There is a growing interest in the UK’s charity worker visa, with discussions fuelled by viral YouTube videos and personal testimonies from migrants already in the UK.

One video features a woman who used the charity visa route to move her entire family to the UK. She clarified that while the visa does not permit formal paid employment, volunteers often receive stipends for food and transport, and in some cases, free accommodation.

Speaking about her experience working in a nursery, she said she was still “getting paid somehow” through volunteering benefits. Her husband, not under the same visa restriction, was able to work full-time across various jobs.

The YouTuber hosting the conversation, who has over 180,000 subscribers, maintained that her content did not constitute immigration advice and encouraged viewers to seek professional guidance. She reiterated her disclaimer that the video was for informational purposes only.

Another YouTuber, with similar content, explained that while charity visa holders cannot earn a salary, organisations may cover their basic living costs. This includes accommodation, stipends, and occasional allowances—but these are not considered formal wages under UK law.

An investigation by The Times noted a sharp increase in charity visa applications:
• 2023: 2,775 applications (62% approval rate)
• 2024: 1,983 applications (80% approved)

However, there is limited transparency on how many applicants bring family members. Separate data shows 3,442 dependant applications, with 2,574 granted. Family members are processed under different visa categories.

Concerns have also been raised about social media influencing migration decisions. Some immigration lawyers have been spotted on TikTok and YouTube, outlining methods for claiming asylum—such as religious conversion narratives—which critics warn may be subject to misuse or manipulation.

There is no evidence that the YouTubers involved in the charity visa videos are promoting false claims or encouraging abuse of the system. Nonetheless, the UK #HomeOffice has vowed to crack down on potential exploitation of #visa routes.

A spokesperson said the government’s upcoming immigration #whitepaper will outline reforms to restore trust in the system and prevent abuse. “We continuously monitor all visa channels and won’t hesitate to act if we detect misuse,” they added.