UK Religious Worker Visa - Temporary Worker
Religious Worker Visa - Temporary Worker Route
The UK Religious Worker Visa -Temporary Worker allows individuals to come to the UK to undertake religious work for a faith-based organisation. This includes preaching, pastoral work, religious teaching, and supporting faith-based communities.
This visa is for temporary religious roles and does not lead to settlement. However, applicants may be able to switch to a different visa category if eligible.
What is the UK Religious Worker Visa?
The UK Religious Worker Visa is part of the Temporary Worker (T5) route and is designed for individuals who have been offered a short-term religious role in the UK.
This visa is not for full-time religious leaders (who should apply for the Minister of Religion Visa instead) but for individuals who:
- Support religious communities in a temporary role.
- Carry out pastoral, non-pastoral, or community-based religious work.
- Assist in the running of a faith-based organisation.
Applicants must have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK-based religious organisation.
Who Can Apply for a UK Religious Worker Visa?
To be eligible for a Religious Worker visa in the UK, you should:
- Be 18 years or older.
- Have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK faith-based organisation.
- Be coming to the UK to carry out religious work (not as a full-time minister).
- Have sufficient funds to support yourself without public funds.
- Show you intend to leave the UK when your visa expires.
This visa is for temporary religious work only. Those seeking permanent positions should apply under the Minister of Religion Visa (Skilled Worker route).
How Long Can You Stay on a UK Religious Worker Visa?
- The visa is valid for up to 24 months or the duration of your sponsorship, whichever is shorter.
- You can enter the UK up to 14 days before your job starts.
- Extensions are not generally permitted under this route.
- You must leave the UK when your visa expires, unless switching to another visa type (if eligible).
What You Can and Cannot Do on a UK Religious Worker Visa
You can:
- Work for your sponsoring religious organisation in the role described in your CoS.
- Take on voluntary work.
- Study (some restrictions apply).
- Travel in and out of the UK during your visa period.
You cannot:
- Work in a full-time ministerial position (apply for a Minister of Religion Visa instead).
- Take on paid work outside your sponsorship role.
- Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
- Access public funds or benefits.
Sponsorship and Employer Requirements of the UK Religious Worker Visa
Your UK religious organisation must:
- Be registered as a licensed sponsor with the Home Office.
- Assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) before you apply.
- Ensure your role meets the eligibility criteria and is not a permanent ministerial position.
The organisation must also comply with sponsorship reporting duties and ensure that you adhere to visa conditions.
Required Documents for a UK Religious Worker Visa
To apply for a temporary religious worker visa for the UK, you should provide:
- A valid passport (with at least one blank page).
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number from your UK sponsor.
- Proof of financial maintenance (£1,270 in savings) unless exempt.
- TB test certificate, if required for your country.
You must provide a certified translation if your documents are not in English or Welsh.
How to Apply for a UK Religious Worker Visa
Step 1: Get a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Your UK sponsor must issue a CoS before you apply.
Step 2: Check if You Can Use the UK Immigration: ID Check App
Some applicants do not need to attend a visa application centre and can verify their identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app.
You can use the app if:
- You are applying from outside the UK.
- You hold a biometric passport from an eligible country.
If eligible, you will be prompted to use the app during the online application process.
Step 3: Apply Online
- Complete your application through the official UK government website.
- Pay the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Step 4: Verify Your Identity
If you cannot use the UK Immigration: ID Check app, you must book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to:
- Provide fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information).
- Submit any additional required documents.
Step 5: Await a Decision
- Standard processing time: 3 weeks.
- Priority processing (optional): 5 working days for an extra £500.
Once approved, you will receive:
- A digital status if you used the ID Check app.
- A visa vignette in your passport if you applied via a VAC.
UK Religious Worker Visa Fees and Costs
Visa Application Fee:
- £319
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):
- £1,035 per year
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Fee:
- Paid by the UK employer (£239 per worker)
The Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) does not apply to this visa.
How Immtell Can Help
Applying for a UK Religious Worker Visa requires careful preparation to ensure compliance with Home Office requirements. Immtell provides expert support to help:
- UK religious organisations obtain a Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence.
- Religious workers complete their visa application accurately.
- Ensure roles meet Home Office eligibility requirements.
- Assist with visa compliance and legal support.
Support Your Religious Calling in the UK
Get expert guidance for your UK Religious Worker Visa application and ensure a clear and efficient process for both religious workers and sponsoring organisations.
Get expert guidance for your UK Religious Worker Visa application and ensure a clear and efficient process for both religious workers and sponsoring organisations.
Further Reading
How to Get a Skilled Worker Visa UK
Updated Guide to Getting a Skilled Worker Visa for the UK (2025)
The UK Immigration Process: A Guide for Newcomers
Your Essential Guide to Navigating the UK Immigration Process with Confidence
Guide to Successfully Obtaining a UK Work Visa in 2025
How to Obtain a Work Visa for the UK in 2025
What is the Skilled Worker Visa in the UK?
Your Guide to the Skilled Worker Visa in the UK: Meeting Eligibility and Navigating Compliance