2463 Clergy
Unit group 2463 in the ONS Standard Occupational Classification 2020, with the line the Appendix Skilled Occupations gives it. Not immigration advice.
In short
- ONS unit group 2463, in minor group 246 (Welfare professionals) and major group 2 (Professional occupations).
- Appendix Skilled Occupations (figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked 26 October 2026): Not on the list: Table 6.
- Going rate as the tables print it:
What the ONS says
Description
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 entry routes
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.
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
Related job titles
- Chaplain
- Clergyman
- Minister of religion
- Nun
- Pastor
- Priest
- Vicar
What the Appendix Skilled Occupations says
The Appendix lists this code in the table below, with the table’s own caption and the row as printed. Read the full table, and any condition in it, on GOV.UK.
Table 6: SOC 2020 occupation codes which are not eligible for the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility or Scale-up routes
- SOC 2020 occupation code
- 2463 Clergy
- Examples of related job titles (non-exhaustive)
- Chaplain
- Clergyman
- Minister of religion
- Nun
- Pastor
- Priest
- Vicar
Other unit groups in minor group 246
- 2461 Social workers
- 2462 Probation officers
- 2464 Youth work professionals
- 2469 Welfare professionals n.e.c.
Sources
Occupation text: Office for National Statistics, SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups (file dated 27 August 2026, version V13). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Open Government Licence v3.0. Tables: Home Office, Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations on GOV.UK, page updated 3 August 2026; re-checked against the page updated 8 October 2026 on 26 October 2026, tables unchanged.
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