T2 Minister of Religion Visa UK

If you’re a religious leader thinking about moving to the UK for work, the T2 Minister of Religion Visa UK might be the right route for you. Whether you’re a pastor, imam, rabbi, monk or spiritual guide, this visa lets you take on full time religious duties with a registered faith organisation in the UK.

At the same time, if you’re a religious organisation looking to sponsor overseas talent, this visa route allows you to bring committed and qualified ministers to help lead services, offer pastoral care, and contribute to your faith community.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what the visa is, who can apply, what you need, and how the process works in 2025. Everything is explained in a straightforward way, so you know exactly what to expect.

What Is the T2 Minister of Religion Visa?

The T2 Minister of Religion Visa is part of the UK’s points based immigration system. It’s aimed at people coming to the UK to take up religious roles with licensed sponsors. This visa replaced the older Tier 2 Minister of Religion route and is one of the main ways that religious workers can move to the UK for full-time employment.

It covers a wide range of duties, including:

• Leading worship
• Delivering sermons
• Carrying out pastoral duties
• Missionary work
• Teaching religious classes

The role must be genuine and based within a UK faith based organisation that’s approved to sponsor religious workers.

Who Can Apply for a Minister of Religion Visa?

You can apply for this visa if:

• You’re from outside the UK
• You’ve been offered a fulltime role as a minister, religious worker, or missionary
• The job is with a registered UK faith organisation that holds a sponsor licence
• You meet the English language and financial requirements

This visa is designed for people who are taking up senior religious positions. If you’re planning on volunteering or taking a short-term role, there may be more suitable options such as the Temporary Religious Worker Visa.

T2 Minister of Religion Visa Requirements (2025)

To be eligible, there are several things you’ll need to have in place:

Job Offer & Sponsorship

• You must have a confirmed job offer from a UK based religious organisation.
• The employer must have a valid sponsor licence.
• Your job must match the Home Office approved list of duties under SOC code 2444, which includes roles such as priests, imams, rabbis and similar.

English Language Requirement

You must prove your ability to understand and use English. The current requirement is CEFR Level B2 across speaking, reading, listening, and writing. You can meet this by:

• Passing an approved English test
• Having a degree taught in English
• Being from a majority English speaking country (like the US, Australia, or Jamaica)

Financial Requirement

To show you can support yourself when you arrive:

• You need at least £1,270 in savings.
• The money must have been in your account for 28 days in a row.
• If your employer agrees to cover your costs for the first month, you may be exempt.

Criminal Record Certificate

If your work involves contact with vulnerable people (which is common in religious roles), you’ll also need to provide a criminal record certificate from any country you’ve lived in for 12 months or more over the last 10 years.

How to Apply for the T2 Minister of Religion Visa

Application Process

• Get a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Your employer will issue this to confirm the job offer.
• Apply online: Submit your application through the UK Government website.
• Book your biometrics appointment: You’ll be asked to attend a visa application centre to provide fingerprints and a photo.
• Upload your documents: You’ll need to show your passport, CoS number, proof of English ability, financial proof, and your criminal record certificate if required.

Inside vs Outside the UK Applications

You can apply from:

• Outside the UK: If you’re currently living abroad.
• Inside the UK: If you’re already here on a different visa and it’s eligible for switching (some visa types, like visitor visas, don’t allow switching).

Visa Fees and Decision Time

The fees are fairly standard, and you can usually get a decision quite quickly.

• Application Fee: Around £719 (as of 2025)
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year, payable upfront

In most cases, you’ll get a decision within 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK. There are faster options available too if you need a quick decision.

What Can You Do on a Minister of Religion Visa?

This visa allows you to carry out a wide range of duties that are important to your community and faith group. You can:

• Lead worship and services
• Perform religious rites and ceremonies
• Offer spiritual and pastoral support
• Teach religious classes or lead community activities
• Work a second job (as long as it’s in the same sector and meets Home Office rules)
• Study part-time (conditions apply)

How Long Does the Visa Last?

Your initial visa can last for up to 3 years and 1 month. If your job continues and your sponsor still supports your role, you can apply to extend your visa for another 3 years.

After 5 continuous years in the UK on this visa, you may be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which gives you permanent residence.

Bringing Family Members (Dependants)

Your close family can join you in the UK as your dependants. This includes:

• Your husband, wife or partner
• Your children under 18

Each person needs to apply separately and show that they meet the requirements. You’ll also need to prove that you can support them financially during your time in the UK.

Pathway to Settlement (ILR) and Citizenship

If you stay in the UK for five years on the T2 Minister of Religion Visa, you may be eligible to apply for ILR. This means:

• You can live in the UK permanently without immigration restrictions
• You no longer need to apply for visa extensions
• You’ll be a step closer to British citizenship

To qualify, you must:

• Not have spent too much time outside the UK during your visa period
• Pass the Life in the UK Test
• Meet the English language requirement

Once you’ve held ILR for a year, you can apply to become a British citizen.

FAQs – Minister of Religion Visa UK

Can I switch to a Minister of Religion visa from another visa type in the UK?

Yes, in many cases you can switch if you’re already in the UK. However, some visas (like visitor or short-term study visas) do not allow switching. Always check the current Home Office guidance before applying.

Do I need to prove my qualifications for this visa?

You don’t always need formal academic qualifications, but you must show that you are genuinely qualified for the role. This could be through experience, religious training, ordination, or community involvement.

Can I apply without speaking English fluently?

You must meet the minimum English requirement (CEFR Level B2), which is a reasonable level of English. This is tested through an approved language test unless you qualify for an exemption.

What if my religious organisation doesn’t have a sponsor licence?

Your organisation must apply for a sponsor licence before they can issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship. Without it, you cannot apply for this visa. We strongly recommend they start the sponsor application as soon as possible if they haven’t already.

Can I work part-time or take a second job?

Yes, but only in certain conditions. You can work up to 20 hours per week in a job that’s either in the same sector or on the shortage occupation list. You can also do unpaid voluntary work.

The T2 Minister of Religion Visa UK gives religious leaders from abroad the chance to serve their communities in the UK legally and with purpose. Whether you’re leading worship, offering pastoral care or helping with faith-based outreach, this visa gives you a clear and supported route to settle in the UK.

If you’re a religious organisation, this visa also allows you to welcome qualified overseas ministers who can help strengthen your congregation and contribute to the wider community.

Not sure if you or your organisation meet the requirements for the T2 Minister of Religion Visa UK?

We at solicitors in Manchester offer free immigration advice for ministers, faith groups and community leaders across the country. Call 0161 464 4140 or book an appointment to speak to a legal adviser and get personalised help today.