My girlfriend is currently in the UK on a 6 month type C visit visa which clearly says no work or recourse to public funds.

 

I am trying to find out if she can do voluntary unpaid work for instance charity work or hospital volunteer. I have emailed support at the visa4uk website but I've had no reply after a week of waiting, Is it possible to upgrade the visa if the is not allowed on her type C visa ?

 

 Thanks for reading.

Not related to Thai visa issues, moved to the Visas and migration to other countries forum.

I am almost certain the answer is "no".

 

A visit visa is just that.

 

For charity work she would need a Tier 5 visa and again I do not think she could apply in the UK for one.

https://www.gov.uk/tier-5-temporary-worker-charity-worker-visa/overview

 

Edit in: Just looked up type "C" it is a Business Visa

https://www.gov.uk/business-visitor-visa/overview

 

What you can and can’t do

You can:

• carry out the permitted activities related to your job as described in your visa application as long as you’re employed and paid by an overseas company
• study for up to 30 days, as long as it’s not the main reason for your visit

You can’t:

• take other paid or unpaid work - you can only do the permitted activities described in your visa application
• live in the UK for long periods of time through frequent visits
• marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership
• get private medical treatment
• get public funds

You can’t be an academic visitor if you’re on sabbatical leave from a private research company. You should apply for a visa under Tier 2 or Tier 5 - check what visa you need.

 

I am almost certain the answer is "no".

 

I am sure you are right, Basil.

As far as I know, even voluntary work is not allowed if in the UK as a general visitor. To do that a Tier 5 (Temporary Worker - Charity Worker) visa is required and a general visit visa cannot be switched to another category.