The Religious Visit Visa is categorized within the Standard Visitor pathway, specifically created for those interested in participating in preaching or pastoral activities in the UK for up to 6 months.

This route does not offer a pathway to settlement in the UK, requiring all visitors to submit individual applications, even if traveling in a group.

Criteria for a Religious Visit Visa

To be eligible for a Religious Visit Visa, you must provide evidence to UK Visas & Immigration that:

• You possess a visa and are not eligible for visa exemptions upon arrival in the UK.
• Your purpose of visit aligns with the permitted activities under the visitor routes;
• You agree to abstain from participating in any activities that are forbidden.
• You possess adequate financial resources to cover all expenses related to your stay, including travel, living, and accommodation costs, without relying on employment or public funds;
• You intend to depart from the UK after your visit concludes.
• You do not plan to reside in the UK for extended periods by frequently visiting or making it your primary place of residence;
• Your application does not meet the criteria for refusal based on general grounds;
• You have secured an Electronic Travel Authorisation, if it is a mandatory requirement for your travel.

The particular requirements you need to fulfill could vary depending on your unique circumstances. Seeking advice from an immigration solicitor for expert assistance might prove helpful.

Requirement for Visa Nationals

A visa national is an individual who, due to their nationality, needs to obtain a Visit Visa to enter the UK as a Visitor. Visa nationals are generally required to apply for a Visit Visa before traveling to the UK.

The Home Office has released a list of nationalities that must apply for a Visit Visa before traveling to the UK as a Visitor. This list contains some exceptions, which permit certain visa nationals to request entry as a Visitor upon arrival in the UK.

Non-visa nationals can typically request entry as a Visitor upon arrival in the UK. However, non-visa nationals still need to meet the requirements for entry as a Visitor and should be ready to explain, for instance, the purpose of their visit, how they will be supported and accommodated in the UK, and their return travel plans upon arrival.

EU citizens are considered non-visa nationals and can request entry as a Visitor upon arrival in the UK without the need for a Visit Visa.

In addition to assisting visa nationals with Visit Visa applications, our solicitors regularly help non-visa nationals meet the requirements for entry as a Visitor upon arrival in the UK.

Religious Workers' Visit Visa

Religious Workers encompass individuals who are hired abroad to carry out religious responsibilities, such as preaching or pastoral duties.

Permissible Activities for Religious Visit Visa

In order to qualify for a Religious Visit Visa, it is essential to show UK Visas & Immigration that the reason for your visit is in line with the allowed activities under the visitor routes and that you will not partake in any forbidden activities.

Religious Workers are allowed to carry out pastoral duties, such as conducting wedding ceremonies or funerals, as long as these are one-off engagements without payment and they remain employed overseas.

Applicants should refrain from seeking any official position or role in the UK.

If you are interested in working in the UK, you may want to consider applying for a Temporary Work – Religious Worker Visa or a Minister of Religion Visa (T2).

As the Religious Visit Visa falls under the Standard Visitor route, Religious Visitors are also permitted to participate in other activities allowed under this route. This includes paid engagements, as long as they are arranged prior to arrival in the UK and completed within 30 days of entering the country.

Requirement for a Religious Visit Visa when Departing the UK

You must demonstrate to the Home Office that you have a genuine intention to enter the UK for a permitted purpose and that you meet the additional eligibility criteria. Additionally, as part of your Religious Visit Visa application, you must also prove to the Home Office that you will depart the UK at the end of your visit and will not reside in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your primary residence.

Throughout the evaluation of your application, the Home Office will take into account various factors such as:

• Your immigration history, such as trips to the UK and other nations, in the past.
• Your financial situation, along with your family, social, and economic background.
• Your connections to your country of residence, both personal and economic.

The Home Office may question the authenticity of your visit if you lack significant family and financial connections to your home country, have multiple family members residing in the UK, have a history of trying to mislead the Home Office in immigration applications, or if there are inconsistencies between your statements and those of your sponsor.

Financial Requirement for Religious Visit Visa

You must ensure that you have enough funds to cover all necessary expenses for your visit (such as travel, living, and accommodation costs) without relying on employment or public funds.

Your finances must be kept in an authorized financial institution.

If a third party with a legitimate personal or professional connection to you is willing to cover your travel, living, and accommodation expenses, they must comply with immigration laws and be able to financially support you during your visit as a Visitor.

English Proficiency Requirement for Religious Visit Visa

Applicants for Religious Visit Visas are not required to meet an English language proficiency requirement.

Duration of Religious Visit Visa Validity

If you desire to travel to the UK for a Religious Visit, you have the option to request a Visit Visa that is valid for 6 months, 2 years, 5 years, or 10 years.

You are allowed to travel in and out of the UK several times while your Visit Visa is valid, unless it is specifically marked for single or dual entry.

Please note that each visit to the UK should not surpass 6 months.

Visa for Religious Purposes Work Authorisation

Religious visitors are prohibited from engaging in employment or receiving compensation from a UK entity for any services rendered within the country, except in certain situations.

This prohibition includes working for an organization, setting up a business as a self-employed individual, participating in work placements or internships, and selling goods or services in the UK.

Because the Religious Visit Visa falls under the Standard Visitor category, Religious Visitors are allowed to participate in other activities permitted under this route. This includes engaging in paid activities, as long as they are arranged before entering the UK and completed within 30 days of arrival.

While Religious Visitors can work remotely during their stay in the UK, the primary purpose of their visit should not be remote work. The main reason for visiting the UK should be to engage in permitted activities, rather than solely working remotely.

Religious visitors may also enter the UK for the purpose of seeking employment opportunities and participating in job interviews. However, if they secure a job, they must leave the UK and obtain the necessary entry clearance before starting work.

Application fees for Religious Visit Visa

The fee for a Religious Visit Visa application for a short stay of up to 6 months is £115. If you opt for a visa valid for 2 years, 5 years, or 10 years, the application fee will be £400, £771, or £963 accordingly.