The Short Stay Religious Visit Visa is designed for individuals aiming to visit the UK for religious studies, electives related to a religious course abroad, or research (or research tuition) for a duration up to 6 months.

This visa falls under the Standard Visitor category, a pathway designed for individuals aiming for a short stay in the UK up to 6 months. It’s important to understand that this visa doesn’t lead to UK settlement. Separate applications are necessary for each visitor, even if they’re part of a group.

Eligibility Criteria for Short Stay Religious Visit Visa

To successfully obtain a Short Stay Religious Visit Visa, applicants must convince UK Visas & Immigration of the following:

• Being a visa national (non-visa nationals can usually enter as a Visitor directly at the UK border).
• Genuine intention to enter the UK for an allowed purpose under the visitor categories.
• Meeting all additional criteria for visitors coming for religious study for up to 6 months.
• Not engaging in any prohibited activities during the stay.
• Having enough financial resources to fund the visit, including travel, accommodation, and maintenance costs, without working or using public funds.
• Leaving the UK post-visit.
• Avoiding extended UK stays through regular or consecutive visits and not making the UK the primary residence.
• Clearing any general refusal grounds.
• Obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorisation if required.
  It’s advisable to consult an immigration solicitor for tailored advice given the specific circumstances.

To discuss your Short Stay Religious Visit Visa application or seek advice, contact our team of expert immigration solicitors at Highwood Solicitors on +44 (0) 1206523714 or fill out our enquiry form.

Clarifying Visa and Non-Visa Nationals

Visa nationals are those who require a Visit Visa to enter the UK due to their nationality. They typically need to apply for the visa before travelling. The Home Office provides a list of such nationalities, with some exceptions.

Non-visa nationals can usually seek entry as a Visitor upon arrival in the UK. Despite this, they should be prepared to explain the purpose of their visit, their maintenance and accommodation arrangements in the UK, and their return plans. EU citizens fall under non-visa nationals and can enter the UK as Visitors without a specific Visit Visa.

At Highwood Solicitors, our team is skilled in aiding both visa and non-visa nationals to meet entry requirements for UK visits.

Permitted Activities under Short Stay Religious Visit Visa

For a successful visa application, one must prove genuine intent to enter the UK for allowed purposes and abstain from disallowed activities.

Permitted activities include:

• Joining a religious study course for a maximum of 6 months provided by an Accredited Institution excluding State Funded Schools or Academies (unless it’s a Distance Learning Course from abroad).
• Engaging in electives related to a religious study abroad for up to 6 months.
• Participating in research or acquiring research tuition at a UK Higher Education Provider or research institute for a span of six months.

Since this visa is a sub-division of the Standard Visitor route, other activities allowed under this route are permissible.

Further Criteria for Short Stay Religious Visit Visa Applicants

Those visiting for religious studies must be accepted by an Accredited Institution (excluding State Funded Schools or Academies) for a course lasting a maximum of 6 months unless it’s a Distance Learning Course from overseas.

For those visiting to undertake electives related to religious studies abroad, specific criteria apply including age, enrolment status, acceptance by a UK Higher Education Provider, and providing relevant confirmations.

For research or research tuition visitors, certain requirements like age, course level, acceptance by a UK Higher Education Provider, and other relevant confirmations apply.

Assurance to Leave UK Post-Visit

Applicants must assure the Home Office of their genuine intent to leave the UK after their visit and not establish prolonged residency through regular or back-to-back visits, or make the UK their main residence.

Financial Prerequisites for Short Stay Religious Visit Visa

Applicants should have sufficient financial resources to support their visit without working or accessing public funds. Any funds should be in an authorised financial institution.

English Proficiency for Short Stay Religious Visit Visa

English proficiency isn’t a requirement for this visa.

Validity Period

Short Stay Religious Visit Visa can be applied for durations of 6 months, 2 years, 5 years, or 10 years. Multiple entries are allowed within the validity period, given that each stay doesn’t exceed 6 months.

Working Rights under Short Stay Religious Visit Visa

Visa holders can’t work in the UK. Activities like employment, running a business, internships, or selling goods/services are prohibited. Remote work activities related to overseas employment like answering emails or phone calls are allowed. Seeking employment and attending job interviews in the UK are permitted. However, if successful, the applicant should leave the UK and seek appropriate entry clearance before starting the job.

Application Fees

The current fee for a 6-month stay is £100. For validity periods of 2 years, 5 years, or 10 years, the fees are £376, £670, or £837 respectively.

How Highwood Solicitors Can Aid

Our immigration solicitors at Highwood Solicitors have extensive experience in assisting international individuals in obtaining UK visas for religious studies and research purposes. Whether you require advice, assistance with your visa application, or representation against a visa refusal, our dedicated team is here to help. We are committed to understanding and catering to our clients’ needs with a professional and amiable approach.