Religious Worker visa (Temporary Work)

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Extend your visa

You can apply to extend your Temporary Work - Religious Worker visa.

You should apply before your current visa expires.

Eligibility

You must continue to meet the eligibility rules.

You must apply again if you want to change your job within the same organisation or move to a new organisation.

How long you can stay

You can apply to take your stay in the UK up to a maximum of 24 months, or the time on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days - whichever is shorter.

Fees

Check the fees for your visa.

Apply to extend your Religious Worker visa

You must apply online before your current visa expires.

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Apply now

Continue your application

You can sign back into your application if you’ve saved it.

Find out how to sign in to your account.

Your partner and children

Your partner or child’s visa will not automatically extend if you extend yours. If they do not extend their visa, it will be valid until its original end date. They can either apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa expires.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and what type of passport you have.

You’ll either:

  • use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account
  • have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

Get help to apply online

You can get help with completing the online form if you:

  • do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device
  • do not have internet access

You can only use this service if you’re applying to extend your visa in the UK.

You cannot get immigration advice through this service.

How long it takes

A decision will be made within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service.

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision.

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example because:

  • your supporting documents need to be verified
  • you need to attend an interview
  • of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)

If your application is successful

You’ll get an eVisa (an online record of your immigration status).

Your decision email or letter will tell you how to get access to your eVisa. You’ll need to create a UKVI account.

Find out how to get your biometric residence permit (BRP) if you were told you’d get one when you applied.

View a printable version of the whole guide

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