To be eligible for a Minister of Religion visa (T2), you must have received a job offer within a faith community in the UK, such as a minister of religion, missionary, or member of a religious order, and meet all other requirements.
In order to apply to live in the UK, you must be sponsored by a licenced sponsor who will assess your ability to fulfil the job requirements and provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This certificate will confirm your qualifications for the visa and include important details such as your salary.
You can submit your visa application up to 3 months before your scheduled start date in the UK, as indicated on your certificate of sponsorship. Typically, you can expect a decision within 3 weeks when applying from outside the UK, with the option to expedite the process for an additional fee.
The application fee for a Minister of Religion visa (T2) varies depending on your location. Additionally, you will need to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application, so make sure to check the amount before applying.
| Who you’re applying for | Apply outside the UK | Extend or switch in the UK |
|---|---|---|
| You | £719 | £827 |
| All dependants | £719 each person | £827 each person |
If you are extending or switching your visa within the UK, you will need to provide biometric information, but there is no fee for this service. For faster processing, you can opt for the priority service for a decision within 5 working days or the super priority service for an even quicker response.
Once approved, you can stay in the UK with a Minister of Religion visa (T2) for up to 3 years and 1 month, or as specified on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days. After 5 years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent settlement in the UK, granting you the right to live, work, and study in the country indefinitely. Remember to submit your application before your visa expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch category once in the UK?
Yes if you meet the requirements of the visa you are applying for in the UK.
Can I get a decision quickly?
If you’re applying to extend or switch in the UK you can pay an extra £500 for the priority service to get a decision within 5 working days.
You can pay an extra £1,000 for the super priority service to get a decision:
- by the end of the next working day after providing your biometric information if your appointment is on a weekday
- 2 working days after providing your biometric information if your appointment is at the weekend
What happens once I receive a decision?
Once you’ve got your decision letter, your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive.
How long you can stay?
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.
Why Choose UK Visas?
We are proud to represent and assist many clients with their visa requirements. Over the last decade we have assisted more than 400 UK businesses in successfully obtaining sponsor licences. We have also worked with many thousands of individuals who have benefited from our UK immigration advice and expertise in securing appropriate visas.
