Tier 5 (Temporary worker - charity workers)
Who should apply
This page explains who is able to apply under the charity worker category of tier 5 of the points-based system to work in the UK.
On this page
What category of person should apply?
You should apply if you are a not a national of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland and want to enter or stay in the UK to work in tier 5 of the points-based system.
You should apply if you are:
- already in the UK under tier 5 and want to extend your permission to stay in your existing category or change job; or
- applying from outside the UK for permission to enter (known as 'entry clearance') under tier 5.
If you are a dependant of a main applicant, see Applications by dependants for information on how to apply and the dependant application form.
Who does not need to apply under the points-based system?
You do not have to apply under the points-based system if:
- you are an EEA or Swiss national;
- you are a British overseas territories citizen, unless you are from one of the sovereign base areas in Cyprus;
- you are a Commonwealth citizen with permission to enter or stay in the United Kingdom because at least one of your grandparents was born here;
- your spouse or civil partner, unmarried or same-sex partner, or (if you are under 18) one of your parents has permission to stay in the UK under tier 5 of the points-based system (although you should apply as a dependant); or
- you have no conditions or time limit attached to your stay.
How Bulgarian and Romanian nationals should apply
If you are a national of Bulgaria or Romania you must not work until we have given you permission, unless you are exempt. See Bulgarian and Romanian nationals for details.
Terms explained
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British overseas territories citizen
You will be a British overseas territories citizen if you are connected with a British overseas territory because you or your parents were born, registered or naturalised in that British overseas territory. If you were born before 1 January 1983, you may gain the citizenship through your grandparents. (See British overseas territory.)
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European Economic Area
The European Economic Area (EEA) consists of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, the Republic of Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the UK. Although Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are not members of the European Union (EU), their citizens have the same rights as EU citizens to enter, live in and work in the UK.
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Non-visa national
A non-visa national is a national or citizen of any country that is NOT listed in Appendix 1 of the immigration rules (nationals of countries listed in Appendix 1 are visa nationals). A non-visa national does not need a visa to come to the United Kingdom for less than six months, unless it is a requirement of the immigration category under which they are entering. A non-visa national coming to the United Kingdom for more than six months will need a visa.