VAT14 - Business visitor: Religious workers
This is internal guidance for use by entry clearance (visa) staff on the handling of visa applications made outside the UK for visit and transit visas. It is a live document under constant review and is for information only. Immigration Rules paragraph 46G makes a new provision for visiting religious workers to be considered as business visitors. In addition they must also meet the requirements of paragraph 41.
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VAT14.1 Those who qualify
Religious workers coming to the UK for a business visit (for example to attend a conference) and undertake some preaching or pastoral work during the visit qualify as business visitors.
Visiting religious workers, who come to the UK for a particular event, such as a conference or other similar event, may be asked to give a sermon or otherwise preach or give some pastoral care during the course of their visit. This is permissible under the definition of a business visitor provided the individual is based abroad and does not intend to take up an office, post or appointment here.
VAT14.2 Those who don't qualify
People coming to the United Kingdom to fill a vacancy as a religious worker for a recognised religion, who will be undertaking preaching and pastoral work will need to qualify under Tier 2 - Ministers of Religion - of the points-based system.
People coming to the UK to work temporarily as a religious worker for a recognised religion will need to qualify under Tier 5 - Religious Workers - of the points-based system.
VAT14.3 Is entry clearance mandatory?
Entry clearance is only mandatory for visa nationals in this category.
VAT14.4 EC endorsement
Entry clearance should be endorsed:
C: Visit – [add 'Religious Worker']. LTE 6 months. Code 3
VAT14.5 Examples of refusal wordings
Wording for refusals: Section 1-5 (can be downloaded under 'Related documents' on the right of this page).
VAT14.6 Do visiting religious workers have full rights of appeal?
No. They have limited rights of appeal.
VAT14.7 Switching
A person who has entered the UK under the Business Visitor Rules as a visiting religious worker may not switch to any non business visitor category.