There are two dedicated routes for religious institutions who wish to recruit from overseas. Ministers of Religion is a longer-term visa for those playing a leading role as faith leaders, leading congregations and preaching the essentials of the creed. Religious Worker is a temporary, short-term visa, providing for those undertaking nonpastoral roles, supporting the activities of religious institutions.
Existing provisions are balanced to meet the needs of those institutions and to ensure that those who come to the UK can integrate with the wider communities in which they live.
Who can apply?
Individuals of all nationalities who wish to play leading roles as either faith leaders (longer-term), or religious workers (temporary) filling short-term non-pastoral placements in a religious institution.
Table 18: Ministers of Religion conditions and requirements
| Requirements | Conditions and restrictions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| English language | Yes | Capped | No |
| Application fee | Yes | Switching – routes (in-country) | Yes |
| Immigration Skills Charge | No | Settlement | Yes |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | Yes | Dependants | Yes |
| Biometrics | Yes | Access to public funds | No |
| Maintenance | Yes | Supplementary work | Yes |
Additional
- Applicants can undertake supplementary work at the same level as primary employment, undertake a job on the Shortage Occupation List, or study up to 15 hours per week.
- A Minister of Religion applicant can do supplementary work, voluntary work, study (as long as it doesn’t interfere with the sponsored job) and travel abroad.
- Applicants must be receiving at least National Minimum Wage exemptions apply to some schemes, e.g. Erasmus).
Table 19: Religious Workers (shorter-term) conditions and requirements
| Requirements | Conditions and restrictions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| English language | No | Capped | No |
| Application fee | Yes | Switching – routes (in-country) | Yes |
| Immigration Skills Charge | No | Settlement | No |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | Yes | Dependants | Yes |
| Biometrics | Yes | Access to public funds | No |
| Maintenance | Yes | Supplementary work | Yes |
Additional
- Applicants can undertake supplementary work at the same level as primary employment, undertake a job on the Shortage Occupation List, or study up to 15 hours per week.
- A worker for a religious institution must have an offer from the sponsor.
- Any applicant as a Religious Worker must not have held entry clearance or leave to remain in the 12 months immediately prior to the application as a Religious Worker or Charity Worker.
- Applicants must be receiving at least National Minimum Wage (exemptions apply to some schemes, e.g. Erasmus).
