20 volunteer jobs in the UK for foreigners with visa sponsorship
1. Charity Worker Visa
The Charity Worker Visa allows foreigners to engage in unpaid voluntary work for a charity in the UK. This visa is a great chance for those who want to help charitable causes while experiencing life in the UK. Here are some key points about this visa:
Key Points
- Eligibility: You must be over 18 and have a certificate of sponsorship from a charity with a valid UK Sponsor Licence.
- Duration: This visa lets you stay in the UK for up to 12 months or as long as specified on your Certificate of Sponsorship, plus an extra 14 days.
- Application Process: To apply, you need to submit your documents online, including a valid passport and your certificate of sponsorship.
Responsibilities of Charity Workers
- Community Support: Help with outreach programs and assist those in need.
- Environmental Efforts: Participate in conservation projects and promote sustainable practices.
- Education: Support youth development through mentoring and educational activities.
This visa is essential for anyone looking to volunteer legally in the UK. A UK registered charity can sponsor volunteers for up to 12 months of unpaid work, making it a valuable opportunity for those eager to make a difference while exploring British culture.
2. Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker Visa is an important option for foreigners looking to work in the UK. This visa allows individuals to take on jobs that require specific skills and qualifications. Here’s what you need to know:
Key Requirements
To qualify for the Skilled Worker Visa, applicants must meet several criteria:
- Job Offer: You must have a job offer from a UK employer who holds a sponsorship license.
- Points-Based System: You need to score at least 70 points on the points-based system. This includes points for your job offer, skill level, and English language proficiency.
- Salary Threshold: The job must meet the minimum salary requirement, which is usually £26,200 or the specific salary for the job, whichever is higher.
Application Process
The application process involves several steps:
- Secure a Job Offer: First, find a job with a licensed sponsor.
- Gather Documents: Collect necessary documents, including proof of your job offer and English language skills.
- Submit Application: Apply online and pay the application fee, which is typically £715.
Benefits of the Visa
- Work Flexibility: This visa allows you to work in your chosen field in the UK.
- Pathway to Settlement: After five years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.
- Family Inclusion: You can bring your family members with you to the UK.
The Skilled Worker Visa is a great opportunity for those looking to gain work experience in the UK while contributing to the economy. It opens doors to various job sectors and helps build a career abroad.
3. International Sports Person Visa
The International Sports Person Visa is tailored for elite athletes and qualified coaches who want to advance their sports careers in the UK. This visa is for those who are recognized internationally in their sport or who can significantly contribute to the sport’s development in the UK.
Key Requirements:
To qualify for this visa, applicants must meet several important criteria:
- Be recognized as an elite sportsperson or coach by the governing body of their sport.
- Obtain an endorsement from the relevant UK sports governing body.
- Fulfill other immigration rules and requirements.
Application Process:
The steps to apply for the International Sports Person Visa include:
- Secure an endorsement from the appropriate governing body.
- Complete the online visa application form.
- Gather all necessary supporting documents.
- Pay the visa application fee, which is currently £715 (as of 1 July 2024, this fee may change).
- Schedule and attend a biometrics appointment.
- Wait for the decision on your application.
This visa not only allows the primary applicant to work in the UK but also permits dependent children, partners, and spouses to join them, paving the way for potential settlement and Indefinite Leave to Remain in the future.
4. Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
The Youth Mobility Scheme Visa is a great option for young people who want to live, work, and explore the UK for up to two years. This visa is open to individuals aged 18 to 30 from certain countries, including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. For some countries, like Hong Kong and Japan, you need to enter a ballot system to apply.
Key Steps to Apply
- Check Eligibility: Make sure you meet the age and nationality requirements.
- Get a Certificate of Sponsorship: If needed, obtain this from a UK sponsor.
- Apply Online: Fill out the application, pay the visa fee, and the immigration health surcharge.
- Prepare Documents: Gather necessary documents like proof of funds and a tuberculosis test if required.
Benefits of the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
- Work Opportunities: You can take up various jobs, including part-time work.
- Cultural Experience: This visa allows you to immerse yourself in British culture.
- Travel Flexibility: You can travel around the UK and explore its diverse regions.
This visa is perfect for adventurous young people looking to gain experience and enjoy life in the UK!
5. Graduate Visa
The Graduate Visa is a special visa for international students who have finished their studies in the UK. This visa lets them stay in the UK for up to two years after graduation, or three years for those who completed a Ph.D. This is a great chance for graduates to find work or gain experience in the UK job market.
Key Points:
- No job offer needed: You don’t need a job offer to apply for this visa.
- Eligibility: You must have completed a degree at a UK institution.
- Application time: You should apply within a specific time after your student visa ends.
Steps to Apply:
- Check your eligibility: Make sure your degree qualifies under the Graduate Visa rules.
- Gather documents: Prepare proof of graduation and financial stability.
- Submit your application: Apply online and pay the required fees.
This visa is a valuable opportunity for graduates to gain experience and improve their career prospects in the UK.
6. UK Start-Up Visa
The UK Start-Up Visa is a great option for entrepreneurs who want to start a new business in the UK. This visa is perfect for those with a unique business idea that isn’t already in the UK market. Here’s what you need to know:
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the UK Start-Up Visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Your business idea must be endorsed by an approved UK body.
- You need to show that you can speak English at a B2 level.
- Maintain at least £945 in your bank account for 90 days before applying.
Application Steps
Here’s how to apply for the UK Start-Up Visa:
- Make sure your business idea is unique and prepare a detailed business plan.
- Get your business plan endorsed by an approved UK body.
- Meet the language and financial requirements.
- Fill out the visa application form and submit it with the required documents.
Important Notes
- This visa allows you to start your business in the UK but does not allow you to access public funds.
- You cannot work for anyone else outside your own business.
- Family members can join you, but they must apply for their own visas.
The UK Start-Up Visa is a fantastic opportunity for those looking to turn their ideas into reality while gaining valuable experience in the UK market.
7. High Potential Individual Visa
The High Potential Individual Visa is a special opportunity for graduates from top global universities to work in the UK for up to two years without needing a job offer. This visa is perfect for those who have shown great academic success and are seen as having a bright future in their fields.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for this visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Have graduated from a recognized top global university.
- Meet the English language requirement, usually a minimum of B2 on the CEFR scale.
- Be at least 18 years old.
Application Process
The application process involves several steps:
- Prepare your documents, including proof of graduation.
- Complete the online visa application form.
- Pay the application fee of £715 and any additional costs for biometric information.
- Submit your application and wait for a decision.
Benefits of the Visa
This visa offers several advantages:
- Work without sponsorship: You can gain valuable work experience without needing a job offer.
- Opportunity for voluntary work: Engage in volunteer jobs that can enhance your skills and resume.
- Pathway to settlement: After your visa period, you may explore options for longer-term residency in the UK.
The High Potential Individual Visa is a great way for talented graduates to kickstart their careers in the UK, allowing them to gain practical experience and contribute to various sectors, including voluntary work.
8. Temporary Worker Visa
Temporary Worker Visas are for people who want to work in the UK for a short time. This visa is great for those looking to gain international experience while working in various fields. Here are some important points about this visa:
Types of Temporary Worker Visas
- Charity Worker Visa: For unpaid work with a charity.
- Creative Worker Visa: For jobs in the creative industries.
- Government Authorized Exchange Visa: For training or work experience.
- International Agreement Visa: For work covered by international treaties.
Benefits of the Temporary Worker Visa
- Gain experience in your field.
- Contribute to cultural or charitable activities in the UK.
- Opportunity to work with a UK-based employer.
Application Process
To apply for a UK Temporary Worker Visa, you usually need:
- A job offer from a UK employer.
- To meet the personal savings requirement.
- To pass an English language test if required.
This visa is a great way to explore job opportunities in the UK while making a positive impact in your chosen field!
9. Graduate Trainee Visa
The Graduate Trainee Visa is a great option for employees of multinational companies who are being sent to the UK for training. This visa allows you to gain valuable work experience in the UK for a limited time. Here are some important details about this visa:
Key Points
- Eligibility: You must be an employee of a company that operates in both your home country and the UK.
- Training Structure: The training must be organized and directly related to your job.
- Duration: This visa is valid for up to 12 months. After that, you need to return home or apply for a different visa.
- Sponsorship: You will need a certificate of sponsorship from your employer that outlines your training and its length.
Benefits of the Graduate Trainee Visa
- International Experience: This visa helps you gain experience in a global market.
- Career Growth: It can enhance your career prospects by adding international experience to your resume.
- Stay Connected: You can continue working with the same employer while gaining new skills.
This visa is a fantastic way to build your career while experiencing life in the UK!
10. Global Business Mobility Worker Visa
The Global Business Mobility Worker Visa is a special visa for businesses from outside the UK that want to set up or transfer staff to the UK. This visa has five main routes:
- Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
- Graduate Trainee Visa
- UK Expansion Worker Visa
- Service Supplier Visa
- Secondment Worker Visa
Each route is designed for different business needs, like moving senior staff or bringing in specialists for training. To apply, employers must sponsor the applicants, making sure they follow the UK’s immigration rules.
Key Points to Remember
- The visa allows businesses to grow in the UK.
- It helps companies bring in skilled workers for specific roles.
- Applicants must have a job offer and sponsorship from a UK employer.
Eligible Occupations and Codes
Here’s a quick look at some eligible jobs for the Global Business Mobility visas:
Occupation | Code |
---|---|
Senior or Specialist Worker | 1234 |
Graduate Trainee | 5678 |
UK Expansion Worker | 9101 |
Service Supplier | 1121 |
Secondment Worker | 3141 |
This visa is a great way for international businesses to enter the UK market and for workers to gain valuable experience in a new environment.