Minister of Religion

you’ve been offered a job within a faith community (for example as a minister of religion, missionary, or member of a religious order) in the UK

You need to be employed by a licensed sponsor to apply to live in the UK. Your sponsor checks that you can do the job they’re hiring you for and if it qualifies you for a visa. They’ll give you a certificate of sponsorship to prove this. They must also give you other information you need when you apply, for example how much you’ll be paid.

have a certificate of sponsorship for your job prove your knowledge of English have personal savings so you can support yourself when you arrive in the UK show you can travel and your travel history over the last 5 years have tuberculosis test results if you’re from a listed country be 18 or over when you apply

A certificate of sponsorship holds your personal details and information about the job you’ve been offered. It’s an electronic record, not a paper document. Your sponsor will give you a certificate of sponsorship reference number to add to your application. You can only use your certificate of sponsorship reference number once. You must use it within 3 months of getting it.

You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself in the UK. You will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for this visa.

You must prove you can read, write, speak and understand English to at least B2 level

passing an English test from an approved provider

having a degree from a UK institution

you’ll need to apply for an assessment from Ecctis.

You’ll usually need to show proof of this when you apply, unless either: you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months your employer can cover your costs during your first month in the UK, up to £1,270

You will not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re a national of one of the following countries or territories:

Your employer must make sure your job pays at least the minimum wage and follows the UK rules for how many hours a week you work. If your employer does not do this, your application will be refused.

You can: work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship do a second job - in certain circumstances do voluntary work study as long as it does not interfere with the job you’re sponsored for travel abroad and return to the UK bring your partner and children with you as your ‘dependants’, if they’re eligible You cannot get public funds.

You can take a second job on this visa if you’re working up to 20 hours a week in either: the same profession as your main job a profession on the Skilled Worker immigration salary list

You can come to the UK with a Minister of Religion visa (T2) for a maximum of up to 3 years and 1 month, or the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.

You’ll also need a new certificate of sponsorship from your sponsor.

You can extend a Minister of Religion visa (T2) for up to 3 years, or the time given in your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, or the time required to take your total stay in the UK to a maximum of 6 years, whichever time is shorter.

Otherwise, you’ll need to apply for a new visa. You’ll need to be sponsored by your second employer and get a new certificate of sponsorship.

bring your partner and children with you as your ‘dependants’, if they’re eligible

After 5 years, you may be able to apply to settle permanently in the UK