UK MINISTRY OF RELIGION VISA

Serve and Grow in the UK Religious Community

The Ministry of Religion Visa (Long-Term) allows overseas religious workers—such as ministers, missionaries, and devotional support staff—to reside in the UK for up to 3 years, supporting faith-based activities and community work. We’ll connect you with a specialist immigration solicitor who understands both religious pathways and UKVI expectations

Who Is It For?

This visa is designed for:

• Ordained ministers or pastors joining a UK religious organization
• Missionaries or evangelical workers sent by overseas faith groups
• Support staff such as faith counselors, youth workers, or chaplains
• Religious scholars or instructors involved in long-term faith education

Key Benefits

• Up to 60 months’ stay, typically granted for 36 months
• Opportunity to extend your visa up to 5 years total
• Work, preach, and serve within your sponsoring religious institution
• Potential pathway to settlement after continuous residence
• Bring dependants—your spouse and children (under 18)

Sponsorship & Endorsement

A UK religious body with a valid sponsor licence must:

1. Issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) listing your precise role
2. Confirm your position is genuine and religiously essential
3. Comply with all sponsor duties, including monitoring attendance and work activity
4. Help you prepare for UKVI compliance checks and audits

Extending & Settlement

• Extend your leave up to 60 months total
• After five years, you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
• Ensure you maintain continuous sponsorship and compliance throughout your

Common Pitfalls

Mistakes often lead to delays or refusal:

• Insufficient sponsorship compliance
• Vague or unspecific role descriptions
• Lack of proper religious qualifications
• Incomplete financial or language evidence
• Ignoring continuity requirements during extensions

Why Connect with a Specialist Solicitor?

We’ll help you link up with an expert migration solicitor who can:

• Ensure your CoS aligns with UKVI criteria
• Assist with document preparation to prevent delays
• Load and submit your application correctly with clear legal arguments
• Advise on cover letter or pastor references, if needed
• Guide you through extensions, ILR, and sponsor audits