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Temporary workers - religious workers

Image of hands clasped together in prayer.

This section explains our planned policy for the religious workers sub-category within Tier 5 of the points-based system. The information is based on our statement of intent published on 6 May 2008. The information in this section will be updated as we continue to develop the policy over the next few months.

The religious workers sub-category is part of the Tier 5 - temporary workers category of the points-based system. If you do not meet the requirements of this sub-category, you should see the page on temporary workers for details of the other categories available to you.

The religious workers category allows you to come to the United Kingdom for a maximum of 24 months to undertake short-term, temporary work for a recognised religion. While in the United Kingdom you will be allowed to undertake religious work as recognised by the religion but cannot be involved in preaching or pastoral work.

You will need to show you have the support of one of our approved sponsors and have sufficient funds to maintain yourself. You will be expected to leave the United Kingdom when your permission to stay ends.

When the Tier 5 - temporary workers category is introduced, a number of existing immigration categories will close to new applications. You should read the section on transitional arrangements for details of the schemes affected and how the introduction of the Tier 5 will affect anyone currently in the United Kingdom under one of these schemes.

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