T2 Minister of Religion Dependant Visa 

If you’ve come to the UK on a T2 Minister of Religion Visa, you might be thinking about bringing your family to join you. The good news is, you can. The T2 Minister of Religion Dependant Visa allows your partner and children to live with you in the UK. Not only can they stay with you, but they can also work, study, and eventually apply for settlement.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the dependant visa who can apply, how the process works, what documents are needed, and what your family can do once they arrive.

What Is a T2 Minister of Religion Dependant Visa?

The T2 Minister of Religion Dependant Visa is designed for close family members of someone who holds a valid T2 Minister of Religion Visa. It lets your loved ones come to the UK and build a life alongside you. Once they arrive, they’re free to work, study, and make the UK their home.

One of the biggest advantages of this visa is that it can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years. So, if you and your family plan to settle in the UK long-term, this route can help you achieve that.

Who Can Apply as a Dependant?

Eligible Family Members

Your family members can apply to join you in the UK if they fall under one of these categories:

• Husband, wife, or civil partner
• Unmarried partner (you’ll need to show that you’ve lived together in a genuine relationship for at least two years)
• Children under 18 years old
• Children over 18 can only apply if they’re already in the UK on a dependant visa

Evidence of Relationship

To get your application approved, you’ll need to show proof of your relationship. This could include:

• Marriage or civil partnership certificate
• Documents that show you’ve lived together for at least two years (for unmarried partners)
• Birth certificates for children
• Details of the main visa holder’s sponsorship or visa status

What Are the Requirements?

To be eligible for this visa, you must meet several basic conditions:

• You must be the spouse, partner, or child of a person holding a valid T2 Minister of Religion Visa
• Your relationship with the main visa holder must be genuine and ongoing
• Children must not be living independent lives (they should live with you, be financially supported by you, and not be married)
• If your sponsor’s employer is not A-rated by the Home Office, you might need to show proof of financial support
• A tuberculosis (TB) test is required if you’re applying from certain countries

How To Apply for a T2 Minister of Religion Dependant Visa

Application Process

Applying is mostly done online and is fairly straightforward:

• Complete the online visa application form for each dependant
• Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
• Book a biometric appointment to provide fingerprints and a photo
• Upload and submit supporting documents
• Wait for a decision, which usually takes between 3 and 8 weeks

You can apply from outside the UK, or if your family is already in the UK, they may be able to switch into this visa category (as long as they are not on a visitor visa).

Required Documents

Each dependant will need to submit the following:

• A valid passport or travel document
• Proof of relationship to the main visa holder (marriage certificate, birth certificate, proof of cohabitation, etc.)
• A copy of the main applicant’s Certificate of Sponsorship and visa or BRP
• TB test certificate if it applies
• Proof of financial support, if required

How Much Does It Cost?

Applying for a T2 Minister of Religion Dependant Visa involves a few standard fees:

• Visa application fee: Around £769 outside the UK and  £822 winthing the UK per person (this may change each year)
• Immigration Health Surcharge: Currently £1,035 per year, per person
• If you need a quicker decision, priority services are available in some countries for an additional fee

These costs can add up, especially for families, so it’s worth planning ahead before submitting the applications.

What Can Dependants Do on This Visa?

This visa comes with a fair amount of flexibility. Here’s what your partner or children can and can’t do while in the UK:

Allowed

• Work in most types of jobs (including full-time or part-time roles)
• Study at schools, colleges, or universities
• Travel freely in and out of the UK

Not Allowed

• Claim public funds or benefits
• Work as a professional sportsperson or coach

As long as they stick to these rules, your family can enjoy a stable life here in the UK.

Switching or Extending the Visa

If your family is already in the UK, they may be able to switch into the dependant visa category, as long as they are not on a short-term visa like a visitor visa.

Extensions are possible too. As long as your own T2 Minister of Religion Visa is valid and you continue to meet the sponsorship requirements, your dependants can apply to extend their visa before it expires.

Each family member needs to apply individually, so make sure all applications are submitted in time to avoid any visa issues.

Can Dependants Get ILR?

Yes, dependants on this visa can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) once they’ve lived in the UK for five continuous years.

To qualify, they need to:

• Stay within the allowed absence limits (generally no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 month period)
• Pass the Life in the UK Test (if they’re over 18)
• Prove they still meet all the eligibility criteria

It’s worth noting that your dependants do not need to wait for you to apply for ILR. They can apply in their own right once they meet the requirements.

FAQs – T2 Minister of Religion Dependant Visa

Can I bring my family on a Minister of Religion visa?

Yes. You can bring your spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, and children under 18 to the UK as dependants, provided you meet the relationship rules.

How long can dependants stay in the UK?

They can stay for as long as your T2 Minister of Religion Visa is valid. They can also apply for extensions and later go on to apply for ILR.

Do dependants need to apply separately?

Yes. Each family member needs to submit their own application and provide the required documents and fees.

Can dependants work full time in the UK?

Yes, they can work without restriction in most roles. They cannot take up work as professional athletes or coaches, and they cannot claim public funds.

The T2 Minister of Religion Dependant Visa offers a valuable way for religious workers to keep their family close while living in the UK. Whether you’re planning a short stay or hoping to settle long-term, this visa gives your loved ones the freedom to live, work, and study alongside you. It’s a meaningful path for families serving their faith and building their future together.

Need Help With Your Application?

Thinking about bringing your family to the UK on a T2 Minister of Religion Dependant Visa? Call us on  0161 464 4140 or book a free appointment for immigration advice. Our friendly legal team at solicitors in Manchester is here to make things simpler and support you through the whole process.