NEW!!! The Secret Relocation Visa (No IELTS, Bring Your Family Along!).
Are you a religious worker wanting to move to the UK with minimal hassle, like not taking the IELTS? The UK Religious Worker visa would be your ticket. This relatively less-known visa allows religious workers to move to the UK with their families and work for their communities while being exempt from the English language test.
In this guide, we are going to cover:
✅ Eligibility criteria
✅ Application steps (Stepwise guide)
✅ Bringing family members to the UK
✅ Duration of visa and options available for extension
✅ Why this is a hidden gem for relocation
What is UK Religious Worker Visa?
This is a visa meant for one to come into the UK for the purpose of being employed in a religious organization. There are separate and different requirements for the different classes of religious workers, for example:
- Preachers, missionaries, or religious leaders.
- Members of religious orders (for example monks and nuns);
- Employees of charities or organizations with a religious purpose in mind.
This visa does not require an IELTS exam to take. Thus it is among the easier routes into the UK for those in non-English speaking countries.
Advantages of the UK Religious Worker visa include:
✔ To have no IELTS: unlike the skilled worker or student visas
✔ Family of any another size may come along: in other words, it includes a spouse and minor children.
✔ Allowed to Work: lawfully performing religious duties and community work
✔ Possible Path to Settlement: It would be a possible route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Eligibility Requirements
Criteria for eligibility will include:
- A job offer from a UK religious institution registered with UKVI;
- Be a sponsored candidate by a licensed religious organization in the UK;
- Show evidence of maintenance funds (i.e. £1,270 for 28 days, unless your sponsor certifies your support);
- Intend to perform religious work (preaching, pastoral work or non-pastoral roles);
- English tests are not required
How to Apply (Step-by-step process)
- Get your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your UK religious employer.
- Complete the online application process on the official UK government website.
- Pay the visa fee (£259 for up to 2 years). Submit your documents: Passport, CoS, proof of funds TB test results (if applicable).
- Attend the appointment for biometrics.
- Await a decision (usually takes up to 3 weeks).
Can You Bring Your Family? 😎 Yes
How Long May You Stay?
- The initial visa permits : a stay of not more than 2 years (3 years for those belonging to any Religious Order).
- Extensions : possible, but you must continue working in a religious capacity.
- Settlement (ILR): After five years, you can seek for permanent residency.
Are extensions permitted?
Why This Visa is a Hidden Gem?
- No IELTS -- Perfect for non-English speakers.
- Family-friendly -- Bring your loved ones.
- Flexible job --You can serve your religion community without having to meet rigorous pay standards.
