Serve Your ReligiousMission in the UK
Short-term religious visa with 98%+ success rate. NO English test required. Perfect for missionaries and religious support roles.
£319 affordable fee, NO English test requirement, up to 24 months stay for religious work. Perfect for missionaries, religious educators, and support staff in faith-based organizations.
*Success rates based on properly prepared cases. UKVI makes final decisions on all applications.
Free Religious Worker Visa Assessment
Expert advice • Same-day callback • NO English test needed
Important: No Settlement Route
The Religious Worker Visa is a TEMPORARY visa for up to 24 months with NO path to permanent settlement. If you want to settle in the UK permanently, consider the Minister of Religion visa instead (requires primarily pastoral role and B2 English).
What is the Religious Worker Visa?
A temporary work visa for religious workers performing non-pastoral duties or supporting roles in UK faith-based organizations. Valid for up to 24 months with no English language requirement.
No English Test!
Unlike most work visas, NO English language test required. Save time and money on IELTS preparation.
Affordable £319 Fee
Much lower application fee than Minister of Religion (£769) or Skilled Worker visas. Budget-friendly option.
Up to 24 Months
Stay for up to 2 years total. Perfect for short-term religious assignments and missionary work.
All Faiths & Roles
For missionaries, religious educators, youth workers, and other non-pastoral religious roles. All genuine faith communities welcome.
Bring Family
Partner and children can join you with full work and study rights during your assignment.
No Settlement Route
Temporary visa only - does not lead to ILR. Switch to Minister of Religion if you want to settle permanently.
Perfect for Short-Term Religious Assignments
The Religious Worker Visa is ideal for temporary religious work in the UK - whether you're a missionary on a 2-year assignment, religious educator running training programs, youth worker in a faith community, or support staff helping a religious charity. With no English test requirement and affordable £319 fee, it's the most accessible religious work visa. While it doesn't lead to settlement, you can switch to Minister of Religion or other routes if your role changes to primarily pastoral duties.
Eligibility Requirements
Religious Worker Visa has simpler requirements than Minister of Religion - no English test, lower fee, but shorter duration and no settlement.
Basic Requirements
- At least 18 years old
- Certificate of Sponsorship from licensed UK religious organization
- Genuinely intending to undertake sponsored religious work
- Role involves religious work (pastoral or non-pastoral)
- Not worked on this route in previous 12 months (cooling-off period)
- No general grounds for refusal apply
No English Test Required!
The Religious Worker Visa has NO English language requirement. This is a major advantage over Minister of Religion (B2 required) and Skilled Worker (B1 required) visas.
Financial & Time Limits
Financial maintenance:
- £1,270 in savings for 28 consecutive days, OR
- Sponsor provides financial support letter (A-rated)
- Additional for dependents: £285 partner, £315/£200 children
Time limits:
- Maximum 24 months (2 years) total on this route
- 12-month cooling-off period after reaching 24 months
- Can extend once if under 24-month limit
- Must apply from outside UK initially
Cooling-Off Period
After 24 months, you must leave UK for 12 months before reapplying. Alternatively, switch to Minister of Religion or another visa route from inside UK before expiry.
Required Documents
Simple document requirements for Religious Worker Visa - no English test certificate needed.
Identity Documents
- Valid passport with blank page
- Previous passports (travel history)
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if bringing partner)
Sponsorship Documents
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
- Letter from sponsor confirming role
- Job description and duties
- Sponsor licence details
Financial Proof
- Bank statements showing £1,270 for 28 days, OR
- Sponsor financial support letter (A-rated)
Religious Work Evidence
- Description of religious duties
- Previous religious work experience (if any)
- Religious training certificates (if applicable)
English Language
No English Test Required!
Unlike most UK work visas, the Religious Worker Visa has NO English language requirement. You do not need to take or pass any English tests.
Additional Requirements
- TB certificate (if from listed country)
- Criminal record certificate (recommended)
- Translations for non-English documents
Application Process
Simple 6-step process for Religious Worker Visa applications.
Secure Job Offer from Licensed Religious Organization
Get job offer from UK religious institution with valid sponsor licence. This could be church, mosque, synagogue, temple, religious charity, missionary organization, or faith-based community group. Your role can be pastoral or non-pastoral religious work.
Receive Certificate of Sponsorship
Your sponsor assigns you Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) through Home Office system. CoS includes role details, duties, salary, and employment dates. Valid for 3 months from issue. You must apply for visa at least 3 months before start date.
Complete Online Application from Outside UK
Apply online through UK government website. You MUST be outside the UK when applying (cannot apply from inside UK). Provide CoS reference number, passport details, travel history for past 10 years, and current employment details. Application can be saved and completed later.
Pay Application Fees
Pay application fee: £319 (or £319 for certain EU/EEA nationals). Also pay Immigration Health Surcharge: £776 per year (e.g., £1,552 for 24-month visa). Priority services available: 5-day (£500) or 1-day (£1,000) processing.
Provide Biometric Information & Submit Documents
Book and attend biometric appointment at visa application center. Provide fingerprints and photo. Submit all supporting documents: passport, CoS, financial proof, TB certificate (if required), and religious work evidence. Use UK Immigration ID Check app if eligible.
Receive Decision & Start Religious Work
Processing time: 3 weeks standard (or 5 days/1 day with priority). Once approved, receive visa for up to 24 months. Travel to UK and begin your religious work assignment. Bring your family with full rights. Before 24-month limit, either switch to Minister of Religion/other visa from inside UK, or leave for 12-month cooling-off before reapplying.
Timeline Summary
1-2 weeks
Document preparation (no English test!)
3 weeks
Standard visa processing
24 months
Maximum total stay on this route
Total timeline: 4-5 weeks from job offer to UK arrival. Simple, fast, affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about the Religious Worker Visa for temporary religious assignments.
Speak to Religious Immigration Specialist
Get expert advice about Religious Worker vs Minister of Religion, sponsor requirements, and switching options.
Call 0121 271 0499Free consultation • Same-day callback • All faiths welcome
Free Eligibility Check
Check if you qualify and get guidance on whether Religious Worker or Minister of Religion is right for you.
Completely confidential • No obligation • Expert reviewed
98%+ Success Rate for Religious Worker Visas
Our specialist knowledge of religious worker immigration has helped over 1,680 missionaries, religious educators, and faith community workers successfully obtain UK visas with Loading... requirements. We work with all faith traditions for temporary religious assignments.
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Satisfied With Outcome
"Minister of Religion visa approved. Serving my congregation in Birmingham."
"B2 English requirement met. Now leading worship services in the UK."
"Religious Worker visa for 24 months granted. Missionary work in Sheffield."
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Google Maps - 4.7 Rating with 251 Google reviews →Dated: 04 April 2025
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