Workers and Temporary Workers: guidance for sponsors: sponsor a Minister of Religion or religious worker

Guidance for sponsors on sponsoring a Minister of Religion or Religious Worker.

What’s changed: This version replaces version 04/26 (published on 8 April 2026). The guidance has been updated to reflect changes to the Immigration Rules coming into effect on 29 October 2026, as set out in Statement of Changes HC 584 (published on 3 September 2026), and to make some other minor amendments. Full details can be found in 'Changes to this guidance' section.

Guidance for religious organisations on how to sponsor a worker on the Minister of Religion and Religious Worker (Temporary Work) immigration routes.

The Minister of Religion route is for the recruitment of a person who has a key leading role within their faith-based organisation or religious order in the UK.

The Religious Worker route is for people who want to support the activities of religious institutions in the UK by conducting religious work, such as working in a religious order or filling non-pastoral placements, for no more than 2 years.

Source: UK Visas and Immigration — guidance & rule updates on GOV.UK. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Republished in full. Always check the official page for the latest version.