Tier 2 - Minister of Religion Visa

The Ministry of Religion visa is a work permit category for religious workers who are willing to come to the United Kingdom to work as a part of a bona fide religious organisation. It is a part of the Tier 2 work permit system and is open to workers in religious organisations only.

A Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) visa can be applied for if:

  • One has been offered a job within a faith community, for instance as a minister of religion, missionary, or member of a religious order or community like a monastery or convent in the United Kingdom.
  • One is from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
  • One meets all the other eligibility critea.

This visa is needed  and is appropriate only for the religious workers who intend to come to the UK for a long term, if an applicant wishes to stay in the UK for a short period, he must apply under the Tier 5 Temporary Religious Worker category. The applicants who are granted Minister of Religion visa are permitted to live and work in the UK for the duration of their employment for a maximum of up to 3 years and 1 month. One can apply to extend his visa well in advance before his visa expires. Upon successfully holding a Tier 2- Minister of Religion visa for a total of 5 years, individuals may be entitled to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), this entitles individuals to permanently reside in the UK or a visa-free travel to and from the UK. ILR holders may eventually be eligible to apply for  British citizenship.

Documents Required

  • A valid passport.
  • A passport size colour photograph.
  • Evidence for English language requirements
  • Bank statements depicting the savings required.
  • Tuberculosis (TB) test results, if an applicant is from a country that requires this test.
  • The Original and a photocopy of all the documents that the applicant provides must be submitted.

Basic Requirements

A valid certificate of sponsorship: which is a reference number which holds information about the job and the personal details of the applicant. This certificate of sponsorship is valid for 3 months from the date it has been assigned.

Passing an approved English language test with at least CEFR level B2 in reading, writing, speaking and listening. And having an academic qualification that was taught in English and is recognised as being equivalent to a UK bachelors degree. 

Savings of £945, to prove that one can support himself. This amount must be present in the applicant's account for 90 days before applying, unless he is exempt or his fully approved, 'A-rated' sponsor has stated on his certificate of sponsorship that they will certify his maintenance and that the applicant won't claim benefits during his stay.

Dos and Don'ts

Individuals can:

  • Work for their sponsor
  • Do a second job, by making a new application to the Home Office if the second job is not in the same sector as the main sponsored job
  • Do voluntary work
  • Study as long as it doesn't hinder the job they have been sponsored for
  • Travel abroad and return to the UK
  • Bring their dependants to live with them in the UK.

Individuals can't:

  • Own more than 10% of their sponsor's shares (unless their earning is more than  £155,300 per annum).
  • Apply for a second job until they have started working for their sponsor.
  • Get public funds.
  • Start working before getting their visa.

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