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Understanding the UK Minister of Religion Visa
The UK Minister of Religion Visa is designed specifically for individuals who have been offered a job, internship or a role within a religious order in the UK. It forms a part of the Tier 2 Visa category, providing religious workers the opportunity to come to the UK and engage in religious duties.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a UK Minister of Religion visa, you must meet stringent requirements:
The Application Process
Applying for the UK Minister of Religion Visa requires precision and thoroughness. From filling out the application form, gathering the necessary documentation, and scheduling and attending the biometrics appointment, each step is crucial in ensuring a successful outcome.
The Role of Immtell in Your Journey
At Immtell, we strive to make your visa application journey as seamless as possible. We provide detailed guidance, from understanding the visa requirements, to preparing the necessary documents, and finally, to submitting your application.
FAQs
Minister of Religion work visas are usually granted for an initial period of either up to 3 years or up to 5 years, this usually reflects the duration indicated on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) assigned to you.
If your Minister of Religion sponsorship continues, it is possible to apply for work visa extensions from within the UK for up to a total of 6 years under this visa category.
It is possible to apply to switch visa category from within the UK into this visa type, if you are not currently in the UK holding one of the following visa types:
- Visitor visa
- Short-Term Student visa
- Parent of a Child visa
- Seasonal Worker visa
- Domestic Worker visa
- Any Discretionary visa
Please however note that you may still need to meet the requirement to have worked for your employer outside of the UK for the required period, unless exempt.Â
Following 5 years continuous residence, you may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, effectively permanent residence providing all the requirements are met at that time.
Spouses or partners and children under the age of 18 may apply for visas to accompany you to the UK as your ‘dependants’. Your spouse or partner should be permitted to work.
It is permitted to switch into the Minister of Religion immigration category from within the UK if you were last granted a visa under certain visa categories. In all other circumstances, initial applications must be from abroad, either from your country of nationality or legal residence.
UKVI aim to process visas as follows:
Visa applications submitted outside of the UK:
- Standard processing: 15 working days
- Priority Service processing: 5 working days
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Visa applications submitted inside the UK:
- Standard processing: 8 weeks
- Priority Service processing: 5 working day
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Important: UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) do not guarantee processing times and delays do occur. We advise that you do not book any non refundable travel until your visa has been approved and your work visa is in your possession. Priority services can be suspended without notice and may not be available at the time of application.
The UKVI application fee is as follows:
Applying outside of the UK:
- Visa up to 3 years duration: £625
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Applying inside of the UK:
- Visa up to 3 years duration: £719
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In addition, you will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) which is £624 per year of the visa duration.
Our professional fee will depend on the level of service you require. Please see the options below or contact us for further information.
Why Choose Immtell?
Our team of immigration experts have years of experience and thorough understanding of the UK immigration laws and processes. We help simplify the complex visa application procedure, providing personalised solutions to cater to your specific needs. Our aim is to increase the likelihood of a successful visa application, helping you step into your new role in the UK with ease.
Regulated to provide immigration advice in the UK. Registration number: F202200109