WEB 3038 UK Visa Routes for Religious Workers (Bitesize)
Thursday 04 July 2024 @ 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
£40.00 - £154.00
This course will provide an overview of the legal framework and different immigration routes that religious workers can use to enter the UK
Level: Intermediate
Description:
The aim of the course is to provide attendees with an understanding of the rules and different routes religious workers can use to come into the UK and to explore the information contained in the Policy Guidance that practitioners should be aware of. Practical guidance on preparing applications under these routes will also be provided, including tips on meeting the documentary requirements, which is often an issue for religious workers applying for leave in the UK.
The focus of this course will be on providing an overview of the legal framework and different immigration routes that religious workers can use to enter and remain in the UK.
Brexit had a significant impact on religious organisations who relied on the principle of free movement of people to bring over many of their workers such as Nuns, Priests, Pastors and volunteers. With EU nationals arriving from 1 January 2021 now requiring sponsorship, we have seen a rise in applications under the T2 Minister of Religion and T5 Religious Worker routes contained in the Immigration Rules. To complicate matters, the Immigration Rules under these routes have also been amended.
Applications under the Religious Worker routes can be complex as a result of many applicants not possessing the required documentation and the Home Office placing an emphasis on economic work in the UK, which religious workers, such as Sisters of a Religious Order, do not always meet. Many religious workers receive no income and do not have their own bank accounts or any correspondence addressed to them, by virtue of devoting their lives to their community. Added challenges include documenting the work that the individual will be doing in the UK and ensuring the religious organisation, who do not always understand the workings of the SMS, meet their sponsorship duties. The Resident Labour Market Test has also been introduced for Religious Workers which is also causing issues for some religious organisations.
This webinar will provide practical advice on overcoming these limitations and run through common scenarios that have come up in practice, as well as provide an overview of the different routes available depending on the work that the individual is coming into the UK to do.
Audience: Advisors, solicitors and barristers intending to advise or represent religious workers on their immigration matters in the UK and prepare applications on their behalf.
Tutor: Julie Mokatdir, Head of Immigration at Stone King and ILPA Trustee
Please book at https://ilpa.org.uk/event/web-3038-uk-visa-routes-for-religious-workers-bitesize/