Tier 5 (Temporary worker - charity workers)
Maintenance (funds)
This page explains the points we award under the charity worker category of tier 5 of the points-based system for the maintenance (funds) you have available when you apply.
On this page
Full details of these requirements are in paragraphs 8 and 9 of Appendix C in the immigration rules, which you can find on the right side of this page. You must read the policy guidance before you apply under this category. You can download the guidance and application form from the Applying section.
What is maintenance (funds)?
You must show that you have enough funds in personal savings, excluding any oversdraft facilities and are able to support yourself for the entire length of your stay in the UK. Otherwise you may face financial difficulties, as you do not have access to most state benefits (public funds).
You should assess the potential costs of living in the UK. If you do not expect to receive any income from your employment in the UK after the first month, you should make sure that you have enough funds to support yourself and any dependants you have.
The points awarded for maintenance (funds)
You must score 10 points for maintenance (funds). These will be awarded if you are applying for permission to stay in the UK (known as 'leave to remain') and have:
- £900 in available funds, excluding any oversdraft facilities which you have had in your bank account for 90 consecutive days ending no earlier than 31 days before the date when you apply; or
- a certificate of sponsorship from an A-rated sponsor which confirms that you will not claim benefits while in the UK. Your sponsor should send a letter saying they will maintain and accommodate you during the first month you are here. (Your sponsor can not maintain your dependants.)
You must prove your maintenance (funds) by sending evidence to support your application, or your application will be refused.
Any dependants who want to join you must also give evidence that they have enough funds. See Applications by dependants for more information.
How we assess maintenance (funds)
Maintenance (funds) can include:
- cash savings in your account that have been in your account for at least 90 days;
- cash savings in a joint account that have been in your joint account for at least 90 days;
- cash savings in a account overseas (we convert the amount to pounds sterling using the rate which appears on the OANDA website, which you can finds on the right of this page, and the date on your bank statement), that have been in your account for at least 90 days;
- a letter from a financial institution regulated by the Financial Services Authority or home regulator confirming funds.
The balance must show that you have had at least £900, excluding any oversdraft facilities, in your account at all times over the 90-day period.
Evidence must be in the form of cash funds. Other accounts or financial instruments for example, shares, bonds, pension funds or agreed overdraft facilities are not acceptable as evidence of your maintenance (funds).
You must have the minimum level of maintenance (funds) available and score 10 points in this section, or your application will be refused.