in the UK,” to find job listings related to this visa category.
Once you’ve identified suitable job openings, carefully review the application instructions provided by each employer. Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. If your application is shortlisted, you will be issued a COS, a crucial step in the visa application process.
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Exploring Your Options
Compiling licensed charity worker sponsors is diverse and comprises various organizations. These entities range from charitable foundations and churches to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other institutions. Each has its unique mission and purpose.
To make an informed decision, invest time researching these organizations and gaining insight into their core values, projects, and potential employment opportunities. Visit their career pages to check for any active job vacancies and find details on the application process.
Remembering that charity work typically involves voluntary service without monetary compensation is essential. However, sponsors may offer stipends, accommodations, and other support to sustain your well-being while you contribute to their mission. Moreover, this visa category allows you to bring your family to the UK, granting your spouse the freedom to seek full-time employment and explore Tier 2 sponsorship opportunities if desired.
Can You Switch to a Tier 2 Visa?
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While the UK government’s official website does not explicitly state whether you can transition from a charity worker visa to a Tier 2 visa, it is noteworthy that charity worker visas are not included in the list of visas prohibited from switching. To gain further clarity on this matter or explore the feasibility of transitioning to a Tier 2 visa, it is advisable to conduct additional research or seek clarification from the Home Office.
The United Kingdom is home to some of the most prominent charity organizations in the world. These organizations have worked tirelessly to provide resources and aid to those in need for many years. As a result, these charities have been offering visa sponsorship to individuals looking to work and volunteer in the UK. Here’s a list of the top five charity companies in the U.K. offering visa sponsorship:
Other Top UK Charity Organizations Offering Visa Sponsorship
Oxfam: Oxfam is a global organization dedicated to fighting poverty and injustice. They offer visa sponsorship to individuals who want to work with their organization in the UK.
The British Red Cross: The British Red Cross is a leading international humanitarian charity organization. They offer visa sponsorship to individuals who work and volunteer with their organization in the UK.
Save the Children: Save the Children is an international charity that works to end child poverty. They offer visa sponsorship to individuals employed by or volunteering with the organization in the UK.
Christian Aid: Christian Aid is a worldwide charity organization fighting global poverty. They offer visa sponsorship to individuals employed by or volunteering with the organization in the UK.
World Vision: World Vision is a global charity organization assisting the most vulnerable children to escape poverty and live fulfilled lives. They offer visa sponsorship to individuals employed by or volunteering with the organization in the UK.
How long does it take?
You can apply for a visa up to three months before your start date in the UK. This date is printed on your sponsorship certificate.
You must establish your identification and give your documentation as part of your application.
Allow additional time if you need to make an appointment to accomplish this. When you start your application, you’ll find out if you need one.
Making a decision
After you’ve applied online, verified your identification, and submitted your papers, you should get a verdict on your visa within:
If you are not in the UK, it will take three weeks.
If you live in the UK, it will take eight weeks.
You may be able to pay for a speedier decision if you need to attend an appointment. Your method depends on whether you are outside or within the UK.
What is the price?
You, your partner, or your children must all:
Make payment for the application fee
Pay the healthcare surcharge, typically £624 per year – you can find out how much you’ll have to pay to prove you have enough personal funds and examine how much is required in the eligibility requirements.
Application fee- The application price is £259 per person. The application fee is the same whether you apply from within or outside the UK.
