Top 5 Volunteer Programs In UK with Visa Sponsorship and Accommodation
In the UK, many volunteer programs offer visa sponsorship opportunities and accommodation to interested international volunteers who are willing to render selfless services in the United Kingdom without being paid a salary for their services.
Some of the top volunteer programs in the United Kingdom that are known for offering sponsored visas and accommodation to foreigners are Scargill Movement, Capernwray, Newton Dee, etc. Most of these volunteer programs are managed by religious organizations, while others are owned by non-governmental organizations(NGOs).Â
Type of Visa Offered by Volunteer Programs In the UK
Before we begin the discussion in detail, it is important to note that most of these volunteer programs only offer a charity worker visa, which is mostly a temporary visa that covers the duration of your volunteer program. So, if you want to enter the UK through this route, you are only going to get a temporary visa. For more information on the top volunteer programs in the UK with visa sponsorship and accommodation, keep reading!
Volunteer Programs in UK with Visa Sponsorship and Accommodation
Most volunteer programs in the UK that accept international applicants offer visa sponsorship and accommodation to foreigners as a way of attracting new applicants who are interested in working with them and rendering selfless services but may not have the means of obtaining a visa. Some even cover all extra costs incurred during the visa application and interview process as a show of gratitude to the applicant for their selflessness. Below are some of the top volunteer programs offering visa sponsorship and free accommodation in the UK
Read: Mount Camphill Community UK Volunteer Programme with Visa Sponsorship and Accommodation
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Scargill Movement
This is one of the popular volunteer programs in the United Kingdom that provides sponsored visas and accommodation for foreigners interested in relocating to the UK and working with them to offer selfless services to those in need. This movement is open to all Christians from different countries across the globe who are passionate about helping the needy without remuneration. The Scargill Movement volunteer program is called the International Community Volunteer Programme.
Requirements for Joining Scargill Movement
Before you can join the International Community Volunteer Programme as a foreign Christian from another country other than the UK, you are expected to meet the following criteria:
- You must be a dedicated Christian in your home country
- You must be fluent in both spoken and written English
- You must not have young families that are dependent on you
- You must be willing to accept accommodation within the Scargill Pathway Promises
- You must be ready to learn when you arrive in the UK
- You must be at least 18 years old.Â
Visa Requirements for Joining Scargill Movement
The Scargill Movement sponsors charity worker visas (i.e., temporary work visas) for interested international Christian volunteers. However, the visa application process is always rigorous; hence, the Scargill will require you to:
- Get a recommendation from your employer
- Provide references from your home pastors and friends
- Provide finance evidence, etc.Â
This movement sponsors visas and offers accommodation at Scargill Pathway Promises for international Christians who want to join them at the volunteer level.Â
Read: UK Labour Shortage Visa Program and How to Apply for a Visa
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Books2Africa
This is another volunteer program in the UK that offers both sponsored visas and accommodation to foreign nationals who are interested in relocating and working with them. Books2Africa runs a volunteer program called the International Volunteering Programme (IVP).
This program is fully registered with the UK government, and its registration number is 1152599. This program is designed specifically for foreigners who want to gain experience in a charity-based organization and NGOs in the United Kingdom.Â
Although this IVP won’t pay your salary within your volunteering period, they will give you extensive training that will help you excel in other parts of your life endeavors once you complete the program duration. As a volunteer in the International Volunteering Programme (IVP)., your work will be centered around valuing books from donor agencies, packaging donated materials for those in need, helping in fundraising for the organization, and advertising the organization to increase its visibility. However, you may be required to pay some fees when applying to join Books2Africa
Read: Volunteer Jobs In the UK With Visa Sponsorship and Free Accommodation
- Capernwray
This is another popular volunteer program in the UK that provides sponsored visas and accommodation to foreigners willing to relocate and work with them. As a foreign volunteer joining Capernwray, you will be required to participate in Bible school and also help in delivering holiday programs. If you want to serve God in spirit and truth as an international Christian, then you can consider applying for the Capernwray volunteer program. Â
Like the Scargill Movement that we discussed above, Capernwray also sponsors charity worker visas for all the international Christians who want to volunteer and work with them. As a foreign Christian, if you volunteer to work in Capernwray, you are going to work in any of their departments, such as the AV team, beehive team, gardens & grounds team, guest team, dining hall team, housekeeping team, swimming pool and sports team, maintenance team, and admin team.Â
Apart from doing evangelism work with this volunteer program, Cpaernwray also has training programs for all their volunteers, both local and foreign, to enable them to gain knowledge while serving God in all sincerity.Â
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Newton Dee
Newton Dee is another popular UK volunteer program that offers visa sponsorship opportunities and accommodation to international volunteers who want to render selfless services in the United Kingdom. The Newton Dee sponsored a Tier 5 volunteer VISA for all their foreign volunteers, irrespective of their country of origin.Â
The Newton Dee volunteer program assists adults with special needs, especially those with learning disabilities. If you want to join this volunteer program as a foreigner, your role will be to help the organization give meaningful help to those who need it the most. However, this organization will also give you some form of training during your volunteering period to enable you to gain knowledge and experience while working with them.Â
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LHA London
LHA London also offers visa-sponsored opportunities and accommodation for interested foreign volunteers who want to work with them in the UK. LHA London offers different services, so as an international volunteer, you will help the organization attend to customer inquiries and help in meal preparation, among others. However, the organization will train you in different skills while you work with them voluntarily. They have good accommodation for all their international volunteers.Â
Read: $40,000 UK Fruit Picker Jobs with Visa Sponsorship and How to Apply
How to Apply for Visa-Sponsored Volunteer Programs In the UK
Most of these bodies mentioned accept applications online and applications are only via their website. To start your application, visit their website and click on volunteer with us, then proceed to fill out the application form.
It is important to read the expected duties before submitting your application. It is also important to note that most of these organizations will only refund the amount you spent on your travel after your arrival to the UK. They also offer stipends to volunteers as a show of appreciation.