I run a B&B and  a kitchen which is operated by 3 employees inorder to ensure our business and customers safety, I need to have all my staffs trained on fire safety. Can they be trained on fire evacuation procedure?

As the responsible person you must:

Fire safety in the workplace

Who's responsible

You’re responsible for fire safety in business or other non-domestic premises if you’re:

an employer

the owner

the landlord

an occupier

anyone else with control of the premises, for example a facilities manager, building manager, managing agent or risk assessor

You’re known as the ‘responsible person’. If there’s more than one responsible person, you have to work together to meet your responsibilities.

The Fire Safety Order also applies if you have paying guests, for example if you run a bed and breakfast, guesthouse or let a self-catering property.

Fire safety rules are different in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Responsibilities

As the responsible person you must:

carry out a fire risk assessment of the premises and review it regularly

tell staff or their representatives about the risks you’ve identified

put in place, and maintain, appropriate fire safety measures

plan for an emergency

provide staff information, fire safety instruction and training

You can read about how to make sure your premises are safe from fire.

Non-domestic premises

Non-domestic premises are:

all workplaces and commercial premises

all premises the public have access to

the common areas of multi-occupied residential buildings

Shared premises

In shared premises it’s likely there’ll be more than one responsible person. You’ll need to co-ordinate your fire safety plans to make sure people on or around the premises are safe.

For common or shared areas, the responsible person is the landlord, freeholder or managing agent.

Alterations, extensions and new buildings

When building new premises or doing building work on existing premises, you must comply with building regulations. This includes designing fire safety into the proposed building or extension.

Read the fire safety building regulations.

Penalties and enforcement

You could be fined or go to prison if you do not follow fire safety regulations.

Local fire and rescue authorities inspect premises and can issue fire safety notices telling you about changes you need to make.

Fire risk assessments

As the responsible person you must carry out and regularly review a fire risk assessment of the premises. This will identify what you need to do to prevent fire and keep people safe.

You must keep a written record of your fire risk assessment if your business has 5 or more people.

Carrying out the assessment

Identify the fire hazards.

Identify people at risk.

Evaluate, remove or reduce the risks.

Record your findings, prepare an emergency plan and provide training.

Review and update the fire risk assessment regularly.

The fire safety risk assessment chart gives more detailed information about these steps.

You’ll need to consider:

emergency routes and exits

fire detection and warning systems

fire fighting equipment

the removal or safe storage of dangerous substances

an emergency fire evacuation plan

the needs of vulnerable people, for example the elderly, young children or those with disabilities

providing information to employees and other people on the premises

staff fire safety training

Help with the assessment

You can do the fire risk assessment yourself with the help of standard fire safety risk assessment guides.

If you do not have the expertise or time to do the fire risk assessment yourself you need to appoint a ‘competent person’ to help, for example a professional risk assessor.

Your local fire and rescue authority might be able to give you advice if you’re not sure your risk assessment’s been carried out properly. However, they cannot carry out risk assessments for you.

Assessment guides

You can download the following guides on risk assessments in:

offices and shops

factories and warehouses

sleeping accommodation

residential care premises

educational premises

small and medium places of assembly (holding 300 people or less)

large places of assembly (holding more than 300 people)

theatres, cinemas and similar premises

open air events and venues

healthcare premises

animal premises and stables

transport premises and facilities

You can also find guidance on:

risk assessments if you work in construction

purpose-built blocks of flats and other types of housing if you’re a landlord

Fire safety and evacuation plans

Your plan must show how you have:

a clear passageway to all escape routes

clearly marked escape routes that are as short and direct as possible

enough exits and routes for all people to escape

emergency doors that open easily

emergency lighting where needed

training for all employees to know and use the escape routes

a safe meeting point for staff

People with mobility needs

You should also make special arrangements for people with mobility needs, for example make sure there are people to help wheelchair users get downstairs if there’s a fire.

Fire safety equipment, drills and training

Fire detection and warning systems

You must have a fire detection and warning system. You may need different types of detectors, depending on the type of building and the work carried out in it.

Fire fighting equipment

The types of equipment you need depend on your business premises. You’ll need to have any equipment properly installed, tested and maintained and train your staff to use them if necessary.

Maintenance and testing

You must carry out regular checks to make sure that:

all fire alarm systems are working

the emergency lighting is working

you record any faults in systems and equipment

all escape routes are clear and the floor is in good condition

all fire escapes can be opened easily

automatic fire doors close correctly

fire exit signs are in the right place

Fire drills and training

You need to train new staff when they start work and tell all employees about any new fire risks.

You should carry out at least one fire drill per year and record the results. You must keep the results as part of your fire safety and evacuation plan.

Enforcement, appeals and penalties

Your local fire and rescue authority visits premises to check the fire risk assessment and fire prevention measures are appropriate. Fire safety officers should help you understand the rules and comply with them.

They can also take action if they think your fire safety measures are not adequate. For example, they might issue an informal notice suggesting safety measures.

They could also give you a formal fire safety notice. They’ll tell you how to fix the problems described in the notice.

Alterations notice

You could get an alterations notice if your premises have high safety risks or will have high safety risks if the use of the premises changes.

Enforcement notice

You could get an enforcement notice if the fire and rescue authority finds a serious risk that’s not being managed. It will say what improvements are needed by when.

Prohibition notice

These take effect immediately if the fire and rescue authority thinks the fire risk is so great that access to your premises needs to be prohibited or restricted.

Appeals

You may be able to arrange an informal review from your fire and rescue authority if you disagree with the decision to issue a fire safety notice.

You can appeal to your local magistrates’ court within 21 days of receiving a notice.

In certain circumstances, you and the fire and rescue authority can ask for a ‘determination’ from the Home Secretary to resolve a dispute.

Penalties

You could be fined or go to prison if you do not follow fire safety regulations.

Minor penalties can be up to £5,000. Major penalties can have unlimited fines and up to 2 years in prison.

tell staff or their representatives about the risks you’ve identified

Fire safety in the workplace

Who's responsible

You’re responsible for fire safety in business or other non-domestic premises if you’re:

an employer

the owner

the landlord

an occupier

anyone else with control of the premises, for example a facilities manager, building manager, managing agent or risk assessor

Fire safety rules are different in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Responsibilities

As the responsible person you must:

carry out a fire risk assessment of the premises and review it regularly

put in place, and maintain, appropriate fire safety measures

plan for an emergency

provide staff information, fire safety instruction and training

You can read about how to make sure your premises are safe from fire.

Non-domestic premises

Non-domestic premises are:

all workplaces and commercial premises

all premises the public have access to

the common areas of multi-occupied residential buildings

Shared premises

For common or shared areas, the responsible person is the landlord, freeholder or managing agent.

Alterations, extensions and new buildings

Read the fire safety building regulations.

Penalties and enforcement

You could be fined or go to prison if you do not follow fire safety regulations.

Local fire and rescue authorities inspect premises and can issue fire safety notices telling you about changes you need to make.

Fire risk assessments

You must keep a written record of your fire risk assessment if your business has 5 or more people.

Carrying out the assessment

Identify the fire hazards.

Identify people at risk.

Evaluate, remove or reduce the risks.

Record your findings, prepare an emergency plan and provide training.

Review and update the fire risk assessment regularly.

The fire safety risk assessment chart gives more detailed information about these steps.

You’ll need to consider:

emergency routes and exits

fire detection and warning systems

fire fighting equipment

the removal or safe storage of dangerous substances

an emergency fire evacuation plan

the needs of vulnerable people, for example the elderly, young children or those with disabilities

providing information to employees and other people on the premises

staff fire safety training

Help with the assessment

You can do the fire risk assessment yourself with the help of standard fire safety risk assessment guides.

Assessment guides

You can download the following guides on risk assessments in:

offices and shops

factories and warehouses

sleeping accommodation

residential care premises

educational premises

small and medium places of assembly (holding 300 people or less)

large places of assembly (holding more than 300 people)

theatres, cinemas and similar premises

open air events and venues

healthcare premises

animal premises and stables

transport premises and facilities

You can also find guidance on:

risk assessments if you work in construction

purpose-built blocks of flats and other types of housing if you’re a landlord

Fire safety and evacuation plans

Your plan must show how you have:

a clear passageway to all escape routes

clearly marked escape routes that are as short and direct as possible

enough exits and routes for all people to escape

emergency doors that open easily

emergency lighting where needed

training for all employees to know and use the escape routes

a safe meeting point for staff

People with mobility needs

Fire safety equipment, drills and training

Fire detection and warning systems

Fire fighting equipment

Maintenance and testing

You must carry out regular checks to make sure that:

all fire alarm systems are working

the emergency lighting is working

you record any faults in systems and equipment

all escape routes are clear and the floor is in good condition

all fire escapes can be opened easily

automatic fire doors close correctly

fire exit signs are in the right place

Fire drills and training

You need to train new staff when they start work and tell all employees about any new fire risks.

Enforcement, appeals and penalties

They could also give you a formal fire safety notice. They’ll tell you how to fix the problems described in the notice.

Alterations notice

You could get an alterations notice if your premises have high safety risks or will have high safety risks if the use of the premises changes.

Enforcement notice

Prohibition notice

Appeals

You can appeal to your local magistrates’ court within 21 days of receiving a notice.

In certain circumstances, you and the fire and rescue authority can ask for a ‘determination’ from the Home Secretary to resolve a dispute.

Penalties

You could be fined or go to prison if you do not follow fire safety regulations.

Minor penalties can be up to £5,000. Major penalties can have unlimited fines and up to 2 years in prison.

provide staff information, fire safety instruction and training

Fire safety in the workplace

Who's responsible

You’re responsible for fire safety in business or other non-domestic premises if you’re:

an employer

the owner

the landlord

an occupier

anyone else with control of the premises, for example a facilities manager, building manager, managing agent or risk assessor

Fire safety rules are different in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Responsibilities

As the responsible person you must:

carry out a fire risk assessment of the premises and review it regularly

tell staff or their representatives about the risks you’ve identified

put in place, and maintain, appropriate fire safety measures

plan for an emergency

You can read about how to make sure your premises are safe from fire.

Non-domestic premises

Non-domestic premises are:

all workplaces and commercial premises

all premises the public have access to

the common areas of multi-occupied residential buildings

Shared premises

For common or shared areas, the responsible person is the landlord, freeholder or managing agent.

Alterations, extensions and new buildings

Read the fire safety building regulations.

Penalties and enforcement

You could be fined or go to prison if you do not follow fire safety regulations.

Local fire and rescue authorities inspect premises and can issue fire safety notices telling you about changes you need to make.

Fire risk assessments

You must keep a written record of your fire risk assessment if your business has 5 or more people.

Carrying out the assessment

Identify the fire hazards.

Identify people at risk.

Evaluate, remove or reduce the risks.

Record your findings, prepare an emergency plan and provide training.

Review and update the fire risk assessment regularly.

The fire safety risk assessment chart gives more detailed information about these steps.

You’ll need to consider:

emergency routes and exits

fire detection and warning systems

fire fighting equipment

the removal or safe storage of dangerous substances

an emergency fire evacuation plan

the needs of vulnerable people, for example the elderly, young children or those with disabilities

providing information to employees and other people on the premises

staff fire safety training

Help with the assessment

You can do the fire risk assessment yourself with the help of standard fire safety risk assessment guides.

Assessment guides

You can download the following guides on risk assessments in:

offices and shops

factories and warehouses

sleeping accommodation

residential care premises

educational premises

small and medium places of assembly (holding 300 people or less)

large places of assembly (holding more than 300 people)

theatres, cinemas and similar premises

open air events and venues

healthcare premises

animal premises and stables

transport premises and facilities

You can also find guidance on:

risk assessments if you work in construction

purpose-built blocks of flats and other types of housing if you’re a landlord

Fire safety and evacuation plans

Your plan must show how you have:

a clear passageway to all escape routes

clearly marked escape routes that are as short and direct as possible

enough exits and routes for all people to escape

emergency doors that open easily

emergency lighting where needed

training for all employees to know and use the escape routes

a safe meeting point for staff

People with mobility needs

Fire safety equipment, drills and training

Fire detection and warning systems

Fire fighting equipment

Maintenance and testing

You must carry out regular checks to make sure that:

all fire alarm systems are working

the emergency lighting is working

you record any faults in systems and equipment

all escape routes are clear and the floor is in good condition

all fire escapes can be opened easily

automatic fire doors close correctly

fire exit signs are in the right place

Fire drills and training

You need to train new staff when they start work and tell all employees about any new fire risks.

Enforcement, appeals and penalties

They could also give you a formal fire safety notice. They’ll tell you how to fix the problems described in the notice.

Alterations notice

You could get an alterations notice if your premises have high safety risks or will have high safety risks if the use of the premises changes.

Enforcement notice

Prohibition notice

Appeals

You can appeal to your local magistrates’ court within 21 days of receiving a notice.

In certain circumstances, you and the fire and rescue authority can ask for a ‘determination’ from the Home Secretary to resolve a dispute.

Penalties

You could be fined or go to prison if you do not follow fire safety regulations.

Minor penalties can be up to £5,000. Major penalties can have unlimited fines and up to 2 years in prison.

Fire safety in the workplace

Who's responsible

You’re responsible for fire safety in business or other non-domestic premises if you’re:

an employer

the owner

the landlord

an occupier

anyone else with control of the premises, for example a facilities manager, building manager, managing agent or risk assessor

Fire safety rules are different in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Responsibilities

As the responsible person you must:

carry out a fire risk assessment of the premises and review it regularly

tell staff or their representatives about the risks you’ve identified

put in place, and maintain, appropriate fire safety measures

plan for an emergency

provide staff information, fire safety instruction and training

You can read about how to make sure your premises are safe from fire.

Non-domestic premises

Non-domestic premises are:

all workplaces and commercial premises

all premises the public have access to

the common areas of multi-occupied residential buildings

Shared premises

For common or shared areas, the responsible person is the landlord, freeholder or managing agent.

Alterations, extensions and new buildings

Read the fire safety building regulations.

Penalties and enforcement

You could be fined or go to prison if you do not follow fire safety regulations.

Local fire and rescue authorities inspect premises and can issue fire safety notices telling you about changes you need to make.

Fire risk assessments

You must keep a written record of your fire risk assessment if your business has 5 or more people.

Carrying out the assessment

Identify the fire hazards.

Identify people at risk.

Evaluate, remove or reduce the risks.

Record your findings, prepare an emergency plan and provide training.

Review and update the fire risk assessment regularly.

The fire safety risk assessment chart gives more detailed information about these steps.

You’ll need to consider:

emergency routes and exits

fire detection and warning systems

fire fighting equipment

the removal or safe storage of dangerous substances

an emergency fire evacuation plan

the needs of vulnerable people, for example the elderly, young children or those with disabilities

providing information to employees and other people on the premises

staff fire safety training

Help with the assessment

You can do the fire risk assessment yourself with the help of standard fire safety risk assessment guides.

Assessment guides

You can download the following guides on risk assessments in:

offices and shops

factories and warehouses

sleeping accommodation

residential care premises

educational premises

small and medium places of assembly (holding 300 people or less)

large places of assembly (holding more than 300 people)

theatres, cinemas and similar premises

open air events and venues

healthcare premises

animal premises and stables

transport premises and facilities

You can also find guidance on:

risk assessments if you work in construction

purpose-built blocks of flats and other types of housing if you’re a landlord

Fire safety and evacuation plans

Your plan must show how you have:

a clear passageway to all escape routes

clearly marked escape routes that are as short and direct as possible

enough exits and routes for all people to escape

emergency doors that open easily

emergency lighting where needed

training for all employees to know and use the escape routes

a safe meeting point for staff

People with mobility needs

Fire safety equipment, drills and training

Fire detection and warning systems

Fire fighting equipment

Maintenance and testing

You must carry out regular checks to make sure that:

all fire alarm systems are working

the emergency lighting is working

you record any faults in systems and equipment

all escape routes are clear and the floor is in good condition

all fire escapes can be opened easily

automatic fire doors close correctly

fire exit signs are in the right place

Fire drills and training

You need to train new staff when they start work and tell all employees about any new fire risks.

Enforcement, appeals and penalties

They could also give you a formal fire safety notice. They’ll tell you how to fix the problems described in the notice.

Alterations notice

You could get an alterations notice if your premises have high safety risks or will have high safety risks if the use of the premises changes.

Enforcement notice

Prohibition notice

Appeals

You can appeal to your local magistrates’ court within 21 days of receiving a notice.

In certain circumstances, you and the fire and rescue authority can ask for a ‘determination’ from the Home Secretary to resolve a dispute.

Penalties

You could be fined or go to prison if you do not follow fire safety regulations.

Minor penalties can be up to £5,000. Major penalties can have unlimited fines and up to 2 years in prison.


My company sells appliances and electronic kitchen equipment. We have been reported for failing to provide customer's with a way to dispose of these electronics. what kind of punishment could we face if we are prosecuted?

If you fail to comply with the waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) regulations, you can be prosecuted and fined up to £5,000 at a magistrates’ court, or get an unlimited fine from a Crown Court.

Electrical waste: retailer and distributor responsibilities

Your responsibilities

You have certain responsibilities if you sell electrical and electronic equipment (EEE).

You must provide a way for your customers to dispose of their old household electrical and electronic equipment when you sell them a new version of the same item.

The waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) regulations apply regardless of how you sell the products, whether direct or by internet, mail order or telephone.

You must either:

provide a free, in store, take back service to your customers

set up an alternative, free take back service

If you do not have your own take back service, you must join the Distributor Takeback Scheme (DTS).

You can be prosecuted if you do not comply with the regulations.

Tell your customers which service you provide

You must provide free written information to your customers on:

which take back service you provide, including collect on delivery

how they can reuse and recycle electrical and electronic equipment

why this waste needs to be separated from other waste

the damaging effects of not recycling electrical and electronic equipment

the meaning of the crossed-out wheelie bin symbol

Shops

You can provide this information by, for example:

displaying posters in your store about which service you provide

including information leaflets with the electrical and electronic equipment you sell

Online retailers

You must publish this information on your website. You can download free customer information if you offer a take back service. DTS members can get these from the scheme.

You have other responsibilities if you’re a ‘producer’ - for example you make and sell EEE under your own brand, or sell it in UK from abroad.

Take back waste in store

You must offer to take back waste of the same type as the item your customers buy from you, regardless of:

whether they buy in-store, online or by mail order

the brand of the item

You must also take back items that have the same function. For example, you would:

take back a customer’s old kettle when they buy a new one

take back a video player if the customer buys a DVD player

You must:

offer the in-store service for free - but you can charge to cover transport costs if you’re collecting items from customers’ homes

give customers at least 28 days to bring back their waste item

take back all types of electrical and electronic equipment that you sell - you can choose to extend your service to cover all kinds of electrical and electronic waste

Small electronic equipment

‘Very small WEEE’ are items of waste electrical and electronic equipment that are less than 25cm on their longest side.

You must take back all items of ‘very small WEEE’ in store if your electrical and electronic equipment sales area is greater than 400 square metres including aisle, display and shelf space.

You must provide this service to everyone for free, regardless of whether they’ve bought anything from your store.

You’re exempt if you’ve joined the Distributor Takeback Scheme (DTS) or an assessment shows you already have an effective system.

Store waste

Check the conditions to see if you can store the waste temporarily before you dispose of it.

Dispose of waste

To dispose of the waste you’ve collected you can do one of the following.

Producer compliance schemes

Contact a producer compliance scheme (PCS).

The PCS will arrange for the waste to be recycled or prepared for re-use at an Approved Authorised Treatment Facility (AATF).

You may be charged for the collection and transportation of the waste to the AATF or the PCS collection point.

Transport the waste yourself

You can transport the waste to an AATF or PCS collection point yourself.

You need to register as a waste carrier in:

England

Wales

Scotland

Northern Ireland

You may also need to follow the rules on transporting hazardous waste in:

England and Wales

Scotland

Northern Ireland

Keep records

You must keep records of all electrical and electronic waste that you collect and dispose of - you can use a template.

Include the number of units you’ve received through take back and say how many of these were returned to a PCS.

You need to keep all documentation you make, or are given by the PCS or the AATF, when you dispose of electrical and electronic waste.

You also need to keep records of how you tell customers about your take back scheme.

Keep all your records for 4 years.

Set up an alternative take back service

You can set up a ‘designated collection facility’ (DCF) where your customers can take all types of electrical and electronic waste.

You can do this on your own or with other distributors.

You must follow the waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) regulations, other waste management legislation and local planning requirements when managing a DCF.

You must agree with a producer compliance scheme (PCS) to return the electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) direct to an Approved Authorised Treatment Facility (AATF).

Use the Distributor Takeback Scheme

You can use the Distributor Takeback Scheme (DTS) instead of providing a takeback service, if either of the following apply:

your business sells less than £100,000 of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) per year

you only sell online

If your business sells £100,000 or more of EEE per year and has physical stores, you cannot use the DTS after 31 December 2020. You’ll need to take back waste in store or set up an alternative collection point instead.

How the scheme works

You pay a fee that covers your waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) obligations until 31 December 2021. The amount you pay depends on:

the size of your business

whether you only sell online

how much EEE you sell

This money goes towards supporting the recycling centres run by local authorities.

You’ll need to keep a record of what information you give to your customers about where they should take their WEEE.

If you do not comply

You may sometimes get warning letters and formal cautions before a prosecution.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards enforces these regulations. You can contact them online, call or write to them.


My friend Ramon is in the UK under a Turkish businessperson visa.He operates a viable barbershop business. He has not broken any immigration laws, he has enough money to support himself and his family.He wants more time in the UK to continue running his business. By the way, Ramon has enough funds to support and run his business Can he apply to extend his visa ?

You can usually apply to extend a Turkish Businessperson visa if you’re in the UK and all of the following are true:

Turkish Businessperson visa

Overview

You can apply to extend your Turkish Businessperson visa if you already have permission to stay in the UK as a Turkish Businessperson.

You can:

continue running your business in the UK, and start another one

continue to help run an established business in the UK

You must meet the eligibility requirements.

New applications for the Turkish Businessperson visa have closed. Only children under 21 (‘child dependants’) can apply to join you in the UK on this visa.

Eligibility

You can only extend your visa if you’re already in the UK.
You’ll need to meet the eligibility requirements to extend your visa.

How long you can stay

You can apply to extend your visa for up to 3 years.

If you want to stay longer in the UK

You can apply to extend your visa as many times as you like as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements.

After 5 years, you may be able to apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’). This gives you the right to live, work and study here for as long as you like, and apply for benefits if you’re eligible.

How to apply

You must apply to extend your visa online.

Your partner and children (‘dependants’) can apply separately to extend their dependant visas, if they already have them.

If your children or your partner’s children want to join you from outside the UK, they’ll need to apply as your dependants.

How long it takes

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide your documents.
You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. You’ll find out if you need one when you start your application.

Getting a decision

Once you’ve applied, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa extension within 6 months.

How much it costs

There’s no fee to apply to extend your visa.

What you can and cannot do

With a Turkish Businessperson visa extension you can:

keep running your business in the UK, and start another one

keep being a partner in an existing business which you’ll have an active part in running

apply to extend your stay if you meet the eligibility requirements

study

do voluntary work

apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’) if you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years and meet the other eligibility requirements

You cannot:

apply for most benefits (public funds), or the State Pension

change jobs or employer

If your application is successful, you’ll get a full list of what you can and cannot do with a Turkish Businessperson visa.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for an extension of your Turkish Businessperson visa you need to:

have a valid Turkish Businessperson visa

show you have not broken any immigration laws

keep running a viable business

keep being able to pay your share of the costs of running the business

show that your share of the profits continue to be enough to support you and your family without your needing to have another job

If you are part of an existing partnership or company you’ll need to show that you still have an active part in running the business.

Documents you’ll need to apply

When you apply to extend your visa you’ll need to provide:

a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality

proof that you can support and house yourself and your dependants during your stay, for example bank statements or payslips for the last 6 months

proof of your living costs, such as a tenancy agreement, mortgage agreement, utility bills, council tax statement, bank statements, documents relating to transfer of money to relatives abroad

proof of state benefits you’ve received in the UK

a biometric residence permit showing your Turkish Businessperson visa

your police registration certificate

You’ll need to have a blank page in your passport on which to put the visa.

You may be asked to get a police certificate for yourself and your family in the UK if you or they don’t already have one.

Proof for your business

You should provide proof that you’re currently running your business

If you’re continuing to run a business or partnership

You may need to provide proof such as:

insurance documents

business accounts prepared by a chartered accountant or approved by an auditor

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) documents (including evidence of payment)

qualifications for running the business, such as relevant formal qualifications or evidence of previous relevant experience

evidence of your finances and your investment in the business, such as UK or overseas bank statements, overseas money transfers, and bank loans

evidence of any financial assistance from a third party (for example family member), such as bank statements or other financial documents as evidence of their finances, and a legal or other document confirming their involvement in and share of the business

a document setting out the terms of your involvement in the business

If you’re establishing another business or partnership

You may need to provide proof such as:

a business plan

evidence you are investing money of your own into the new business

documents for your business premises

partnership agreements

Extend your visa

You can usually apply to extend a Turkish Businessperson visa if you’re in the UK and all of the following are true:

your business is still going

you’re still able to pay your share of the costs of running the business (its liabilities)

your share of the profits will be enough to support you and your dependants without you needing to have another job

Your partner or children will need to apply separately, including children who have turned 21 during your stay.

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

Fees

There’s no fee to apply to extend your visa.

Proving your identity and providing supporting documents

As part of your application you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and the type of passport you have.

You’ll either:

give your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point - this is to get a biometric residence permit

use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you’ll also create or sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

Apply to extend your Turkish Businessperson visa

You must apply online before your current visa expires.

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Apply now

Continue your application

Sign in to your account using the link from your sign-up email.

How long it takes to get a decision

You’ll usually get a decision within 6 months of your application date.

You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example because:

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision - you’ll be told if you can when you apply.

After you apply

If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

You can ask to cancel your application. You’ll only get your fee refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.

You’ll get an email or a letter containing the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.

Your partner and children

Your partner and children can apply to extend their permission to stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible. To do this, they must have a valid dependant visa.

Your children or those of your partner can apply to come to the UK if you have a Turkish Worker visa. They’ll need to apply for a visa as your dependant.

If their application is successful, their visa will end on the same date as yours.

Your relationship

A dependant partner or child is any of the following:

your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner

your child under 21 - including if they were born in the UK during your stay

your child over 21 if they’re currently in the UK as your dependant

You’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship when you apply.

Your partner

You must be able to prove that either:

you’re in a civil partnership or marriage that’s recognised in the UK

you’ve been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply

Your child

Your child must:

live with you (unless they’re in full-time education at boarding school, college or university)

not be married, in a civil partnership or have any children

be financially supported by you

If your child lives with you, you’ll need to provide evidence of their address such as:

a bank statement

credit card bills

driving licence

NHS registration document

an official letter from their university or college

Documents you must provide

For each family member in the UK applying to extend you must have:

a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality

a biometric residence permit (BRP) showing their current dependant visa

proof that you have sole responsibility for any dependants aged under 21 if the other parent will not be in the UK, for example written permission or relevant legal documents

If your dependant is in the UK and was asked to register with the police when they arrived, you must also provide their police registration certificate.

Applying inside the UK (extend)

Your partner or children who are already in the UK can apply to extend their visa.

You can either:

include your dependants on your visa extension application

ask your dependant to apply separately

How to apply

If the dependant is your partner, they must apply online as a partner.

You need to apply online for your child.

They’ll need your application number - you’ll get this when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application.

Proving their identity

As part of their application, your partner and children will need to prove their identity. They’ll either:

have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point - this is to get a biometric residence permit

use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan their identity document - they’ll also create or sign in to their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account

They’ll be told what they need to do when they apply.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once they’ve applied online, proved their identity and provided their documents, they’ll usually get a decision within 6 months.

They may be able to pay to get a faster decision - they’ll be told if they can when they apply.

Applying from outside the UK

Your children or those of your partner can apply to come to the UK if you have a Turkish Businessperson visa. They’ll need to apply for a visa as your dependant.

If you’re already in the UK and want your child to join you, they must apply online for a dependant visa.

Proving their identity

How long it takes to get a decision

Children born in the UK

If you have a child while you’re in the UK, they do not automatically become a British citizen.

You can apply online for their dependant visa. You must do this if you want to travel in and out of the UK with your child.

You’ll need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child, showing the names of both parents.

You must apply for their dependant visa before they turn 18 if they want to stay in the UK.

you’re still able to pay your share of the costs of running the business (its liabilities)

Turkish Businessperson visa

Overview

You can:

continue running your business in the UK, and start another one

continue to help run an established business in the UK

You must meet the eligibility requirements.

Eligibility

How long you can stay

You can apply to extend your visa for up to 3 years.

If you want to stay longer in the UK

You can apply to extend your visa as many times as you like as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements.

How to apply

You must apply to extend your visa online.

Your partner and children (‘dependants’) can apply separately to extend their dependant visas, if they already have them.

How long it takes

Getting a decision

Once you’ve applied, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa extension within 6 months.

How much it costs

There’s no fee to apply to extend your visa.

What you can and cannot do

With a Turkish Businessperson visa extension you can:

keep running your business in the UK, and start another one

keep being a partner in an existing business which you’ll have an active part in running

apply to extend your stay if you meet the eligibility requirements

study

do voluntary work

You cannot:

apply for most benefits (public funds), or the State Pension

change jobs or employer

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for an extension of your Turkish Businessperson visa you need to:

have a valid Turkish Businessperson visa

show you have not broken any immigration laws

keep running a viable business

keep being able to pay your share of the costs of running the business

Documents you’ll need to apply

When you apply to extend your visa you’ll need to provide:

a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality

proof of state benefits you’ve received in the UK

a biometric residence permit showing your Turkish Businessperson visa

your police registration certificate

You’ll need to have a blank page in your passport on which to put the visa.

Proof for your business

You should provide proof that you’re currently running your business

If you’re continuing to run a business or partnership

You may need to provide proof such as:

insurance documents

business accounts prepared by a chartered accountant or approved by an auditor

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) documents (including evidence of payment)

a document setting out the terms of your involvement in the business

If you’re establishing another business or partnership

You may need to provide proof such as:

a business plan

evidence you are investing money of your own into the new business

documents for your business premises

partnership agreements

Extend your visa

You can usually apply to extend a Turkish Businessperson visa if you’re in the UK and all of the following are true:

your business is still going

you’re still able to pay your share of the costs of running the business (its liabilities)

your share of the profits will be enough to support you and your dependants without you needing to have another job

Your partner or children will need to apply separately, including children who have turned 21 during your stay.

Fees

There’s no fee to apply to extend your visa.

Proving your identity and providing supporting documents

You’ll either:

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

Apply to extend your Turkish Businessperson visa

You must apply online before your current visa expires.

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Apply now

Continue your application

Sign in to your account using the link from your sign-up email.

How long it takes to get a decision

You’ll usually get a decision within 6 months of your application date.

You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example because:

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision - you’ll be told if you can when you apply.

After you apply

If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

You’ll get an email or a letter containing the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.

Your partner and children

If their application is successful, their visa will end on the same date as yours.

Your relationship

A dependant partner or child is any of the following:

your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner

your child under 21 - including if they were born in the UK during your stay

your child over 21 if they’re currently in the UK as your dependant

You’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship when you apply.

Your partner

You must be able to prove that either:

you’re in a civil partnership or marriage that’s recognised in the UK

you’ve been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply

Your child

Your child must:

live with you (unless they’re in full-time education at boarding school, college or university)

not be married, in a civil partnership or have any children

be financially supported by you

If your child lives with you, you’ll need to provide evidence of their address such as:

a bank statement

credit card bills

driving licence

NHS registration document

an official letter from their university or college

Documents you must provide

For each family member in the UK applying to extend you must have:

a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality

a biometric residence permit (BRP) showing their current dependant visa

Applying inside the UK (extend)

Your partner or children who are already in the UK can apply to extend their visa.

You can either:

include your dependants on your visa extension application

ask your dependant to apply separately

How to apply

If the dependant is your partner, they must apply online as a partner.

You need to apply online for your child.

Proving their identity

As part of their application, your partner and children will need to prove their identity. They’ll either:

They’ll be told what they need to do when they apply.

How long it takes to get a decision

They may be able to pay to get a faster decision - they’ll be told if they can when they apply.

Applying from outside the UK

If you’re already in the UK and want your child to join you, they must apply online for a dependant visa.

Proving their identity

How long it takes to get a decision

Children born in the UK

If you have a child while you’re in the UK, they do not automatically become a British citizen.

You’ll need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child, showing the names of both parents.

You must apply for their dependant visa before they turn 18 if they want to stay in the UK.


My friend Blanca is looking for an unpaid voluntary job in a homeless charity in the UK. She plans to apply for a charity work visa. She wants to know the visa limitations. What are the other requirements of jobs she can’t do with charity work visa in the UK?

You cannot:

Temporary Worker - Charity Worker visa (T5)

Overview

You can apply for a Temporary Worker - Charity Worker visa (T5) if:

you want to do unpaid voluntary work for a charity

you meet the other eligibility requirements

This visa has replaced the Tier 5 (Temporary Worker - Charity Worker) visa.

If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

If you or your close family member started living in the UK before 1 January 2021, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme.

Otherwise you need a visa to work in the UK.

Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.

Sponsorship

You must have a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed employer before you can apply to come to the UK to work.

The work you do in the UK must relate to the work of your sponsor organisation.

How long it will take

The earliest you can apply for a visa is 3 months before the date you’re due to start work. This date is on your certificate of sponsorship.

You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK.

Find out about paying for a faster decision.

Application fee

The application fee for each person applying is £244.

The fee is the same whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.

If you’re from an eligible country

Your application fee will be automatically reduced by £55 if you’re from one of the following countries:

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden or Turkey.

This reduction only applies to your visa application. Your partner and children will still need to pay the full application fee.

Healthcare surcharge

You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application. Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

If you’re applying to extend in the UK

You’ll need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

Get a faster decision on your application

If you’re applying to extend from inside the UK you can pay an extra £500 for the priority service to get a decision within 5 working days.

You can pay an extra £800 for the super priority service to get a decision:

by the end of the the next working day after your UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) appointment if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is at the weekend

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

How long you can stay

You can stay for up to 12 months or the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.

You can enter the UK up to 14 days before the start date of your job.

What you can and cannot do

You can:

study - for some courses you’ll need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate

work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship

do a second job in the same sector at the same level as your main job for up to 20 hours per week

do a job on the Skilled Worker shortage occupation list for up to 20 hours per week

bring your partner and children with you, if they’re eligible

You cannot:

receive any payment for work

take a permanent job

get public funds

Eligibility

To be eligible for a Temporary Worker - Charity Worker visa (T5) you need:

a certificate of sponsorship reference number from your UK sponsor

enough money to support yourself in the UK - you’ll usually need to have at least £1,270 available (unless you’re exempt)

Certificate of sponsorship

A certificate of sponsorship is a unique reference number that holds information about the job you will do and your personal details. It is not a certificate or paper document.

Your sponsor will give you the certificate of sponsorship.

Your sponsor must also give you the information they used on your certificate about your job, for example your working hours.

Your sponsor must be recognised by the UK government to issue certificates of sponsorship.

Your certificate of sponsorship is valid for 3 months from the date it is assigned to you.

Multiple entry

Your sponsor can give you a multiple entry certificate of sponsorship so you can leave and return to the UK.

Money to support yourself

You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself in the UK.

You will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for this visa.

You’ll usually need to show proof of this when you apply, unless either:

you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months

your employer can cover your costs during your first month in the UK, up to £1,270

Your partner and children will also need to prove they can support themselves while they’re in the UK. Check how much they’ll need.

Read the guidance on financial evidence for more information about the money you need and how to prove it.

If your employer can support you instead

Your certificate of sponsorship must confirm this. Your employer will need to complete the ‘sponsor certifies maintenance’ section on your certificate. This is under ‘Additional data’.

Documents you must provide

When you apply you’ll need to provide:

your certificate of sponsorship reference number - your employer will give you this

a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality

evidence that you have enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK, for example bank statements (unless your certificate of sponsorship shows your employer can support you)

proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they’re applying with you

your tuberculosis (TB) test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test

You need a blank page in your passport for your visa.

You’ll need to provide a certified translation of any documents that are not in English or Welsh.

Read the guidance on documents you can provide.

You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.

Apply

Read the full guidance before you apply.

Apply from outside the UK

You must apply online for this visa.

You’ll need to have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre (to get a biometric residence permit) as part of your application.

You’ll have to collect your biometric residence permit within 10 days of when you said you’d arrive in the UK.

Find out how to get your visa decision faster - this depends on what country you’re in. Check if your visa application centre offers faster decisions and other services.

Apply from inside the UK

You can only extend your existing visa if you’re already in the UK.

Extend your visa

You can apply to extend your Temporary Worker - Charity Worker visa (T5).

You should apply before your current visa expires.

Eligibility

You must continue to meet the eligibility rules.

You must be in the UK to extend your visa.

How long you can stay

You can apply to take your stay in the UK up to a maximum of 12 months, or the time on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.

Fees

Check the fees for this visa.

How to extend your visa

You should read the full guidance before you apply.

You can apply online.

Your partner and children

You can add your partner and children to your online application - including children who have turned 18 during your stay.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

When you apply, you’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and a photo).

You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents. You can:

upload them into the online service

have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

How long it takes

A decision will be made within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service.

If you use the super priority service a decision will be made:

by the end of the next working day after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is at the weekend

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example because:

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)

Your partner and children

Your partner and children can apply to join you or to stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible. If their application is successful, their visa will end on the same date as yours.

Your relationship

A dependant partner or child is any of the following:

your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner

your child under 18 - including if they were born in the UK during your stay

your child over 18 if they’re currently in the UK as your dependant

You’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship when you apply.

Your partner

You must be able to prove that either:

you’re in a civil partnership or marriage that’s recognised in the UK

you’ve been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply

If your child is 16 or over

They must:

live with you (unless they’re in full-time education at boarding school, college or university)

not be married, in a civil partnership or have any children

be financially supported by you

If your child lives with you, you’ll need to provide evidence of their address such as:

a bank statement

credit card bills

driving licence

NHS registration document

an official letter from their university or college

Money they need to support themselves

Your partner or children must have a certain amount of money available to support themselves while they’re in the UK.

You - or your partner or child - will need:

£285 for your partner

£315 for one child

£200 for each additional child

You - or your partner or child - will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of you or them applying for this visa.

You’ll usually need to show proof of this when they apply, unless either:

you have all been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months

your employer can cover your family’s costs during your first month in the UK - this must be confirmed on your certificate of sponsorship

If your partner or child is applying at a different time to you, they’ll only need to prove they have enough money to support themselves if they have been in the UK for less than one year.

Apply from outside the UK

Your partner and children must apply online.

Each family member will need to complete a separate application and pay the visa fee. They must apply before they travel to the UK.

They’ll also need your application number - you’ll get this when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application.

Proving their identity

As part of their application, your partner and children will need to have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre. They may need to travel to get to their nearest centre (this could be in another country).

The visa application centre may need to keep their passport and documents while they process their application.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once they’ve applied online, proved their identity and provided their documents, they’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.

They may be able to pay to get their visa faster - check with the visa application centre.

Apply from inside the UK to extend

You can include your partner and children on your application to extend this visa. This includes children who were born or have turned 18 during your stay.

If you cannot apply at the same time, your partner or child can apply to extend their visas at a later date. This must be before their current visa expires.

How to apply

Your partner and children must apply online to either:

extend as a partner

extend as a child

They’ll need your application number - you’ll get this when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application.

As part of their application, your partner and children will need to have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point.

They must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until they get a decision. Their application will be withdrawn if they do.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once they’ve applied online, proved their identity and provided their documents, they’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.

They may be able to pay to get a faster decision - they’ll be told if they can when they apply.

Children born in the UK

If you have a child while you’re in the UK, they do not automatically become a British citizen.

You can apply online for their visa as your dependant. You must do this if you want to travel in and out of the UK with your child.

You’ll need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child, showing the names of both parents.

You must apply to add them to your visa before they turn 18 if they want to stay in the UK.

receive any payment for work

Overview

You can apply for a Temporary Worker - Charity Worker visa (T5) if:

you want to do unpaid voluntary work for a charity

you meet the other eligibility requirements

This visa has replaced the Tier 5 (Temporary Worker - Charity Worker) visa.

If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

If you or your close family member started living in the UK before 1 January 2021, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme.

Otherwise you need a visa to work in the UK.

Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.

Sponsorship

You must have a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed employer before you can apply to come to the UK to work.

The work you do in the UK must relate to the work of your sponsor organisation.

How long it will take

The earliest you can apply for a visa is 3 months before the date you’re due to start work. This date is on your certificate of sponsorship.

You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK.

Find out about paying for a faster decision.

Application fee

The application fee for each person applying is £244.

The fee is the same whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.

If you’re from an eligible country

Your application fee will be automatically reduced by £55 if you’re from one of the following countries:

This reduction only applies to your visa application. Your partner and children will still need to pay the full application fee.

Healthcare surcharge

You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application. Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

If you’re applying to extend in the UK

You’ll need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

Get a faster decision on your application

If you’re applying to extend from inside the UK you can pay an extra £500 for the priority service to get a decision within 5 working days.

You can pay an extra £800 for the super priority service to get a decision:

by the end of the the next working day after your UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) appointment if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is at the weekend

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

How long you can stay

You can stay for up to 12 months or the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.

You can enter the UK up to 14 days before the start date of your job.

What you can and cannot do

You can:

study - for some courses you’ll need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate

work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship

do a second job in the same sector at the same level as your main job for up to 20 hours per week

do a job on the Skilled Worker shortage occupation list for up to 20 hours per week

bring your partner and children with you, if they’re eligible

You cannot:

receive any payment for work

take a permanent job

get public funds

Eligibility

To be eligible for a Temporary Worker - Charity Worker visa (T5) you need:

a certificate of sponsorship reference number from your UK sponsor

enough money to support yourself in the UK - you’ll usually need to have at least £1,270 available (unless you’re exempt)

Certificate of sponsorship

Your sponsor will give you the certificate of sponsorship.

Your sponsor must also give you the information they used on your certificate about your job, for example your working hours.

Your sponsor must be recognised by the UK government to issue certificates of sponsorship.

Your certificate of sponsorship is valid for 3 months from the date it is assigned to you.

Multiple entry

Your sponsor can give you a multiple entry certificate of sponsorship so you can leave and return to the UK.

Money to support yourself

You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself in the UK.

You will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for this visa.

You’ll usually need to show proof of this when you apply, unless either:

you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months

your employer can cover your costs during your first month in the UK, up to £1,270

Your partner and children will also need to prove they can support themselves while they’re in the UK. Check how much they’ll need.

Read the guidance on financial evidence for more information about the money you need and how to prove it.

If your employer can support you instead

Documents you must provide

When you apply you’ll need to provide:

your certificate of sponsorship reference number - your employer will give you this

a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality

proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they’re applying with you

your tuberculosis (TB) test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test

You need a blank page in your passport for your visa.

You’ll need to provide a certified translation of any documents that are not in English or Welsh.

Read the guidance on documents you can provide.

You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.

Apply

Read the full guidance before you apply.

Apply from outside the UK

You must apply online for this visa.

You’ll need to have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre (to get a biometric residence permit) as part of your application.

You’ll have to collect your biometric residence permit within 10 days of when you said you’d arrive in the UK.

Apply from inside the UK

You can only extend your existing visa if you’re already in the UK.

Extend your visa

You can apply to extend your Temporary Worker - Charity Worker visa (T5).

You should apply before your current visa expires.

Eligibility

You must continue to meet the eligibility rules.

You must be in the UK to extend your visa.

How long you can stay

You can apply to take your stay in the UK up to a maximum of 12 months, or the time on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.

Fees

Check the fees for this visa.

How to extend your visa

You should read the full guidance before you apply.

You can apply online.

Your partner and children

You can add your partner and children to your online application - including children who have turned 18 during your stay.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents. You can:

upload them into the online service

have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment

How long it takes

A decision will be made within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service.

If you use the super priority service a decision will be made:

by the end of the next working day after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is at the weekend

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example because:

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)

Your partner and children

Your relationship

A dependant partner or child is any of the following:

your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner

your child under 18 - including if they were born in the UK during your stay

your child over 18 if they’re currently in the UK as your dependant

You’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship when you apply.

Your partner

You must be able to prove that either:

you’re in a civil partnership or marriage that’s recognised in the UK

you’ve been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply

If your child is 16 or over

They must:

live with you (unless they’re in full-time education at boarding school, college or university)

not be married, in a civil partnership or have any children

be financially supported by you

If your child lives with you, you’ll need to provide evidence of their address such as:

a bank statement

credit card bills

driving licence

NHS registration document

an official letter from their university or college

Money they need to support themselves

Your partner or children must have a certain amount of money available to support themselves while they’re in the UK.

You - or your partner or child - will need:

£285 for your partner

£315 for one child

£200 for each additional child

You’ll usually need to show proof of this when they apply, unless either:

you have all been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months

your employer can cover your family’s costs during your first month in the UK - this must be confirmed on your certificate of sponsorship

Apply from outside the UK

Your partner and children must apply online.

Each family member will need to complete a separate application and pay the visa fee. They must apply before they travel to the UK.

Proving their identity

The visa application centre may need to keep their passport and documents while they process their application.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once they’ve applied online, proved their identity and provided their documents, they’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.

They may be able to pay to get their visa faster - check with the visa application centre.

Apply from inside the UK to extend

You can include your partner and children on your application to extend this visa. This includes children who were born or have turned 18 during your stay.

How to apply

Your partner and children must apply online to either:

extend as a partner

extend as a child

How long it takes to get a decision

Once they’ve applied online, proved their identity and provided their documents, they’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.

They may be able to pay to get a faster decision - they’ll be told if they can when they apply.

Children born in the UK

If you have a child while you’re in the UK, they do not automatically become a British citizen.

You can apply online for their visa as your dependant. You must do this if you want to travel in and out of the UK with your child.

You’ll need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child, showing the names of both parents.

You must apply to add them to your visa before they turn 18 if they want to stay in the UK.

take a permanent job

Overview

You can apply for a Temporary Worker - Charity Worker visa (T5) if:

you want to do unpaid voluntary work for a charity

you meet the other eligibility requirements

This visa has replaced the Tier 5 (Temporary Worker - Charity Worker) visa.

If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

If you or your close family member started living in the UK before 1 January 2021, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme.

Otherwise you need a visa to work in the UK.

Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.

Sponsorship

You must have a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed employer before you can apply to come to the UK to work.

The work you do in the UK must relate to the work of your sponsor organisation.

How long it will take

The earliest you can apply for a visa is 3 months before the date you’re due to start work. This date is on your certificate of sponsorship.

You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK.

Find out about paying for a faster decision.

Application fee

The application fee for each person applying is £244.

The fee is the same whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.

If you’re from an eligible country

Your application fee will be automatically reduced by £55 if you’re from one of the following countries:

This reduction only applies to your visa application. Your partner and children will still need to pay the full application fee.

Healthcare surcharge

You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application. Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

If you’re applying to extend in the UK

You’ll need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

Get a faster decision on your application

If you’re applying to extend from inside the UK you can pay an extra £500 for the priority service to get a decision within 5 working days.

You can pay an extra £800 for the super priority service to get a decision:

by the end of the the next working day after your UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) appointment if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is at the weekend

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

How long you can stay

You can stay for up to 12 months or the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.

You can enter the UK up to 14 days before the start date of your job.

What you can and cannot do

You can:

study - for some courses you’ll need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate

work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship

do a second job in the same sector at the same level as your main job for up to 20 hours per week

do a job on the Skilled Worker shortage occupation list for up to 20 hours per week

bring your partner and children with you, if they’re eligible

You cannot:

receive any payment for work

take a permanent job

get public funds

Eligibility

To be eligible for a Temporary Worker - Charity Worker visa (T5) you need:

a certificate of sponsorship reference number from your UK sponsor

enough money to support yourself in the UK - you’ll usually need to have at least £1,270 available (unless you’re exempt)

Certificate of sponsorship

Your sponsor will give you the certificate of sponsorship.

Your sponsor must also give you the information they used on your certificate about your job, for example your working hours.

Your sponsor must be recognised by the UK government to issue certificates of sponsorship.

Your certificate of sponsorship is valid for 3 months from the date it is assigned to you.

Multiple entry

Your sponsor can give you a multiple entry certificate of sponsorship so you can leave and return to the UK.

Money to support yourself

You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself in the UK.

You will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for this visa.

You’ll usually need to show proof of this when you apply, unless either:

you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months

your employer can cover your costs during your first month in the UK, up to £1,270

Your partner and children will also need to prove they can support themselves while they’re in the UK. Check how much they’ll need.

Read the guidance on financial evidence for more information about the money you need and how to prove it.

If your employer can support you instead

Documents you must provide

When you apply you’ll need to provide:

your certificate of sponsorship reference number - your employer will give you this

a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality

proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they’re applying with you

your tuberculosis (TB) test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test

You need a blank page in your passport for your visa.

You’ll need to provide a certified translation of any documents that are not in English or Welsh.

Read the guidance on documents you can provide.

You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.

Apply

Read the full guidance before you apply.

Apply from outside the UK

You must apply online for this visa.

You’ll need to have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre (to get a biometric residence permit) as part of your application.

You’ll have to collect your biometric residence permit within 10 days of when you said you’d arrive in the UK.

Apply from inside the UK

You can only extend your existing visa if you’re already in the UK.

Extend your visa

You can apply to extend your Temporary Worker - Charity Worker visa (T5).

You should apply before your current visa expires.

Eligibility

You must continue to meet the eligibility rules.

You must be in the UK to extend your visa.

How long you can stay

You can apply to take your stay in the UK up to a maximum of 12 months, or the time on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.

Fees

Check the fees for this visa.

How to extend your visa

You should read the full guidance before you apply.

You can apply online.

Your partner and children

You can add your partner and children to your online application - including children who have turned 18 during your stay.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents. You can:

upload them into the online service

have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment

How long it takes

A decision will be made within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service.

If you use the super priority service a decision will be made:

by the end of the next working day after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is at the weekend

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example because:

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)

Your partner and children

Your relationship

A dependant partner or child is any of the following:

your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner

your child under 18 - including if they were born in the UK during your stay

your child over 18 if they’re currently in the UK as your dependant

You’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship when you apply.

Your partner

You must be able to prove that either:

you’re in a civil partnership or marriage that’s recognised in the UK

you’ve been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply

If your child is 16 or over

They must:

live with you (unless they’re in full-time education at boarding school, college or university)

not be married, in a civil partnership or have any children

be financially supported by you

If your child lives with you, you’ll need to provide evidence of their address such as:

a bank statement

credit card bills

driving licence

NHS registration document

an official letter from their university or college

Money they need to support themselves

Your partner or children must have a certain amount of money available to support themselves while they’re in the UK.

You - or your partner or child - will need:

£285 for your partner

£315 for one child

£200 for each additional child

You’ll usually need to show proof of this when they apply, unless either:

you have all been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months

your employer can cover your family’s costs during your first month in the UK - this must be confirmed on your certificate of sponsorship

Apply from outside the UK

Your partner and children must apply online.

Each family member will need to complete a separate application and pay the visa fee. They must apply before they travel to the UK.

Proving their identity

The visa application centre may need to keep their passport and documents while they process their application.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once they’ve applied online, proved their identity and provided their documents, they’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.

They may be able to pay to get their visa faster - check with the visa application centre.

Apply from inside the UK to extend

You can include your partner and children on your application to extend this visa. This includes children who were born or have turned 18 during your stay.

How to apply

Your partner and children must apply online to either:

extend as a partner

extend as a child

How long it takes to get a decision

Once they’ve applied online, proved their identity and provided their documents, they’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.

They may be able to pay to get a faster decision - they’ll be told if they can when they apply.

Children born in the UK

If you have a child while you’re in the UK, they do not automatically become a British citizen.

You can apply online for their visa as your dependant. You must do this if you want to travel in and out of the UK with your child.

You’ll need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child, showing the names of both parents.

You must apply to add them to your visa before they turn 18 if they want to stay in the UK.

get public funds

Overview

You can apply for a Temporary Worker - Charity Worker visa (T5) if:

you want to do unpaid voluntary work for a charity

you meet the other eligibility requirements

This visa has replaced the Tier 5 (Temporary Worker - Charity Worker) visa.

If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

If you or your close family member started living in the UK before 1 January 2021, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme.

Otherwise you need a visa to work in the UK.

Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.

Sponsorship

You must have a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed employer before you can apply to come to the UK to work.

The work you do in the UK must relate to the work of your sponsor organisation.

How long it will take

The earliest you can apply for a visa is 3 months before the date you’re due to start work. This date is on your certificate of sponsorship.

You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK.

Find out about paying for a faster decision.

Application fee

The application fee for each person applying is £244.

The fee is the same whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.

If you’re from an eligible country

Your application fee will be automatically reduced by £55 if you’re from one of the following countries:

This reduction only applies to your visa application. Your partner and children will still need to pay the full application fee.

Healthcare surcharge

You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application. Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

If you’re applying to extend in the UK

You’ll need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

Get a faster decision on your application

If you’re applying to extend from inside the UK you can pay an extra £500 for the priority service to get a decision within 5 working days.

You can pay an extra £800 for the super priority service to get a decision:

by the end of the the next working day after your UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) appointment if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is at the weekend

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

How long you can stay

You can stay for up to 12 months or the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.

You can enter the UK up to 14 days before the start date of your job.

What you can and cannot do

You can:

study - for some courses you’ll need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate

work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship

do a second job in the same sector at the same level as your main job for up to 20 hours per week

do a job on the Skilled Worker shortage occupation list for up to 20 hours per week

bring your partner and children with you, if they’re eligible

You cannot:

receive any payment for work

take a permanent job

get public funds

Eligibility

To be eligible for a Temporary Worker - Charity Worker visa (T5) you need:

a certificate of sponsorship reference number from your UK sponsor

enough money to support yourself in the UK - you’ll usually need to have at least £1,270 available (unless you’re exempt)

Certificate of sponsorship

Your sponsor will give you the certificate of sponsorship.

Your sponsor must also give you the information they used on your certificate about your job, for example your working hours.

Your sponsor must be recognised by the UK government to issue certificates of sponsorship.

Your certificate of sponsorship is valid for 3 months from the date it is assigned to you.

Multiple entry

Your sponsor can give you a multiple entry certificate of sponsorship so you can leave and return to the UK.

Money to support yourself

You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself in the UK.

You will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for this visa.

You’ll usually need to show proof of this when you apply, unless either:

you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months

your employer can cover your costs during your first month in the UK, up to £1,270

Your partner and children will also need to prove they can support themselves while they’re in the UK. Check how much they’ll need.

Read the guidance on financial evidence for more information about the money you need and how to prove it.

If your employer can support you instead

Documents you must provide

When you apply you’ll need to provide:

your certificate of sponsorship reference number - your employer will give you this

a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality

proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they’re applying with you

your tuberculosis (TB) test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test

You need a blank page in your passport for your visa.

You’ll need to provide a certified translation of any documents that are not in English or Welsh.

Read the guidance on documents you can provide.

You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.

Apply

Read the full guidance before you apply.

Apply from outside the UK

You must apply online for this visa.

You’ll need to have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre (to get a biometric residence permit) as part of your application.

You’ll have to collect your biometric residence permit within 10 days of when you said you’d arrive in the UK.

Apply from inside the UK

You can only extend your existing visa if you’re already in the UK.

Extend your visa

You can apply to extend your Temporary Worker - Charity Worker visa (T5).

You should apply before your current visa expires.

Eligibility

You must continue to meet the eligibility rules.

You must be in the UK to extend your visa.

How long you can stay

You can apply to take your stay in the UK up to a maximum of 12 months, or the time on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.

Fees

Check the fees for this visa.

How to extend your visa

You should read the full guidance before you apply.

You can apply online.

Your partner and children

You can add your partner and children to your online application - including children who have turned 18 during your stay.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents. You can:

upload them into the online service

have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment

How long it takes

A decision will be made within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service.

If you use the super priority service a decision will be made:

by the end of the next working day after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is at the weekend

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example because:

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)

Your partner and children

Your relationship

A dependant partner or child is any of the following:

your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner

your child under 18 - including if they were born in the UK during your stay

your child over 18 if they’re currently in the UK as your dependant

You’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship when you apply.

Your partner

You must be able to prove that either:

you’re in a civil partnership or marriage that’s recognised in the UK

you’ve been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply

If your child is 16 or over

They must:

live with you (unless they’re in full-time education at boarding school, college or university)

not be married, in a civil partnership or have any children

be financially supported by you

If your child lives with you, you’ll need to provide evidence of their address such as:

a bank statement

credit card bills

driving licence

NHS registration document

an official letter from their university or college

Money they need to support themselves

Your partner or children must have a certain amount of money available to support themselves while they’re in the UK.

You - or your partner or child - will need:

£285 for your partner

£315 for one child

£200 for each additional child

You’ll usually need to show proof of this when they apply, unless either:

you have all been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months

your employer can cover your family’s costs during your first month in the UK - this must be confirmed on your certificate of sponsorship

Apply from outside the UK

Your partner and children must apply online.

Each family member will need to complete a separate application and pay the visa fee. They must apply before they travel to the UK.

Proving their identity

The visa application centre may need to keep their passport and documents while they process their application.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once they’ve applied online, proved their identity and provided their documents, they’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.

They may be able to pay to get their visa faster - check with the visa application centre.

Apply from inside the UK to extend

You can include your partner and children on your application to extend this visa. This includes children who were born or have turned 18 during your stay.

How to apply

Your partner and children must apply online to either:

extend as a partner

extend as a child

How long it takes to get a decision

Once they’ve applied online, proved their identity and provided their documents, they’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.

They may be able to pay to get a faster decision - they’ll be told if they can when they apply.

Children born in the UK

If you have a child while you’re in the UK, they do not automatically become a British citizen.

You can apply online for their visa as your dependant. You must do this if you want to travel in and out of the UK with your child.

You’ll need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child, showing the names of both parents.

You must apply to add them to your visa before they turn 18 if they want to stay in the UK.