Religious Worker Visa (Temporary Work)

The Religious Worker visa is a UK temporary work route for individuals supporting religious institutions in non-ministerial roles such as preaching, pastoral work, or joining a religious order. Applicants must be sponsored by a licensed faith-based organisation holding a valid Home Office sponsor licence.

The visa permits up to 24 months with no settlement pathway. Supplementary work up to 20 hours per week is allowed in the same sector or skilled roles. No English language test is required; the minimum savings requirement is £1,270. A 12-month cooling-off period applies before reapplying.

This visa is ideal for religious workers taking on non-pastoral roles at UK faith organisations who need a short-term, sponsor-backed route without language or salary thresholds.