Volunteer Programme - Pre-Arrival Information
Volunteer Programme - Pre-Arrival Information
The volunteering process
Now that you have been offered a place on the volunteer programme it is time to start the process of applying for a visa. Once you have your visa you can make travel arrangements for the start of your placement in the UK
 | Application - you have already applied for a place on the international volunteer programme Interview - you have already completed an interview with one of our volunteer recruitment team. Placement Offer - you have already accepted an offer of a placement at one of our centres. The details of dates and location will be in the email you received to confirm your acceptance. Further Information - you have already completed the information form, providing our team with personal information including your passport number. |
 | Visa Support Letter (containing your CoS) - you should have already received this letter from our volunteer programme team. Immigration Health Surcharge number - if this is required you should already have the IHS number before applying for your visa. More information can be found here Tuberculosis Test - if his is required you should have the results ready before applying for your visa. More information can be found here Apply for your visa - Once you have all of the above details you can apply for your visa. You can apply up to 3 months before your placement, and should start the application as soon as you are allowed. |
 | Arrival - Once your visa is confirmed you will need to make travel arrangements to arrive in the UK on the arrivals days immediately before the start of your placement. Once your travel details are confirmed we'll arrange to meet you at an airport or train station in the UK. Placement - The adventure begins! You'll start your initial training course before going back to your home centre to work with thousands of young people as a Volunteer Activity Instructor. |
Applying for your visa
Are you ready to apply?
Anyone entering the UK on a Tier 5 - Charity Worker visa is entitled to do unpaid voluntary work for a charity. In your case, you will be sponsored by Scout Adventures (part of The Scout Association) to undertake a volunteer placement at one of our centres across the UK.
Scout Adventures has issued you with a Visa Support Letter, which includes a CoS (Certificate of Sponsorship) - this is a long code made up of letters and numbers. Including the letter and CoS in your application, informs UK Visas and Immigration that you are being supported by us for the duration of your placement.
Before you apply make sure you have:
- Read all of the guidance on this page.
- Your Passport.
- A passport sized photo.
- Your Immigration Health Surcharge number (see below).
- Your visa support letter, containing your CoS.
- Your Tuberculosis test results (see below).
- Who needs a visa?
Anyone travelling to the UK will require a visa for the duration of their stay, unless they have an UK or Irish passport or have obtained settled/pre-settled status.
- What visa should I apply for?
You will need to apply for a Tier 5 – Temporary Work - Charity Worker visa. It is very important that you apply for the correct category of Tier 5 visa.
- How much does it cost?
The standard cost for a Tier 5 visa is £319. Please note that depending upon your nationality, you may also be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (see below) and a TB test.
- How long will it take?
You can apply for a visa up to three months before your date of travel to the UK. Your visa support letter will be issued approximately 3 months in advance of your placement, and you should plan to apply for your visa as soon as possible once your receive this.
UK Visas and Immigration advise that most applicants receive a decision within three weeks, but please note it can take much longer than this, so you are advised to start the application as soon as possible to ensure it arrives in time for you to travel.
- Who is the sponsor?
The Scout Association
- Sponsor License Number
You will find this on your CoS letter
- Does your sponsor certify maintenance?
Yes we do
- What Job Title should I put on the application form?
You will be a “Volunteer Activity Instructor” (you will work an average of 40 hours a week).
- What address should i used?
Your sponsor address is The Scout Association, Gilwell Park, Chingford, London, E4 7QW, BUT your regular place of work will be the address of the centre you are completing your placement at, you can find the address here https://www.scoutadventures.org.uk/all-centres
- I have to say how much salary I will be paid, what should I put?
As a volunteer you do not get paid a salary, so in this section of the application form you need to put (zero). The weekly allowance we give you is to support your living expenses and does not count in this case so do not include it in this section.
- Am I travelling as an organised group?
NO – you are travelling as an individual.
- Is my sponsor an ‘A Rated Sponsor’ or do I need to provide my bank account statements?
The Scout Association is an ‘A Rated Sponsor’ you therefore do not have to provide your bank account statements.
- The application form asks me about points what does this mean and how many do I get?
The Tier 5 visa is a points based visa, you get 30 points for the Certificate of Sponsorship and 10 points for maintenance (food and accommodation). The total points you will get is 40 points.
- Expected (or Estimated) date of travel
If you already know when your flight is then put that date in this box on the application form.
If you have not yet booked your flights then put a date which is two days before the start of your placement (this is the date which is already shown on your Visa Support letter) that way your Entry Clearance visa will be dated from this date and you shouldn’t then have problems at the Border when entering the UK.
Note that if you travel before the date on your visa you may be refused entry.
- How long can I stay?
You have been issued with a visa support letter, this contains your Certificate of Sponsorship (it’s a long code containing letters and numbers). The dates on your Visa Support Letter should be similar to those in the Offer/Acceptance that was sent to you after your interview. The dates may differ slightly by a couple of days either side, if the dates look incorrect, please let us know before you start your visa application.
You will be issued with a visa which will give you a couple of days travel before the start of your placement and up to 14 days at the end, but you are advised not to book any flights until you have received your visa and you know the exact dates that your visa is valid for.
If you are planning to travel at the end of your placement, please ensure that you research the visa requirements of any countries you are visiting, as your Tier 5 – Charity Worker visa will expire soon after the final date of your placement. For example if you wished to travel in the UK after your placement you would need to obtain a tourist visa.
Further information
E-Visa (previously known as a BRP)
You don’t need to apply separately for an eVisa—this will be issued automatically if your visa or immigration application is approved.
Your passport will include an Entry Clearance visa, typically valid for 90 days. Once you arrive in the UK, you will be able to use your eVisa, which will cover the full duration of your placement.
An eVisa is a digital record of your immigration status. It includes:
· Your identity and immigration details – such as the type of visa you hold or whether you have indefinite leave to remain (settlement) in the UK.
· The conditions of your status – for example, whether you’re permitted to work or study in the UK.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Unlike some other countries, the UK has a free healthcare system which is available to all. The UK government has introduced a charge for volunteers staying 6 months or more in the UK which covers the costs of any healthcare you might require while in the UK. You will need to pay this before you can complete your visa application process. The IHS payment varies according to nationality.
Tuberculosis Test Results
If you live in certain countries then you will need to provide results for a TB test if your placement is over 6 months in duration. You must be tested at a clinic that has been approved by the Home Office.
You should check the guidance in the link below to see if you will need a TB test. You will need the information to complete your visa application.