Religious Worker Visa UK is the newer version of the T5 (Temporary Workers) Religious Visa UK and thus for people intending to work in the UK in the religious sector for a short period of time the UK religious worker visa is a great option.
If you require any help with your Religious worker visa UK we are here to help you at 02033939272. It is also simple to reach us via our online form. Don’t worry, we will be there to help you through each of these steps.
Religious Worker Visa is under the UK temporary worker Visa category and has only recently substituted the T5 (Temporary Worker) Religious Visa UK.
This visa is intended for people who seek a short-term working visa which is not in pastoral work or as a religious worker on a visit basis. You are allowed to remain and get employment in the country for as long as 24 months. However, for more extended stays in order to work as a shepherd or elder for example the Minister of Religion Visa may be more appropriate.
While working while you are in the UK you are permitted to study, work in another occupation in the same profession at the same level as your main position, and engage in any of the duties listed in the Skilled Worker shortage occupation list in addition to working for 20 hours weekly.
More so, the Religious Worker Visa allows you to have certain relatives in the UK as dependents, such as your dependent children. However, it should also be said that once you arrive in the UK, you are banned from being given access to public funds while under this visa.
To qualify for the religious worker visa, the overseas national has to have a confirmed offer of employment in religious work in the United Kingdom outside pastoral roles or as a member of a religious order. The employer offering the job must be approved to sponsor workers in this category, having a valid sponsor licence for the Religious Worker route.
The work the applicant will be doing must be relevant to the goals and mission of the sponsor organisation. Also, should the applicant have already been granted either the Religious Worker visa or the Charity Worker visa within the last one year, then the applicant will be barred from applying for the same visa again unless the applicant has been out of the UK throughout the one-year ban period.
However, there are some basic prerequisites you have to fulfill before being allowed to apply for a Religious Worker Visa, beginning with finding a suitable job. Before moving further let me lay down each step of the process.
This means that in order to apply for Temporary Religious Worker Visa UK, you need to have a valid CoS. For more, this certificate must be from a Home Office licensed sponsor with an ‘A-rated’ sponsor, except in the case of an extension to stay to work for the same employer.
If your sponsor is a religious order the CoS must state to that effect that the position is exempt from the Religious Worker provisions (the details of which are outlined below).
Besides the above, timing is equally important when it comes to responding to customer complaints. Your CoS must:
The certificate is valid for use for three months from the date that the certificate is issued to you. If it expires, you will not be allowed to have a Religious Worker Visa. When granted, the CoS cannot be recalled or withdrawn, therefore, confirm your details and sponsorship before applying!
A Religious Worker’s role in the UK is intended to help the organisation that is sponsoring you in religious work. They could be activities carried out in the organization or under the supervision of the organisation.
However, there are limits. It is impossible to include your duties into the sphere of a Minister of Religion. This means you are not allowed to:
The pay and other working conditions you offer have to be not less than those offered in equal positions to already fully ‘recognized’ workers. Oh and of course, your wages need to be at or above the National Minimum Wage or you must be exempted.
Regarding the financial requirement, it is necessary to prove that you have £ 1,270 in your bank account. Such funds must have been available for at least 28 days in a row by the end of the month not more than 31 before your visa application date.
You’re exempt from this requirement if:
There is no English language requirement for the Religious Worker Visa UK.
The steps involved in a Religious Worker Visa are easy, but this application takes some consideration. Follow these easy steps to better understand how to apply.
The Religious Worker Visa can be applied for up to 3 months prior to the intended start date and must also be done online. This date should be getting corrected from the one that you have indicated on your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Applying early enough enables one to compile all possible documents which may be required in the process hence avoid time delays.
As part of your online application, you’ll need to:
The exact process varies from country to country and depends on which type of passport you have.
If eligible, you can use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app. This app allows you to:
It is a quick and efficient means of obtaining an identification without necessarily have to attend a physical appointment.
If you cannot use the ID app, you will need to book an appointment at a visa application centre. Here’s what to expect:
By following all these steps and making sure that you have all the documents in place, one can easily complete the Religious Worker Visa application. It is advisable to confirm your eligibility for the ID app or set for an appointment if one would be required.
“When you are applying for a Religious Worker Visa, you will be required to attach documents that prove your eligibility for this visa.” Here’s a comprehensive checklist to guide you:
If you’re bringing family members with you, additional documents are required to prove your relationship, such as:
Any document that isn’t in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a professional translation.
By having these documents ready and double-checking all requirements, you can make your application process smoother and avoid unnecessary delays. Remember, preparation is key when applying for a Religious Worker Visa!
When you are intending to apply for a Religious Worker Visa it is necessary that you know what it will cost you. Here’s a breakdown of the fees involved:
To access healthcare services through the NHS, you’ll need to pay a healthcare surcharge, which is:
Keep in mind that these fees are in addition to the financial requirement, such as the funds you need to prove you can support yourself in the UK.
If you’re required to attend an appointment at a visa application centre, you might also have the option to pay an extra fee for expedited processing, but this will be an additional charge.
Being aware of these costs can help you budget for your Religious Worker Visa application and ensure there are no surprises along the way.
Yes, you can apply to extend your Religious Worker Visa, provided you meet the eligibility requirements and are still in the UK. Here’s everything you need to know about extending your stay under this visa category:
It’s important to note that the visa extension for your partner or dependent children will not automatically extend when you apply. They must also submit their own applications for an extension before their current visas expire.
An application for a visa extension typically takes up to 8 weeks to process. However, you may be able to pay for a faster decision through priority services.
While waiting for a decision from UKVI, neither you nor your dependents can travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man. Leaving during this period could result in your visa application being withdrawn.
By following these guidelines and timelines, you can ensure a smooth process when extending your Religious Worker Visa or your dependents’ visas.
If you’re on a Religious Worker Visa, it’s important to know that this route does not lead to settlement in the UK. In other words, you cannot use this visa to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and permanently settle in the country.
If your goal is to establish a life in the UK, you’ll need to switch to a visa category that allows for settlement. For example, the Skilled Worker Visa could be a potential pathway if you meet the eligibility requirements, which include:
Even after obtaining a Skilled Worker Visa, you would need to complete 5 years of continuous residence in the UK and meet other specific criteria before becoming eligible to apply for ILR.
While the Religious Worker Visa itself doesn’t provide a direct settlement pathway, exploring options like the Skilled Worker Visa can help you achieve your goal of settling in the UK.
If you’re applying for a Religious Worker Visa UK, it’s essential to apply from outside the UK, unless you qualify for specific exemptions. This visa, along with the Charity Worker route, has certain restrictions. For instance, you cannot have held permission under the same category in the 12 months immediately before your application, unless you can prove that you were not physically in the UK during that time.
The current application fee for the Religious Worker Visa UK is £244. However, applicants from the following countries benefit from an automatic fee reduction of £55, making the application process slightly more affordable:
If a tuberculosis (TB) test is required for your application, ensure that your TB certificate is valid when submitting your visa request.
By staying informed about these fees and requirements, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free application process for your Religious Worker Visa.
When applying for a Religious Worker Visa UK, most applications are processed within 3 weeks. However, if you’re in a hurry, many visa application centres offer a priority service, allowing you to secure a faster decision for an additional fee.
If you’re extending your Religious Worker Visa from within the UK, decisions are typically made within 8 weeks of submission. However, if time is of the essence, you can opt for:
Choosing one of these expedited options can help streamline your application process, though it comes with an additional cost.
By exploring these services, you can ensure your visa application is processed quickly, making it easier to plan your next steps.
When your UK Religious Worker Visa application is approved, you’ll be allowed to stay in the UK for:
If you apply to extend your stay, the additional time granted will depend on:
The shorter of these two periods will apply. However, please note that a Religious Worker Visa sponsorship is capped at a maximum of 24 months in total.
If you’re bringing your family along, here’s a breakdown of the associated costs:
Understanding these timelines and costs can help you better plan your stay and budget for your family’s move to the UK.
Applying for a temporary religious worker visa UK, can be a complex process. Even small errors can lead to your application being refused. To maximize your chances of a successful application, it’s highly recommended to seek the guidance of a professional immigration solicitor.
At Rees Clayton, we bring decades of experience in UK immigration law. We understand exactly what it takes to create a successful application. Our dedicated immigration solicitors provide reliable and professional legal advice, along with practical support throughout the application process.
Whether you’re applying for a Religious work visa or another type of temporary work visa, we’ll assess your eligibility, help you complete your application form accurately, and guide you through gathering all necessary supporting documents.
Additionally, we assist faith-based organisations in employing workers through the religious route. Whether it’s for a longer period or a shorter-term engagement, we collaborate with organisations to secure sponsorship licensing and ensure compliance with UK immigration law, covering both UK temporary worker visas and skilled worker visas.
For more information about how Rees Clayton can support your religious work visa application, call us today at 02033939272.
Yes, as a Religious Worker visa holder, you can bring family members to the UK. This includes spouses, civil partners, and children under the age of 18. However, if your children are over 18, they can only join you if they are already in the UK as your dependent. Each family member must submit a separate application and pay the corresponding application fee.
A Religious Worker Visa allows you to stay in the UK for a maximum of 24 months, plus an additional 14 days, regardless of the period stated on your Certificate of Sponsorship. You are authorised to work in the UK as specified on your sponsorship certificate. Additionally, you have the flexibility to study or take up another job for up to 20 hours per week. If you decide to take a second job, it must be in the same field and pay level as your primary role on the Shortage Occupation List.
