Religious Workers

Tier 5 PBS is likely, from the third quarter of 2008 to become the gateway to a UK visa in this category.

A certificate of PBS sponsorship will be required from the prospective employer, who will themselves require a sponsor's licence. No immigration rules for religious workers are yet published but they are likely to require a pre-entry qualification certified by the appropriate UK faith body and proof that the person will not take employment other than as a Religious Worker.

Under the current rules most but not yet all religious organisations can sponsor ministers of religion to preach and perform rites and rituals of the faith. Such positions must be full time. Applicants must prove their qualifications and at least one year's experience in the 5 preceding the application. Pay must be sufficient to support and accommodate the person and their family, who may also be admitted without recourse to public funds. It is necessary for ministers to prove sufficient knowledge of English language, but this does not apply to applicants for visa as missionaries or members of religious orders.

MfB can advise on and assist with applications before formal pre-assessment; generating or evaluating support documentation; assisting with reviews and appeals.