UK Minister of Religion Visa (T2)

The Minister of Religion visa (T2) is part of the UK’s points-based immigration system and is intended for individuals who want to work in the UK full-time as:

• Members of religious orders (like monks or nuns), or
• Religious leaders (such as ministers, priests, imams, rabbis, etc.), or
• Missionaries.

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Minister of Religion Visa (T2) – Key Overview

The purpose of minister of religion visa is for individuals coming to the UK to undertake full-time pastoral or missionary work for a faith-based organisation or religious order.

Eligibility Requirements

• Age: 18 or over
• Job offer from a UK religious organisation with a T2 Minister of Religion sponsor licence
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) with full job and role details
• English language proficiency: CEFR B2 or equivalent (test, exempt nationality, or UK-recognised degree)
• Financial requirement:
  • £1,270 in savings (plus additional for dependants), unless exempt
  • OR A-rated sponsor confirms maintenance
• TB test (if required based on country)

Certificate of Sponsorship Requirements for a Minister of Religion Visa

To apply for a Minister of Religion visa, you must first secure a job offer from a UK-based religious organisation that holds a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence specifically for the Minister of Religion route. Not all sponsor licences are eligible—student or general Skilled Worker sponsor licences are not sufficient. If the religious organisation does not already hold the appropriate licence, it must apply for a new one or modify its current sponsor licence to include this route.

A full list of authorised sponsor licence holders is available on the official UK government website.

What the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Must Contain

Once the sponsor has confirmed your role, they will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)—a digital document containing detailed information about you and the job you are being offered. This certificate is crucial to your visa application and must confirm the following:

• Your full name, job title, and salary (including any additional remuneration such as housing or allowances).
• That the job being offered is specifically as a Minister of Religion.
• That you are qualified to perform the duties required of a Minister of Religion.
• That you are a member of the religious order or denomination associated with the sponsoring organisation.
• That your role will involve religious duties either within the sponsor’s organisation or as directed by them. This includes:
  • Preaching and leading worship.
  • Providing pastoral care.
  • Teaching religious doctrine.
  • Conducting religious ceremonies.
  • Other faith-related community roles.

Importantly, the CoS must confirm that:

• Your duties do not primarily involve non-pastoral activities such as:
  • Classroom teaching (unless in a theological context).
  • Media and broadcasting production.
  • Domestic service or cleaning.
  • Office administration or clerical support.
    These tasks are only acceptable if they form part of a senior leadership role within the religious organisation.

Salary Requirements

According to UKVI guidelines, your salary must be:

• At least equal to what a settled worker would receive for the same role.
• Above or in line with the UK’s National Minimum Wage.

There is no fixed salary threshold as in other Skilled Worker routes; instead, fairness and compliance with employment law are key.

Financial Maintenance Requirements

You must meet one of the following to satisfy the financial requirement:

• Have been lawfully living in the UK for 12 months or more.
• Be sponsored by an A-rated sponsor that agrees to cover your maintenance and accommodation for the first month, confirmed in your CoS.
• Show £1,270 in personal savings held for 28 consecutive days before applying.

For dependants, you must demonstrate additional savings of:

• £285 for a partner
• £315 for the first child
• £200 for each additional child

English Language Requirements

You must demonstrate your English ability to CEFR level B2 in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. You can satisfy this requirement by:

• Passing a Home Office-approved English test.
• Holding a degree taught in English (ECCTIS confirmation may be required).
• Being a citizen of an exempt English-speaking country, such as:
  • Australia, USA, Canada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Barbados, Malta, and others.

Visa Duration and Extension

Your visa will typically be granted for:

• Up to 3 years and 1 month, or
• The length stated on your Certificate of Sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.

Extensions

You may extend your visa by:

• Up to 3 additional years, with a maximum stay of 6 years.
• You must still meet the original eligibility criteria and secure a new Certificate of Sponsorship.

Extension Process:

• Apply online.
• Submit proof of identity.
• Pay the extension fee: £885 per applicant.
• Provide supporting documents as specified by the Home Office.

Visa holders can continue working while awaiting a decision. Standard processing time is around 8 weeks.

Application fee For Minister Of Religion Visa

How much you pay for a Minister of Religion visa (T2) depends on where you are.

Minister of Religion Visa vs Religious Worker Visa

Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain – ILR)

This visa leads directly to ILR after 5 years of continuous residence in the UK.

ILR Requirements:

• 5 years lawful residence in qualifying categories (e.g. Minister of Religion, Skilled Worker, Tier 1, Innovator).
• Still employed by a sponsor with a valid Minister of Religion licence.
• Pass the Life in the UK test.
• Meet the English language requirement (CEFR B1 or above or degree taught in English).

Benefits of ILR:

• No further visa applications.
• Access to public funds (if eligible).
• No Immigration Health Surcharge.
• Free to change employers or work without sponsorship.

Dependants of Minister of Religion Visa Holders

Your partner and children may accompany or join you in the UK.

Eligible dependants include:

• Spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner.
• Children under 18.
• Children over 18 already in the UK as your dependants.

Financial requirement for dependants:

• £285 for partner
• £315 for first child
• £200 for each additional child

All dependants must submit separate applications and will receive a visa matching the duration of the main applicant’s.

Switching to the Minister of Religion Visa from Within the UK

You may switch from other UK visa routes, including:

1. Skilled Worker
2. Student Visa
3. Family Visa
4. Innovator Visa
5. Global Talent Visa
6. Representative of an Overseas Business

Switching applications can be made from inside the UK without leaving the country.

Expert Legal Support

At Deluxe Law Chambers, our specialist immigration solicitors provide end-to-end legal guidance on:

• Sponsorship licences for religious organisations.
• Drafting and verifying Certificates of Sponsorship.
• Assisting with initial visa and extension applications.
• Advising on ILR eligibility and documentation.

Our lawyers ensure all Home Office requirements are met with precision, minimising delays and maximising approval chances.

At Deluxe Law Chambers, we are committed to providing professional, fast, and reliable immigration services.

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