UK Minister of Religion Visa

Understanding the UK Minister of Religion Visa

The UK Minister of Religion Visa (T2) is designed for individuals who have been offered a role within a faith community in the UK, such as ministers of religion, missionaries, or members of religious orders. This visa allows you to live and work in the UK, contributing to your religious community.

Eligibility Criteria of the UK Minister of Religion Visa (T2)

To qualify for the UK Minister of Religion Visa (T2), you must:

Job Offer and Sponsorship
- Have a confirmed job offer within a faith community in the UK.
- Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed sponsor authorised by the Home Office.
Knowledge of English
- Demonstrate proficiency in English by:
  - Passing an approved English language test at CEFR level B2 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
  - Holding an academic qualification taught in English and recognised by Ecctis as equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree or higher.
Financial Requirements
- Show you have at least £1,270 in personal savings to support yourself upon arrival in the UK.
- These funds must have been held for at least 28 consecutive days, ending no more than 31 days before your application.
- Alternatively, your sponsor can certify maintenance on your CoS, confirming they will support you during your first month in the UK.
Additional Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
- Provide a valid tuberculosis test result if you're from a country where it's required.

Application Process For the UK Minister of Religion Visa

Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Your UK employer (sponsor) will provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number, which you'll need for your visa application.

Prepare Supporting Documents

CoS reference number.
Proof of English language proficiency.
Evidence of personal savings or maintenance certification from your sponsor.
Valid passport or travel document with a blank page for your visa.
Tuberculosis test results (if applicable).
Proof of relationship for dependants (if applicable).

Submit the Online Application

Apply online through the official UK government website.
You can apply up to three months before your intended start date in the UK, as listed on your CoS.

Attend a Biometric Appointment

Schedule and attend an appointment at a visa application centre to provide your fingerprints and photograph. Unless you are able to use the Home Office ID: Check app

Pay Fees

Application Fee:

£719 if applying from outside the UK.
£827 if applying to extend or switch within the UK.
Healthcare Surcharge:
- An annual fee, typically £1,035, to access the UK's National Health Service (NHS).

Await a Decision

Decisions are usually made within three weeks for applications submitted outside the UK.
Priority services may be available for faster processing at an additional cost.

Visa Duration and Extension

The Minister of Religion Visa is usually granted for up to three years and one month, or the duration specified on your CoS plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.
You can apply to extend your visa, provided you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
After five years in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), allowing you to live and work in the UK permanently.

Dependants

Your partner and children under 18 can apply to join you as dependants.
Eligibility for Partners:
- Must be your spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner with whom you've lived in a relationship akin to marriage for at least two years.
Eligibility for Children:
- Must be under 18 at the time of application.
Requirements:
- Each dependant must provide evidence of their relationship to you.
- Demonstrate additional financial means to support each dependant, typically £285 for a partner, £315 for the first child, and £200 for each additional child. Unless, your employer confirms they will support you if necessary via a declaration on your CoS.

Rights and Responsibilities

With a UK Minister of Religion Visa (T2), you can:

Work for your sponsor in the role described in your CoS.
Take on additional work under certain conditions.
Study, provided it doesn't interfere with your sponsored role.
Travel abroad and return to the UK.
Apply for ILR after five years, subject to eligibility.

You cannot:

Access public funds (benefits).
Start or run a business.
Work in a role other than the one you're sponsored for without updating your visa.

How Immtell can Help

Immtell provides expert support to simplify your UK Minister of Religion Visa application. Here’s how we can help:

Eligibility Check: We ensure you meet all requirements, including sponsorship and financial criteria.
Document Review: Assistance with preparing and reviewing your documents to avoid errors.
Application Guidance: Step-by-step help with submitting your application accurately.
Dependants Support: Guidance on bringing your family to the UK.
Post-Visa Advice: Support with extensions, compliance, and settlement.