Minister of Religion Visa (T2)
The UK Minister of Religion Visa allows ministers, missionaries, and religious workers with pastoral duties to live and serve in the United Kingdom. The visa is typically granted for three years and one month and can be extended for a further three years, offering a potential route to settlement under the Earned Settlement framework.
For professional legal support with your application, contact our immigration lawyers today on +44 208 016 2308 or via live chat.
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The UK Minister of Religion Visa allows ministers, missionaries, and religious workers with pastoral duties to live and serve in the United Kingdom. The visa is typically granted for three years and one month and can be extended for a further three years, offering a potential route to settlement under the Earned Settlement framework.
For professional legal support with your application, contact our immigration lawyers today on +44 208 016 2308 or via live chat.
Overview
This visa is designed for individuals invited to perform faith-based roles by a licensed religious sponsor in the UK. It applies to ministers, priests, imams, rabbis, missionaries, and equivalent pastoral workers.
Holders may:
- Lead services and ceremonies
- Conduct weddings and funerals
- Deliver sermons and community outreach
- Teach or translate religious texts
- Manage faith organisations or volunteers
If your role is mainly administrative or non-pastoral, the Religious Worker Visa may be more appropriate.
Applicants must:
- Hold a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an A rated sponsor listing SOC 2444 and used within three months of issue
- Be aged 18 or over
- Meet CEFR B2 English in reading, writing, speaking, and listening
- Show that the total pay package (salary, stipend, housing, and allowances) meets or exceeds the higher of £26,200 or the National Minimum Wage
- Provide £1,270 in maintenance funds held for 28 days unless the sponsor certifies maintenance on the CoS or the applicant has already been in the UK for 12 months or more on a valid visa
- Submit a Criminal Record Certificate covering the past ten years
- Provide a Tuberculosis test certificate if required
- Show a five year travel history
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From 8 January 2026, the entry standard is CEFR B2 (Upper Intermediate).
You can satisfy this by:
- Passing an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) at B2 or higher
- Holding an English-taught theological or degree level qualification recognised by Ecctis
- Being a national of a majority English-speaking country
At the settlement stage, applicants must still demonstrate B2 English and pass the Life in the UK Test.
Those achieving C1 or higher may qualify for a shorter settlement period under the Earned Settlement scheme.
Sponsors must confirm that the overall package meets the higher of £26,200 or the National Minimum Wage. If accommodation or other benefits are included, these must be evidenced clearly on the CoS.
The Home Office applies a Genuine Vacancy Test, ensuring the position is a real ministerial post within the faith community.
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- CoS Fee: £525 (paid by sponsor)
- Immigration Skills Charge (ISC): Exempt for Ministers of Religion (SOC 2444)
- The CoS must be issued before application and used within three months
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Applications are completed online up to three months before travel.
Identity is verified through the UK Immigration ID Check app or at a visa application centre.
Typical processing times:
- Outside the UK: about 3 weeks
- Inside the UK: about 8 weeks
Priority and super priority options may be available for an extra fee.
Visa Fees and Surcharges (2026 Rates)
Item | Cost |
|---|---|
Visa fee (outside UK, 3 years or less) | £769 |
Visa fee (inside UK, 3 years or less) | £885 |
Certificate of Sponsorship | £525 |
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £1,035 per year |
Sponsors may cover these costs if stated in the employment agreement.
Dependants
You may bring your partner and children if they meet the criteria.
Required funds (unless maintenance is certified):
- Partner: £285
- One child: £315
- Each additional child: £200
Dependants’ visas usually expire at the same time as yours and can be extended or switched in line with your visa.
Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain)
Under the Earned Settlement framework of 2026, the standard ILR period is ten years of lawful residence.
This may reduce to:
- Five years for ministers earning £50,270 or more per year
- Seven to nine years for those meeting high language or contribution benchmarks
ILR applicants must:
- Hold B2 English and pass the Life in the UK Test
- Continue working for their sponsor or faith organisation
- Not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 month period
Working Conditions and Voluntary Service
You may work only in the role described on your CoS.
A second paid job of up to 20 hours per week is permitted if it is in the same occupation code or a shortage occupation.
Voluntary work within the same faith or charitable sector is generally allowed without hour limits, provided it does not interfere with your sponsored duties.
Digital eVisa System
All new visas are digital and no BRP cards are issued.
Your immigration status is managed via your UKVI account and proven using the View and Prove share code service.
Our solicitors ensure your digital status is correctly linked to your passport before travel.
Common Reasons for Refusal
- English certificate below B2 standard
- CoS expired or used after three months
- Missing Criminal Record Certificate
- Role fails the Genuine Vacancy Test
- Inadequate evidence of maintenance or stipend package
Our team carefully audits every document to prevent these issues.
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What We Offer
Our Services
we understand that immigrating to a new country is a significant
decision that comes with its own set of challenges.
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British Citizenship and The Right of Abode
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We assist both applicants and religious organisations by:
- Confirming eligibility under SOC 2444 and Earned Settlement rules
- Liaising with sponsors to secure valid Certificates of Sponsorship
- Preparing all supporting evidence and drafting a Letter of Representation
- Advising faith institutions on sponsor licence compliance and Home Office audits
Call +44 208 016 2308 or use our live chat for immediate assistance.
