20 volunteer jobs in uk for foreigners with visa sponsorship 2024

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the specific visa requirements for each volunteer job is crucial.
• Each job type has a unique set of eligibility criteria and application procedures.
• Sponsorship from a licensed sponsor is mandatory for most volunteer positions.
• Volunteer opportunities are diverse, ranging from skilled worker positions to creative roles.
• Application links and detailed procedures are readily available to facilitate the application process.

1. Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker Visa is designed for individuals who have been offered a skilled job in the UK by an employer who is approved by the Home Office. To qualify, applicants must meet several criteria:

• You must have a confirmed job offer before you apply for the visa.
• You must work for a UK employer approved by the Home Office.
• You must have a certificate of sponsorship given by your employer.
• You must have a job listed in the eligible occupations.
• You must receive the minimum salary for the job you will do.
• Your English level must be at least B1.

This visa also allows dependent children, partners, and spouses to join the primary visa applicant in the UK, offering a pathway to settlement and Indefinite Leave to Remain.

2. International Sportsperson Visa

The International Sportsperson Visa is designed for elite sportspeople or qualified sports coaches who aim to develop their sport at the highest level in the UK. To be eligible, applicants must be internationally established at the highest level of their sport or must make a significant contribution to the development and operation of that sport in the UK.

Key Requirements:

• Must be recognized as an elite sportsperson or coach by their sport’s governing body.
• Endorsement from the relevant UK sport governing body.
• Meet other immigration rules and requirements.

Application Process:

1. Secure an endorsement from the relevant governing body.
2. Complete the visa application form online.
3. Gather necessary supporting documents.
4. Pay the visa application fee.
5. Schedule and attend an appointment for biometrics.
6. Wait for the decision on your application.

3. Minister of Religion Visa

The Minister of Religion Visa is designed for individuals who wish to work in the UK as ministers, missionaries, or in other religious capacities. To qualify, applicants must meet specific requirements, including having a valid sponsorship from a UK-based religious organization.

Key Requirements:

• Valid sponsorship from a recognized UK religious organization
• Intention to work within the religious sector in the UK
• Meet the English language requirements

Application Process:

1. Secure a certificate of sponsorship from a UK religious organization
2. Complete the online visa application form
3. Pay the visa application fee and healthcare surcharge
4. Attend an appointment at a visa application center to provide biometric information

This visa typically allows you to stay in the UK for up to five years, with the possibility of renewal. It’s important to note that the maximum duration for staying in the UK on this visa is six years.

4. Senior or Specialist Worker Visa

The Senior or Specialist Worker Visa is designed for employees of overseas companies who need to work at a UK branch in a senior management or specialist role. This visa category is part of the Global Business Mobility route and is aimed at facilitating temporary transfers to the UK. Here are some key points about this visa:

• It allows for the transfer of senior managers or specialists to the UK branch of an overseas employer.
• Applicants must be existing employees of the company outside the UK.
• The visa is generally valid for the length of the assignment, up to a maximum of 5 years.

This visa type is crucial for companies looking to maintain management continuity and specialist knowledge across their international operations.

5. Expansion Worker Visa

The Expansion Worker Visa is designed for individuals aiming to establish a branch of their overseas business in the UK. This visa category is particularly beneficial for those who are part of a company looking to expand its operations into the UK market.

Key steps to apply for an Expansion Worker Visa include:

1. Ensuring your business qualifies under the necessary guidelines.
2. Preparing and submitting a detailed business plan.
3. Applying through the official UK government visa application portal.
4. Awaiting approval and subsequent visa issuance.

This visa not only facilitates the business expansion but also supports the UK’s economic growth by allowing international businesses to introduce their services and products.

6. Service Supplier Visa

The Service Supplier Visa is designed for individuals who are temporarily coming to the UK to fulfill a contract that supplies services under one of the UK’s international trade agreements. This visa is particularly relevant for those involved in sectors where the UK has active trade agreements requiring specific service provisions.

Key points to consider when applying for a Service Supplier Visa include:

• Ensuring the service contract falls under the UK’s international trade agreements.
• The temporary nature of the stay, typically tied to the duration of the contract.
• Application procedures which can be accessed through official UK government websites or through consulting with legal experts in immigration.

7. Secondment Worker Visa

The Secondment Worker Visa allows employees to be transferred to the UK temporarily for business reasons. This visa is particularly useful for companies that need to send their employees to the UK to fulfill specific contractual obligations or to gain international experience.

Key points about the Secondment Worker Visa include:

1. Employer sponsorship is required, as the visa is tied to the company’s need to transfer employees.
2. The employee must return to their home country after the completion of their secondment period.
3. This visa is often used for employees who need to work on specific projects or who are part of a larger international strategy of the company.

8. Creative Worker Visa

The Creative Worker Visa is designed for individuals who wish to engage in the creative industries within the UK. This visa category is ideal for artists, performers, musicians, and other creative professionals who have been offered work in the UK.

Key aspects of the Creative Worker Visa include:

1. Eligibility: Applicants must have a confirmed offer from a UK-based employer in the creative sector and meet certain criteria to demonstrate their skills.
2. Duration: The visa typically allows you to stay in the UK for up to 12 months, with possibilities for extension under specific conditions.
3. Application Process: Interested candidates should apply through the official UK government website, where detailed guidance on the application procedure is available.
4. Sponsorship: It is crucial to have sponsorship from a licensed employer who can vouch for your role and the necessity of your presence in the UK for the creative project.

9. Seasonal Worker Visa

The Seasonal Worker Visa is designed for individuals who wish to come to the UK for short-term employment in certain sectors such as agriculture or hospitality. This visa is particularly relevant for those interested in volunteer or temporary work that aligns with seasonal demand.

Key points to consider for the Seasonal Worker Visa include:

1. Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a Certificate of Sponsorship from an employer who is an approved sponsor.
2. Application Process: You need to apply from outside the UK, as switching to this visa from another route is not permitted.
3. Duration and Restrictions: The visa allows you to stay in the UK for the duration of the work, which is usually up to 6 months.

This visa is a valuable opportunity for those looking to engage in seasonal work, contributing to sectors that require increased manpower at specific times of the year.

10. International Agreement Visa

The International Agreement Visa is designed for individuals who are required to come to the UK to do work that is covered by international law or treaties. This includes roles such as employees of foreign governments or servants in diplomatic households. Here are some key points about this visa:

• Eligibility: Applicants must be coming to the UK to perform work that is covered under international agreements.
• Certificate of sponsorship: A certificate from an approved sponsor is necessary to apply.
• Application process: The process involves submitting the required documents and following the specific steps outlined by the UK visa authorities.
• Duration of stay: This visa typically allows individuals to stay for the duration of their assignment, subject to the terms of the agreement under which they are covered.

11. Charity Worker Visa

The Charity Worker Visa allows foreigners to engage in unpaid voluntary work for a charity in the UK, providing a unique opportunity for those interested in contributing to charitable causes while experiencing life in the UK. This visa is part of the Temporary Worker category and is specifically designed for unpaid voluntary charity work.

Key aspects of the Charity Worker Visa include:

• Eligibility: Applicants must be over the age of 18 and hold a certificate of sponsorship from a charity that holds a valid UK Sponsor Licence.
• Duration: You can stay in the UK for up to 12 months with a Charity Worker Visa, or for as long as specified on your Certificate of Sponsorship plus an additional 14 days.
• Application Process: Interested individuals should apply online, providing necessary documents such as a valid passport and the certificate of sponsorship.

This visa is ideal for those looking for church paid volunteer jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship, and it is supported by various volunteering organisations offering visa sponsorship. The UK charity work visa sponsorship companies list can be a valuable resource for finding eligible charities. For those wondering, ‘Can you volunteer in London without a visa?’ the answer is generally no for international visitors, making the Charity Worker Visa a necessary step for legal volunteering.

12. Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

The Youth Mobility Scheme Visa is designed for young adults who wish to live, work, and travel in the UK for up to two years. This visa is available to individuals aged 18 to 30 from specific countries including Australia, Canada, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, Iceland, and various British nationalities. Eligibility for this visa requires participation in a ballot system for certain countries like Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.

Key steps to apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa include:

1. Ensure you meet the age and nationality requirements.
2. Obtain a certificate of sponsorship from a UK sponsor if necessary.
3. Apply online, pay the visa application fee and the immigration health surcharge.
4. Provide necessary documents including proof of financial means and a tuberculosis test if required from your country.

13. Graduate Visa

The Graduate Visa is designed for international students who have completed a degree in the UK, allowing them to stay in the country to seek employment or work for up to two years, or three years for Ph.D. graduates. This visa route is unsponsored, which means applicants do not need a job offer to apply. Here are the key steps and requirements for applying for a Graduate Visa:

1. Ensure you have completed a degree at a UK institution.
2. Check that your course is eligible under the Graduate Visa guidelines.
3. Prepare necessary documents, including proof of graduation and financial stability.
4. Apply within the allowed time frame after your student visa expires.

This visa provides a valuable opportunity for graduates to gain invaluable experience in the UK job market, enhancing their career prospects.

14. UK Start-Up Visa

The UK Start-Up Visa is designed for entrepreneurs looking to establish a new business in the UK. This visa is suitable for those who have a unique business idea that is not yet represented in the UK market. To be eligible, applicants must be 18 years or older and have their business plan endorsed by an approved UK body. Additionally, they must meet the English language requirement at a B2 level and show financial stability by maintaining at least £945 in their bank account for 90 days prior to application.

Application Procedure

To apply for the UK Start-Up Visa, follow these steps:

1. Ensure your business idea is unique and prepare a detailed business plan.
2. Seek endorsement from an approved UK endorsing body.
3. Meet the language and financial requirements.
4. Complete the visa application form and submit it along with the necessary documents.

This visa allows entrepreneurs to start their business in the UK but restricts access to public funds and employment outside their own business. Family members can join the main applicant but must apply for their own respective visas.

15. UK Graduate Work Visa

The UK Graduate Work Visa allows graduates to work flexibly, switch jobs, and develop their careers in the UK for up to two years after completing their studies. This visa is particularly beneficial for those looking to gain work experience or volunteer in sectors that offer visa sponsorship. Here are the key requirements and steps to apply:

1. You must be 18 or older.
2. Your business must be endorsed by an approved UK endorsing body.
3. You must demonstrate English proficiency at level B2.
4. Ensure you have at least £945 in your bank account for 90 days before applying.
5. You must already have valid UK leave under specific visa categories.

This visa is a gateway for free volunteer jobs in the UK for foreigners with visa sponsorship 2024, and it’s crucial for those seeking to extend their educational ventures into practical work experience. The application process involves a fee of £715 and additional costs for biometric information.

16. UK Domestic Worker Visa

The UK Domestic Worker Visa is designed for individuals who are employed as domestic workers in private households. This visa allows them to work in the UK for up to six months. To be eligible for this visa, applicants must meet several criteria:

• You must be over the age of 19.
• You must live outside the UK prior to application.
• You must have been employed by your current employer for at least 12 months.
• You must work in the same household as your employer or one they use regularly.
• You must plan to leave the UK at the end of your visit.
• You must not rely on public funds during your stay.

This visa is particularly useful for those who are already employed by families that need to travel to the UK and require continued assistance from their domestic staff. It’s important to note that this visa does not lead to permanent residence or settlement in the UK.

17. High Potential Individual Visa

The High Potential Individual Visa is designed for graduates from top global universities, allowing them to work in the UK for up to two years without a job offer. This visa targets individuals who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievements and are considered to have high potential in their fields.

To be eligible, applicants must:

1. Have graduated from a top global university.
2. Meet the English language requirement (usually minimum B2 on the CEFR scale).
3. Be at least 18 years old.

This visa provides a unique opportunity for talented graduates to establish themselves in the UK market and gain valuable work experience in a variety of sectors, including voluntary work.

18. Global Business Mobility Worker Visas

The Global Business Mobility Worker Visas are designed for overseas businesses looking to establish a presence in the UK or transfer staff for specific business purposes. These visas encompass five distinct routes:

1. Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
2. Graduate Trainee Visa
3. UK Expansion Worker Visa
4. Service Supplier Visa
5. Secondment Worker Visa

Each route caters to different business needs, from transferring senior staff to bringing in specialists for training or projects. Employers must sponsor applicants, ensuring compliance with the UK’s immigration rules.

19. Graduate Trainee Visa

The Graduate Trainee Visa is designed for employees of multinational companies who are being transferred to a UK branch for a specific training program. This visa allows the holder to engage in work-related training in the UK for a short period. Here are some key points about the Graduate Trainee Visa:

• Applicants must be existing employees of a company that has a presence both in the UK and overseas.
• The training must be structured and directly related to the applicant’s job role.
• The visa is valid for up to 12 months, after which the trainee must return to their home country or apply for a different visa if eligible.
• Applicants must have a certificate of sponsorship from their employer detailing the training and its duration.

This visa category is particularly beneficial for those looking to gain international experience in their field while remaining with the same employer.

20. Temporary Worker Visas

Temporary Worker Visas are designed for individuals who wish to engage in short-term employment in the UK under specific categories. These visas cater to various sectors including creative industries, charity work, and international agreements. Key benefits include the ability to gain international work experience and contribute to cultural or charitable activities in the UK.

Types of Temporary Worker Visas include:

1. Charity Worker temporary visa – for unpaid voluntary work for a charity
2. Creative Worker temporary visa – for work in one of the creative industries
3. Government Authorised Exchange temporary visa – for work experience or training placements
4. International Agreement temporary visa – to do work that is covered by an international law or treaty

Navigating the complexities of Temporary Worker Visas can be daunting. At EllyTrends, we provide comprehensive guides and the latest updates on how to secure your H1B Visa and other temporary work visas. Whether you’re looking for job openings or need tips on how to get sponsored, we’ve got you covered. Visit our website to learn more and stay informed with the most current information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the general requirements for UK work visas?

Most UK work visas require a job offer from a licensed sponsor, meeting the personal savings requirements, and passing an English language test. Specific visas may have additional requirements.

How do I apply for a UK work visa?

Applications can be made online or through UK visa application centers. You’ll need a valid photo ID, sponsorship reference number, evidence of personal savings, and possibly a tuberculosis test result.

What is the cost of a UK work visa?

The cost starts at £244, plus a healthcare surcharge. Prices may vary depending on the specific type of visa and the duration of stay.

Can I work a second job on a UK work visa?

Yes, holders of some work visas can do paid work in a second job for up to 20 hours per week, provided it meets eligibility requirements and is not linked to the primary job’s placement.

What is the points-based system for UK work visas?

This system requires applicants to score a minimum number of points based on criteria like job skill level, salary, and English language skills. A total of 70 points is typically needed, with specific points for job offer, skill level, and language proficiency.

Can family members join me in the UK on a work visa?

Yes, many UK work visas allow for family members to join the primary visa holder, but specific conditions and requirements must be met.