UK Minister of Religion Visa

Understanding the UK Minister of Religion Visa

The UK Minister of Religion Visa is designed specifically for individuals offered a job, internship or a role within a religious order in the UK. It forms a part of the Tier 2 Visa category, allowing religious workers 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:

You have been offered a job within a faith community in the UK.

You must meet the English language requirement of CEFR level B2 in reading, writing, speaking and listening, or be from an ‘English-speaking country’.

You must obtain sponsorship from an employer registered as Home Office Minister of Religion (T2) sponsor. Upon sponsorship, you will be issued a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), like an online UK work permit.

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The Application Process

Applying for the UK Minister of Religion Visa requires precision and thoroughness. Each step is crucial in ensuring a successful outcome, from filling out the application form to gathering the necessary documentation to scheduling and attending the biometrics appointment.

The Role of Immtell in Your Journey

At Immtell, we strive to make your visa application journey seamless. We provide detailed guidance, from understanding the visa requirements to preparing the necessary documents and submitting your application.

FAQs

How long will the Minister of Religion visa be valid for?

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.

Can you extend a Minister of Religion work visa?

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.

Can you switch into this visa from within the UK?

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.

Do UK Minister of Religion visas lead to ILR?

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.

Can you bring your family as dependents?

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.

Where should you apply for a Minister of Religion visa?

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.

How long does it take for the visa to be processed?

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

Visa applications submitted inside the UK:

Standard processing: 8 weeks
Priority Service processing: 5 working day

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.

How much does the visa cost?

The UKVI application fee is as follows:

Applying outside of the UK:

Visa up to 3 years duration: £719

Applying inside of the UK:

Visa up to 3 years duration: £827

In addition, you will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is £1,035 per year for the visa duration.

Our professional fee will depend on the level of service you require.

Pricing

At Immtell, we understand the unique needs of religious leaders and workers seeking to serve in the UK. To facilitate your journey in obtaining a Minister of Religion Visa, we offer two distinct service packages, each tailored to accommodate different aspects of the application process.

🌟 Comprehensive End-to-End Support: For those seeking thorough assistance, this package provides all-encompassing support throughout your visa application. From the initial assessment of eligibility to the final submission, our team of experts will guide you every step of the way. We focus on the specific nuances of Minister of Religion Visa applications, ensuring your submission is as solid and compliant as possible.

📝 Application Review and Feedback: Designed for applicants who have prepared their visa application independently but desire a professional review, this service includes a detailed assessment of your completed application. We provide insightful feedback and advice, aiming to enhance your submission’s overall quality and compliance, tailored to the unique requirements of religious visas.

💡 Transparent and Customizable Pricing: Recognizing the diverse financial circumstances in religious vocations, we offer transparent and upfront pricing. This approach allows you to understand the costs involved from the beginning, helping you to make a well-informed decision within your budget.

📘 Need Additional Information? Our FAQ section offers insights into the Minister of Religion Visa, addressing common questions and providing further guidance.

📞 Begin Your Visa Journey with Confidence: Whether you require complete support or just an expert review of your application, our services are designed to align with your individual needs. Contact us to explore how we can streamline your Minister of Religion Visa application process.

Immtell's Typical Professional Fees

£ 1,500 + VAT

Eligibility assessment
CoS (Certificate of Sponsorship) drafting and assigning
Advice on English language and TB test requirements (if applicable)
Application preparation and online submission
Appointment booking
Responding to queries from the Home Office
Review of issued documents
Post-arrival Biometric Residence Permit accuracy check

Best Value

£ 500 + VAT

Specialist review of your prepared application
Assess application against the relevant rules and legislations
Provide feedback and recommendations for improvement (if applicable)

Why Choose Immtell?

Our team of immigration experts have years of experience and a thorough understanding of the UK immigration laws and processes. We help simplify the complex visa application procedure, providing personalised solutions to your needs. We aim to increase the likelihood of a successful visa application, allowing you to step into your new role in the UK quickly.