Working on a Student Visa: Is It Possible In the UK?
In short, it is possible to do volunteer work on a tourist visa in the UK, but there are certain restrictions and conditions. Here’s what you need to know:
Volunteering on UK Tourist Visa: What you need to know
Unpaid Work Only:
You can only perform voluntary unpaid activities No payment for anything, not just zero compensation.
Permitted Organizations:
You can also volunteer with registered charities or non-profit organizations. Ensure that the organization is genuine and registered in the UK.
Short-Term Commitment:
Your visit cannot have the volunteer work as its main purpose; it should just be incidental. A tourist visa is used to travel for pleasure or when visiting friends and relatives.
Duration of Stay:
The tourism visa usually permits staying for a period not more than 6 months in total. This is your volunteer experience should be in this timeframe.
No Long-Term Role:
You cannot occupy positions that are typically seen as employment or require a similar level of commitment over time.
Key Considerations
Financial Support: You have to prove that you have enough funding for your stay and that you will not work or use state assistance.
Purpose and Intent: Be prepared to speak with UK immigration officials at the border as needed to ensure your volunteers meet the terms of inviting someone for a visa.
If you’re planning on doing a lot of volunteering, you might need to apply for an enrichment visa such as the Temporary Worker – Charity Worker visa (Tier 5). All UK government guidance is subject to change. Before you arrange anything, check the latest and consider seeking the advice of a solicitory.
FAQS
You may volunteer but at registered charities and nonprofit non-governmental organizations in a few cases. Your work cannot be paid, hired into it during your visit and not the reason for traveling.
No, you do not have to be paid or receive any services (ie, accommodation and food vouchers as compensation). You can not pay anyone for volunteering
Tourist visas usually have a maximum stay of 6 months, during which you can only volunteer for a limited time. Your volunteering should be within the time you are allowed to stay.
Yes if asked by uk immigration officers you need to explain clear your purpose and ensure comply with terms of visa. Know basic information about the organization and your role as a volunteer decision-maker.
You can only volunteer with registered charities or recognized non-profit organizations. Make sure that the organization follows UK law.