Religious Worker Visa

The Religious Worker visa is a temporary route for people coming to the UK to support the work of a religious organisation, for example in non-pastoral roles or as a member of a religious order. The organisation must hold a sponsor licence. Unlike the Minister of Religion visa, this route does not lead to settlement.

Who may be eligible

• People offered non-pastoral religious work by a licensed religious organisation.
• Members of religious orders, such as monks and nuns.

Key requirements (current rules)

• A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed religious sponsor.
• Maintenance: £1,270, unless your A-rated sponsor certifies maintenance.
• A genuine intention to do the sponsored role.
• No English language requirement is set for this route.

How long you can stay

You can stay for up to 24 months (2 years) in total. The route does not lead to indefinite leave to remain.

Upcoming changes from 29 October 2026

Changes to the Immigration Rules have been laid and will apply to applications made on or after 29 October 2026. Until then, the current rules apply. Under the new rules:

• The role must mainly involve non-pastoral duties.
• There will be three ways to qualify: a supernumerary role, membership of a religious order, or at least 6 months of religious duties overseas before applying.
• There will be a National Minimum Wage exemption where the sponsor provides the worker's maintenance and accommodation.
• The sponsor advertising requirement will be replaced by an affiliation requirement.
• The 2-year maximum stay will not change.

Information for sponsors

The organisation needs a Temporary Worker sponsor licence covering this route. The CoS fee for Temporary Worker routes is currently £55. Sponsors should review their roles and processes before 29 October 2026.

How the application works

1. The religious organisation confirms it holds a sponsor licence covering the Religious Worker route, or applies for one.
2. The sponsor assigns a CoS, which gives you a reference number to use in your application.
3. You apply online and prove your identity, which may include attending an appointment.
4. The Home Office decides the application. You must not start the role until you have permission to do so.

Documents and evidence commonly needed

• A valid passport or other travel document.
• Your CoS reference number.
• Evidence of your connection with the faith or religious order, where relevant to the role.
• Bank statements showing the required funds, unless you are exempt or your sponsor certifies maintenance.
• Any other documents the Home Office asks for, such as translations of documents not in English or Welsh.

Common problems we help with

• Deciding whether a role belongs on this route or the Minister of Religion route.
• Preparing for the rule changes on 29 October 2026.
• Sponsor licence applications and compliance for faith organisations.

How Stonebridge can help

We assess eligibility under the rules that will apply on your application date, review the CoS and evidence, prepare and submit the application, and advise religious organisations on their sponsor licence and duties.

To discuss a Religious Worker application, book a consultation.