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The Religious Worker visa (Temporary Work) is designed for individuals who wish to come to the UK to undertake non-pastoral and non-preaching religious work, such as working in a religious order or supporting the day-to-day activities of a religious institution. This visa is part of the Temporary Work route and requires sponsorship from a UK-based religious organization that holds a valid Sponsor Licence. It is aimed at those who have been offered a job within a religious community in the UK, such as administrative, support, or monastic roles. The main purpose is to allow religious workers to contribute to their religious communities in the UK on a temporary basis.
Religious Worker
The Religious Worker visa (Temporary Work) is designed for individuals who wish to come to the UK to undertake non-pastoral and non-preaching religious work, such as working in a religious order or supporting the day-to-day activities of a religious institution. This visa is part of the Temporary Work route and requires sponsorship from a UK-based religious organization that holds a valid Sponsor Licence. It is aimed at those who have been offered a job within a religious community in the UK, such as administrative, support, or monastic roles. The main purpose is to allow religious workers to contribute to their religious communities in the UK on a temporary basis.
Applicants must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a religious organization in the UK that holds a sponsorship license. The CoS must include details of the job, including the role, duties, and duration of employment. The sponsoring organization must be recognized by the Home Office and comply with all sponsorship duties.
Applicants must provide a valid passport or travel document. The document should have at least one blank page for the visa and be valid for the duration of the stay in the UK.
Applicants must demonstrate they have enough money to support themselves without relying on public funds. This typically means having savings or income that covers living costs for the duration of the stay.
Applicants must prove their knowledge of English at a B2 level as per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This can be demonstrated through an approved English language test or a degree taught in English.
Applicants from certain countries must provide a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate if they are coming to the UK for more than 6 months. The test must be from a clinic approved by the Home Office.
Applicants may be required to provide a criminal record certificate from any country they have lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years. This is to ensure they have no criminal history that would bar them from entering the UK.
Applicants must have at least ÂŖ1,270 available in their bank account for 28 days before applying, unless their sponsor can certify maintenance. This is to ensure they can support themselves upon arrival in the UK.
Applicants must provide biometric information, including fingerprints and a photograph, as part of the application process. This is typically done at a visa application center.
Disclaimer: We are not immigration advisors. For professional immigration advice, consult a qualified immigration lawyer or OISC-registered advisor.
Applicants must intend to work in the specific role described in their Certificate of Sponsorship. The role must be temporary and not a permanent position. The duties should align with the religious organization's needs and the applicant's qualifications.
Applicants must demonstrate that they do not intend to access public funds during their stay in the UK. This includes benefits like housing assistance or income support.
If applying with dependents, applicants must provide evidence of their relationship, such as birth certificates for children or marriage certificates for spouses.
If bringing dependents, applicants must show additional funds to support them. The amount varies depending on the number of dependents and their ages.
Applicants cannot take a permanent job while on the Religious Worker visa. The role must be temporary and related to the religious duties specified in the Certificate of Sponsorship.
3 weeks weeks