Can you get a Skilled Worker visa for a job in “clergy”?
No. You cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa for a job in “clergy” (SOC 2463).
You might be able to work in the UK on a different visa. Compare UK work visas.
Based on the UK Immigration Rules and the Skilled Worker visa guide on GOV.UK. This is a summary, not advice about your own situation.
The rules in detail
SOC 2020 code 2463 (Clergy) is listed as not eligible for the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility and Scale-up routes in Table 6 of Appendix Skilled OccupationsT6 · 29 Oct 26.
Source: Appendix Skilled Occupations and eligible occupations and codes, GOV.UK.| Occupation | Clergy |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker eligibility | Ineligible |
| Going rate | Not applicable |
| Appendix table(s) | Table 6 |
| Immigration Salary List | No |
| Temporary Shortage List | No |
| SOC 2020 group | 24 Business, media and public service professionals › 246 Welfare professionals |
Job titles under SOC 2463
GOV.UK lists these related job titles:
- Clergy
More job titles from the ONS SOC 2020 index (7)
- Chaplain
- Clergyman
- Minister of religion
- Nun
- Pastor
- Priest
- Vicar
What the job involves
Members of the clergy provide spiritual motivation and guidance, conduct worship according to the form of service of a particular faith/denomination and perform related functions associated with religious beliefs and practices.
Typical tasks
- Prepares and delivers sermons and talks and leads congregation in worship
- Interprets doctrines and instructs intending clergy members in religious principles and practices
- Provides and arranges the provision of religious instruction to congregation members
- Performs marriages, funerals, baptisms and other special religious rites
- Provides pastoral care to members of the congregation in their homes and in hospitals and counsels those in need of spiritual or moral guidance
- Undertakes administration and social duties as required
Typical entry routes and qualifications
Entrants typically possess a degree or equivalent qualification. Candidates for the clergy according to the Christian faith must pass a selection procedure and attend theological college where training includes theological instruction and practical pastoral experience. Training can last up to six years depending upon age, experience and denomination. Entry routes for other religious professionals will vary according to the particular faith concerned.
Description: ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1.
Questions about SOC 2463
Can you get a Skilled Worker visa for a job in “clergy”?
No. You cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa for a job in “clergy” (SOC 2463). SOC 2020 code 2463 (Clergy) is listed as not eligible for the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility and Scale-up routes in Table 6 of Appendix Skilled Occupations.
What is SOC code 2463?
2463 is the SOC 2020 code for Clergy. Members of the clergy provide spiritual motivation and guidance, conduct worship according to the form of service of a particular faith/denomination and perform related functions associated with religious beliefs and practices.
What job titles use SOC code 2463?
GOV.UK lists: Clergy.
Sources
- Skilled Worker visa: eligible occupations and codes (GOV.UK, updated 29 April 2026)
- Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations (GOV.UK, updated 29 October 2026)
- Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Worker (GOV.UK, updated 29 October 2026)
- ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups
Compiled by SWC Editorial Team from the sources above. An information summary, not immigration advice. Report an error on this page.