T5 Religious Worker Sponsor Licence Made Easy: Let Us Handle It!

Are you having a deer-in-the-headlights moment over a religious worker sponsor license? Vehemently, our expert solicitors are ready to lead your immigration matter with legal guile and a legacy of keen experience, ensuring your goal is successfully achieved, without any hassle.  

In this goal-oriented guide, we simplify your journey from obtaining a religious worker visa to securing a sponsor license in a legally cordial manner. From basic eligibility requirements to what the religious worker visa allows, who can apply, the application costs, and how to start the process, every step will be clearly explained. We aim to make the process as easy as a click away from approval.   

Begin your application process with the expert coordination of our experienced immigration solicitors in London. Whether you take advantage of our free immigration advice in the UK, book a paid consultation, or fill out our enquiry form to access our services, we’re here to assist you. You can also visit our London office. We are dedicated to responding to your query within 1 to 2 working days, providing insightful legal tips to get your process started smoothly. 

What is the Religious Worker Visa?

The Religious Worker Visa is a sponsored immigration route for individuals supporting religious institutions in the UK by conducting religious activities, such as working in a religious order or taking up non-pastoral roles, for up to 2 years. As a sponsored route, the employer must be an approved sponsor to employ religious workers.  

This visa falls under the Temporary Work – Religious Worker route, as defined in UK Immigration Rules. It previously existed under different categories, including Appendix T5 and Tier 5 (Temporary Worker), before changes in 2020 and 2021. 

Eligibility Requirements for Religious Worker Sponsor Licence

To apply for a T5 Religious Workers licence you must meet the following requirements set out by UKVI Home Office :  

• It must be a bona fide religious institution with a charitable status that supports a community with shared beliefs and practices. 

• Must be a registered, exempt, or accepted UK charity or an ecclesiastical corporation established for charitable purposes 

• Must include religious or similar philosophical beliefs but exclude political or purely humanist beliefs unless they closely resemble religious ones 

• A community must not exclude members based on gender, nationality, or ethnicity 

• Ministry must be financially supported by the community voluntarily, without coercion 

• Must not breach UK laws or work against public interest or family life 

• Ministry of Defence can sponsor religious personnel under the Minister of Religion route without needing charitable status 

• Keep records of each worker, including recruitment details 

• Comply with all sponsor duties 

• Religious organisations can also sponsor unpaid roles under the Charity Worker route, provided the work is voluntary and related to charitable aims 

Evidence of Charitable Status: 

• If registered with UK charity regulators (England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland), there is no need to submit proof; this will be checked online 

• For ecclesiastical corporations, proof of establishment for charitable purposes is required 

• If not required to register as a charity, you must explain why (e.g., exempt status) 

Organisation Details: 

• Must state the religion/faith your organisation is aligned with 

• Provide details of parent organisations, congregation size, clergy numbers, meeting locations, worship times, and authorisation for worship or marriage ceremonies 

Note:  

Religious workers can come to the UK for up to 6 months without sponsorship, as long as they don’t take employment or receive payment, and they cover travel and subsistence costs. 

What are the Duties for a T5 Religious Worker Licence Sponsor?

The following duties you must perform that are regulated by the UKVI Home Office under the religious worker route:  

Reporting Duties:  

• Report changes to a sponsored worker’s circumstances within 10 working days 

• Report changes to your organisation within 20 working days 

• Report suspected breaches of conditions of stay or criminal activity 

Change of Worker’s Circumstances: 

• Report if a worker does not start the role within 28 days 

• Report absences without permission for more than 10 consecutive working days 

• Report salary reductions or changes in job role or location 

• Report if you stop sponsoring a worker for any reason 

• Report dates of arrival and departure for offshore workers 

A Worker is Absent Without Permission: 

• Report within 10 working days if a worker is absent without permission 

• Include details of the absence and any attempts to contact the worker 

Change of Work Location: 

• Report changes in a worker’s normal work location 

• Report if a worker is working entirely remotely 

You Stop Sponsoring the Worker: 

• Report if you stop sponsoring a worker for any reason 

• Include reasons such as job offer withdrawal, contract end, or dismissal 

Additional Duties for Offshore Workers: 

• Notify dates of arrival and departure in UK waters within 10 working days 

• Include details of the ship or vessel and method of departure 

Record-Keeping Duties: 

• Keep certain documents for each sponsored worker as listed in Appendix D 

• Provide documents when requested for compliance assessment 

• Keep a copy of a consent letter for sponsored children under 18 

Complying with Immigration Laws: 

• Only employ appropriately qualified and registered workers 

• Keep copies of registration documents and certificates 

• Do not assign a CoS for non-genuine vacancies or to close relatives 

• Understand and fulfil ATAS requirements where applicable 

Genuine Vacancy: 

• Ensure the vacancy meets all route requirements and is not a sham 

• Assign a CoS that accurately reflects the role’s duration 

Complying with Wider UK Law: 

• Comply with UK employment law, illegal working legislation, and planning permissions 

• Ensure registration with relevant authorities and compliance with DBS checks 

• Avoid engaging in criminal activity or behaviour non-conducive to the public good 

Reporting Changes to Your Organisation: 

• Report significant changes to your organisation within 20 working days 

• Use the SMS to report changes in Key Personnel, organisation details, or structure 

• Complete a change of circumstances form if no Level 1 User is available 

Change in Organisation Size or Charitable Status: 

• Report changes in organisation size or charitable status affecting sponsorship fees 
• Use the SMS to request or make changes as guided in SMS Manual 2 

Who Requires Sponsorship Under Religious Work Routes?

In today’s global workforce, employing overseas workers is a common practice. However, it’s crucial to understand the legal requirements and exemptions when it comes to sponsoring these workers. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this process: 

Who Needs Sponsorship? 

• Overseas nationals who are not ‘settled workers’ or do not have other immigration permission to work for you in the UK 

• Most EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals who arrived in the UK after 31 December 2020 

Who Doesn’t Need Sponsorship? 

• Irish citizens (with very limited exceptions) 

• People who have been granted status under the EU Settlement Scheme 

• People with indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK (also known as ‘settlement’) 

Workers Awaiting EUSS Decision: 

• Can be employed without sponsorship if they have a valid Certificate of Application (CoA) 

• Must stop employing them if their EUSS application is refused 

EU, EEA, and Swiss Nationals Employed Before 1 July 2021: 

• Can continue employment without sponsorship if right-to-work checks were conducted before 30 June 2021 

• No retrospective right-to-work checks are required 

Employing Irish Citizens: 

• Irish citizens do not need permission to work in the UK unless subject to a deportation order 

• Can prove the right to work with an Irish passport or ID card 

Note:  

Ensure you conduct thorough right-to-work checks and stay informed about the latest immigration laws to maintain compliance and avoid penalties. 

How to Apply for a T5 Religious Worker Sponsor Licence?

You can obtain the assistance of professional immigration lawyers before submitting your application. The overall approval process is based on prosecution under legal supervision.  

1. Complete the Online Application Form: 

Register your details on the UKVI Online sponsor application portal. Log in and fill out the online application form, then submit the required documents as listed in Appendix A of the sponsor guidance. Ensure you can send all documents immediately after submission.

2. Choose Your Sponsorship Routes: 

Select the routes for which you wish to be licensed. You can choose multiple routes if you qualify. If approved, these will be the routes under which you can sponsor workers. 

3. Estimate Certificate of Sponsorship Allocation: 

Provide an estimate of the number of Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) you may need in your first year for each route. Justify your request and provide additional details as needed. For certain routes, like Skilled Worker, understand the distinction between ‘Defined’ and ‘Undefined’ CoS. 

4. Submit Supporting Documents:

After submitting your application, send all required documents by email within 5 working days. This includes: 

• The original submission sheet (not a certified copy), signed and dated by the Authorising Officer (all pages must be sent) 

• All mandatory documents are listed on the submission sheet (originals or certified copies) 

• Ensure that all documents are sent together within the specified timeframe 

5. Address Any Issues Promptly:

If any mandatory items are missing or incorrect, your application will be deemed invalid and returned without further consideration. You will need to submit a new application and pay the fee again. 

6. Respond to Requests for Additional Information:

If additional documents or information are required, you will receive an email request. Respond within 5 working days with the requested information or provide postal tracking details if applicable. 

7. Maintain Honesty and Transparency: 

Ensure all information provided is accurate and complete. Notify UKVI of any changes in circumstances, such as regulatory body registration status or criminal convictions. Providing false information can lead to application refusal or licence revocation. 

8. Home Office Review: 

The Home Office, UKVI will review your application, conducting appropriate checks to determine your suitability and eligibility for the T5 Religious Workers sponsor licence. 

9. Licence Issuance and Management:

If your application is accepted, you will receive an SMS login ID and password to manage your sponsor licence online. The T5 Religious Workers sponsor licence will be valid for 4 years. You must renew the licence online before its expiry to maintain your sponsorship capability.

Our Legal Services for Religious Worker Sponsor Licence

We provide comprehensive legal assistance to individuals facing challenges with religious worker sponsor licences or other UK visa matters. Whether you require support for work, family, or business visas, we are dedicated to addressing your specific needs. Our team is here to guide you through these complex processes with clarity and expertise. 

Comprehensive Legal Support Sponsor Licence Applications:  

A clear understanding of the requirements and careful handling of the process is essential for obtaining a sponsor licence successfully. Our legal services are specifically designed to provide expert guidance throughout this intricate process, ensuring that your application meets the stringent standards set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Our legal team will help you: 

Obtain a sponsor licence:  

We ensure your organization’s application is thorough, guiding you through the eligibility criteria, such as confirming your charitable status and fulfilling general requirements for sponsorship. 

Prepare your application:  

Our services include drafting compelling applications for the required certificates of sponsorship (CoS), and ensuring all immigration requirements are met. 

Documentation compliance:  

We assist in gathering and presenting the required documentation, such as congregation size, clergy employment details, and meeting place information, to enhance your chances of approval. 

Ensuring Legal Compliance and Preventing Issues: 

Keeping a sponsorship licence in good standing is crucial. We provide ongoing support to ensure your organization complies with all sponsor duties, including record-keeping, monitoring sponsored workers, and reporting relevant changes. In the event of any issues, such as downgrading or suspension of your licence, we offer prompt legal assistance to protect your sponsorship status. 

By engaging Sunrise Solicitors, you can focus on your religious mission, while we handle the legal intricacies of sponsoring religious workers in the UK. Our dedicated legal experts work to secure the necessary permissions for your organization, ensuring a smooth and compliant immigration process for religious personnel.

Who Needs Our Religious Worker Sponsor Licence Service?

We offer top-notch services for Religious Worker Sponsor Licences. We directly address all religious organizations, regardless of size or denomination. This includes churches, mosques, temples, religious schools, charitable religious institutions, religious leaders and clergy, and immigration advisers for religious institutions. 

Religious Organizations Seeking to Sponsor Overseas Workers:  

If your religious institution, whether a church, mosque, temple or other religious entity, plans to bring overseas workers to the UK for religious roles, this service is essential for you. 

Organizations Facing Complex Sponsorship Scenarios:  

If your organization has previously faced sponsorship issues or struggles with maintaining compliance, our expert team can help you navigate through these challenges effectively. 

Religious Institutions Looking for a Hassle-Free Sponsorship Process:  

If you want to ensure that your sponsorship licence application is handled with precision and efficiency, our comprehensive service will guide you through every requirement. 

Leaders Needing Specialized Legal Support: 

Unsure about the eligibility criteria, documentation, or ongoing obligations for sponsorship? Our service provides personalized legal advice customised to the unique needs of religious organizations. 

What Makes Our Legal Services Stand Out

Choose our services for the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are in capable hands. 

A Glimpse of Success Stories

The following outstanding client reviews are a testament to our legal expertise, confirming that we are the top choice for durable legal solutions. Whether it’s UK Visa and Immigration Applications, challenging Home Office refusal decisions (through Appeals, Administrative Review, Pre-Action Protocol (PAP), and Judicial Review (JR)), British Citizenship applications, UK deportation, detention matters, or a wide range of other services, we provide comprehensive support on a case-by-case basis.

Our Services Charges for Religious Worker Sponsor Licence Application

Our fees for services related to the T5 Religious Worker sponsor licence are outlined in the fee table below: 

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