Tier 5 (religious workers)

The following information is given in order to provide you with a generalised overview of the criteria required under the Tier 5 (religious workers) sub category. However if you wish for us to assess whether you qualify under the Tier 5 (religious workers) sub category, or you wish to engage our services and/or require further information regarding this particular sub category, please complete the 'Contact Box' on this page to enable a member of our team to contact you and advise you further.

The Tier 5 (religious workers) sub category is for foreign nationals entering the UK to carry out religious work. The work carried by the foreign national does not need to be pastoral and/or preaching duties as non-pastoral work can also be done under this sub category.

Anyone Applying Under The Tier 5 (Religious Worker) Sub Category Must Obtain:

• 30 points for certificate of sponsorship; and,
• 10 points for the maintenance requirement.

Certificate Of Sponsorship

Once a sponsor has issued a certificate of sponsorship they have guaranteed that:

• The foreign national is qualified to do the job in question;
• The foreign national will only work at the specified location(s), except where working under the supplementary employment provisions;
• They will  accept the responsibilities of sponsorship for the foreign national;
• The  foreign national will not be displacing or denying an employment opportunity to a suitably qualified member of the resident labour force; and
• The foreign national will comply with the conditions of his/her permission to stay and will leave the United Kingdom prior to their leave expiring.

When preparing the application for entry clearance to enter the UK under the Tier 5 (religious worker) sub category, the foreign national must include within their application a letter from their sponsor outlining what their duties will be in the UK, details of their salary and an explanation of how their particular role passes the resident labour market test. They will also need to provide confirmation that a certificate of sponsorship has been provided to them.

Maintenance

In order to meet the maintenance requirement the foreign national must show £800 (or equivalent) of personal savings which must have been held for at least a consecutive 90 day period ending no earlier than one calendar month before the date of application. It should be noted in some cases however the sponsor may be able to certify the foreign nationals’ maintenance, but the sponsor is not able to sponsor the foreign nationals’ dependants’ maintenance requirement.

Length Of Time An Individual Is Able to Remain In The UK Under Tier 5 (Religious Worker) Sub Category

A maximum period of 24 months, or the time given in the certificate of sponsorship plus 28 days, whichever is shorter.