Religious Worker Visa

The UK Religious Worker visa is a temporary work visa designed for individuals coming to the UK to undertake non-pastoral religious work or to work within a religious order. It is distinct from the Minister of Religion visa, which is for leading pastoral roles. Our immigration specialists work closely with individuals and religious organisations to help secure visas and advise on the best route to take based on your objectives.

What is a Religious Worker Visa and who is it suitable for?

This visa is for individuals who wish to support the activities of UK-based religious institutions on a temporary basis. It's suitable for roles that contribute to the religious community but do not involve leading a congregation, performing rites, or primarily preaching the essentials of a faith. Examples could include administrative support for a religious charity, working on specific religious projects, or missionary work that doesn't involve leading a pastoral charge.

What are the limits on duration and work scope for Religious Workers?

The Religious Worker visa is granted for a maximum of 24 months (2 years), or the period specified on your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) plus 28 days, whichever is shorter.

You are permitted to work for the sponsor in the job described on your CoS. You can also:

• Study alongside your work, provided it doesn't interfere with your main job.
• Do a second job in the same sector and at the same level as your main job, for up to 20 hours per week.
• Do a job on the Skilled Worker immigration salary list for up to 20 hours per week.

Who can apply?

To apply for a Religious Worker visa in the UK, you must be at least 18 years old and have a confirmed offer for an eligible role involving religious work, either in a non-pastoral capacity or within a religious order, from a UK-based religious organisation. 

The sponsoring organisation must hold a valid sponsor licence for the Religious Worker route. Additionally, you must not have been granted a Religious Worker or Charity Worker visa in the past 12 months, unless you can demonstrate that you were outside the UK for the entire duration of that period.

What are the requirements for the visa?

To apply, you will need to provide:

• A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number from your UK sponsor.
• A valid passport or other document showing your identity and nationality.
• Evidence of sufficient personal savings to support yourself in the UK (at least £1,270 for the main applicant), unless your sponsor certifies on the CoS that they will cover your maintenance for the first month. These funds must have been held for at least 28 consecutive days.
• Proof of relationship with your partner or children if they are applying with you as dependants.
• A tuberculosis (TB) test result if you are from a country where this is required.

Do religious workers need to meet English language requirements?

No, there is no English language requirement for the Religious Worker visa. This is a key difference from the Minister of Religion (T2) Visa.

What is the process for organisations applying to sponsor religious workers?

Religious organisations must first obtain a Temporary Work – Religious Worker sponsor licence from the Home Office. The process typically involves:

Meeting Eligibility: The organisation must be a genuine, lawfully operating religious body in the UK.

Appointing Key Personnel: Designating an Authorising Officer (senior internal staff), a Key Contact, and at least one Level 1 User.

Demonstrating Systems: Showing they have robust HR and record-keeping systems to manage sponsored workers and comply with Home Office duties.

Applying for the Licence: Submitting an online application form and supporting documents. A fee is payable.

Assigning a CoS: Once licensed, they can assign a CoS to the prospective worker, confirming the job details and compliance with the visa route's rules. A fee of £525 is paid for each CoS.

Ongoing Compliance: Continually meeting sponsor duties, including reporting changes and maintaining records, to avoid licence suspension or revocation.

Can the visa be extended?

Yes, the Religious Worker visa can be extended from within the UK.

You can apply to extend your stay up to a maximum total duration of 24 months (2 years), or the time on your CoS plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.

You must continue to meet the eligibility requirements for the visa.

If you have already spent the maximum 24 months in the UK on this visa, you would typically need to leave the UK and may be subject to a "cooling-off period" (usually 12 months) before you can re-apply for entry clearance under this route.

What’s the difference between a religious worker visa and a minister of religion visa?

The UK offers two main visa routes for individuals coming to the UK to work in a religious capacity: the Minister of Religion visa (T2) and the Religious Worker visa (Temporary Work). While both require sponsorship from a licensed religious organisation, they serve different purposes and have key distinctions.

Here's a summary of their differences:

Minister of Religion Visa (T2)

This visa is for individuals who hold a key leading or pastoral role within a faith-based organisation or religious order in the UK. This includes roles like ministers, priests, imams, rabbis, missionaries, or members of religious orders who primarily perform pastoral duties, lead worship, or spread religious teachings.

It is initially granted for up to 3 years and 1 month, or the time on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) plus 14 days. It can be extended, allowing for a total stay of up to 6 years.

Crucially, the Minister of Religion visa can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years of continuous residence in the UK under this route or a combination of eligible work visas.

Applicants must also meet an English language requirement at CEFR Level B2 (in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Additionally, applicants must meet the relevant salary threshold and ensure the job pays at least the National Minimum Wage.

Religious Worker Visa (Temporary Work)

The Religious Worker visa offers a unique opportunity for individuals to support the work of UK-based religious institutions, not in leading worship, but by contributing in essential, non-pastoral roles.

Whether you’re involved in missionary work (without taking on a pastoral lead), providing administrative support, or undertaking a temporary assignment within a religious order, this visa allows you to play a meaningful part in the life and function of a religious organisation. It’s ideal for those looking to serve behind the scenes, rather than lead from the front.

This is a temporary route, typically granted for up to 24 months, or for the length of your Certificate of Sponsorship plus an additional 28 days, whichever is shorter. While it doesn’t lead directly to settlement, time spent in the UK under this visa might contribute towards a 10-year long residence application, depending on your wider immigration history.

There is no English language requirement, and while there’s no set minimum salary beyond the National Minimum Wage, the role must be paid. In short, it’s a practical visa for those looking to support religious life in the UK, without the long-term commitment of a permanent route.

Speak to our visa experts

Whether you're a religious organisation looking to bring in international talent or an individual seeking to contribute to religious life in the UK, the Religious Worker Visa offers a structured yet accessible route.

However, navigating the sponsorship requirements, eligibility rules, and application process can be complex, especially when your plans involve timelines, dependants, or long-term immigration goals.

Our immigration team works closely with both applicants and sponsoring bodies to ensure a smooth, compliant application process. We provide practical, strategic advice tailored to your specific circumstances, whether that means guiding you through a sponsor licence application, advising on visa extensions, or helping you consider future settlement pathways.

If you’re considering this route or want clarity on the right visa for your situation, we’re here to help. Get in touch via the form below for expert legal support.