This page covers the following topics

Introduction

The UK Short-term work visas are a part of the Tier 5 visas and come under the UK’s Point-based system. The UK Short-term work visas are also known as ‘Temporary Workers Visas’
The visas under this category are listed below:

  1. UK Charity Worker visa.
  2. UK Creative Worker visa.
  3. UK Government Authorized Exchange visa.
  4. UK International Agreement visa.
  5. UK Religious Worker visa.
  6. UK Seasonal Work visa.
  7. UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa.
  8. UK Graduate visa.

UK Religious Worker visa – Overview

Applicants can apply for a UK Religious Worker visa if they want to do religious work in a non-pastoral role or religious order.

Eligibility criteria List of documents
The eligibility criteria for a UK Religious Worker visa are listed below:

  • The applicant must have a Certificate of Sponsorship from their UK sponsor.
  • The applicant must have enough money to support their stay in the UK – a minimum of £1,270 in the applicant’s bank account is mandatory.
  • The money must be available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for this visa.
  • The applicant must be 18 years old or above 18 years when they apply.
 The documents required to apply for a UK Religious Worker visa are listed below:

  • A Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK employer.
  • A valid passport with enough blank pages for the visa, and other documents that proves the identity and nationality of the applicant.
  • Evidence of enough personal savings to support the applicant’s stay in the UK. For example, bank statements.
  • Proof of relationship with the partner or children, if they apply.
  • Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if required).
  • The applicant will need to provide a certified translation of any documents that are not in English or Welsh.

Certificate of Sponsorship to apply for a UK Religious Worker visa

  • Yes, the applicant must have a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed employer before they can apply to come to the UK to work.
  • The UK-based employer – also known as a ‘Sponsor’ – must provide the applicant with a ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ stating all the information with regards to the job role for which the applicant is employed in the UK.
  • It’s an e-Certificate. That means, it is an electronic record and not a paper document.
  • The applicant will need the reference number from the Certificate of Sponsorship to apply for the visa.

Applying for a UK Religious Worker visa

The applicant can apply for a UK Religious Worker visa up to 3 months before the day they are due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on the Certificate of Sponsorship.

Permitted and not permitted in the UK on a UK Religious Worker visa

The applicant is permitted to:

  • Study (for some courses).
  • Work for the sponsor in the job described on the applicant’s Certificate of Sponsorship.
    Do a second job in the same sector at the same level as the applicant’s main job for up to 20 hours per week.
  • Do a job on the Skilled Worker shortage occupation list for up to 20 hours per week.
    Bring a partner and children (under 18 years), if they’re eligible.

The applicant is not permitted to:

  • Get public funds.

Extending a UK Religious Worker visa

The applicant can apply to extend their UK Religious Worker visa before their current visa expires.

Bringing a partner and children to the UK on a UK Religious Worker visa

The applicant can bring along a partner and children (under 18 years) to join them in the UK as their ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible.
If their application is successful, their visa will end on the same date as the main applicants.
A dependent partner or child is any of the following:

  • Husband, wife, civil partner, or an unmarried partner.
  • Children under 18 years – including if they were born in the UK during the main applicant’s stay in the country.
  • Children over 18 years if they’re currently in the UK living as a dependant.

People also ask

How to apply for a UK Religious Worker visa?

The applicant must apply online for a UK Religious Worker visa.

Once applied online, submitted identity proofs, and provided valid documents, the applicant will usually get a decision on their visa application within:

  • 3 weeks, if the applicant is outside the UK.
  • 8 weeks, if the applicant is inside the UK.

The applicant is required to pay:

  • The application fee, which is £259.
  • The immigration healthcare surcharge, which is £624 for each year granted on the visa.
    (Application fees updated as of May 2022).

  • The applicant can stay for up to 2 years in the UK on a UK Religious Worker visa.
  • The applicant can enter the UK up to 14 days before the start date of their job.

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