Minister of Religion Visa (T2)

What is a Minister of Religion Visa (T2)?

A UK Minister of Religion visa (T2) enables individuals to work for an organisation which is a licenced sponsor to perform a key leading role within their faith-based organisation or a religious order in the UK.

What Are the Key Eligibility Requirements for a Minister of Religion Visa (T2)?

In order to successfully apply for a Minister of Religion visa (T2), applicants must meet the following key requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age;
• Must have a job offer as a Minister of Religion and a certificate of sponsorship from a Home Office approved licenced sponsor;
• Must genuinely intend, and are able, to undertake the role for which they are being sponsored;
• Must meet the required level of English language;
• Must evidence they have sufficient money to support themselves or their sponsor must confirm that they will support the applicant. If, however an applicant has been in the UK with a valid visa for 12 months or more, they will not need to show proof that they have sufficient money to support themselves; and
• May need to provide a tuberculosis (TB) certificate depending on which country the applicant resides in.

How Long is a Minister of Religion Visa Valid for?

The Minister of Religion visa is usually valid for 3 years and 1 month, or the time given on the certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.

Can a Minister of Religion Visa be Extended?

Before the expiry of a Minister of Religion visa, applicants must apply to the Home Office to extend their stay in the UK. If the extension application is approved, they will be granted permission to stay in the UK for up to another 3 years, or the time given in their certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, or the time required to take their total stay in the UK to a maximum of 6 years, whichever time is shorter.

Does a Minister of Religion Visa Lead to Settlement?

Once an applicant has held a Minister of Religion visa for 5 years they will be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. This gives settled status in the UK, also known as ‘settlement’. It gives the right to live, work and study in the UK for as long as an applicant wishes and apply for benefits if eligible.

Will an Applicant be Eligible for British Citizenship?

Once an applicant has held indefinite leave to remain in the UK for 12 months, an applicant may be eligible to apply for British Citizenship. If, however an applicant is married to a British Citizen, an applicant will not need to wait 12 months and may be eligible to apply immediately for British Citizenship by naturalisation after obtaining indefinite leave to remain.

Can Dependants Join or Accompany Minister of Religion Visa Holder?

The partner and children of an applicant can accompany or join them so long as they meet the eligibility criteria. If this is met, they will be issued a visa which will have the same end date as the Minister of Religion visa holder.

How Long Does it Take For a Decision to be Made?

The Home Office will usually process a Minister of Religion visa (T2) application submitted outside the UK within 3 weeks.

If eligible, applicants will be advised whether they can apply to get a decision faster. The Home Office charge additional fees for these priority services.

How Much Does it Cost?

The Home Office fee for a Minister of Religion visa (T2) submitted from outside the UK costs £625.

The fee for a Minister of Religion visa (T2) submitted from inside the UK costs £719.

Applicants and their dependants will not be required to pay the immigration health surcharge.

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