The Minister of Religion category, previously known as the Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa, is for qualified ministers and members of religious orders who have been offered a position within a religious organisation in the UK.
The route enables workers who will mainly be undertaking pastoral work to travel to/remain in the UK while they work. Those applying for Minister of Religion visas do not necessarily need to be ordained or qualified ministers, as missionaries and members of religious orders are also able to benefit from the category.
The route is for qualified ministers, missionaries and members of religious orders. The worker must be relocating to the UK in order to undertake mainly pastoral/preaching work, although the individual can also undertake some non-pastoral work.
Preaching/pastoral work includes, but is not limited to, leading worship, leading at marriages and funerals and offering counselling and welfare support to members of the organisation. If you are intending to do different types of work when you come to the UK, consult expert legal advice to determine whether a Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa is the most appropriate option for you.
Andy TaylorSuccessful sponsor licence application for religious charity
"I cannot recommend Latitude Law highly enough. Their expertise in the area of immigration law has helped our charity navigate quite complex issues and at every point of the process their communication and advice was excellent. We look forward to an ongoing relationship with Latitude Law and highly recommend their services."
Applicants present in the UK as Tier 2 Minister of Religion migrants are usually able to extend their leave to remain up to a maximum period of 6 years. The route can lead to settlement, usually after spending a continuous and lawful period of 5 years inside the UK.
To ensure you are eligible for a Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa extension or renewal, or if you are interested in applying with a view to settling in the UK, speak to an immigration specialist before making your application.
The applicant must provide the following documents with their application:
Latitude Law can assist individuals with their visa applications by providing Tier 2 Minister of Religion guidance in the form of comprehensive advice about the requirements. We can prepare the application on your behalf, accompanied by detailed representations explaining how relevant Immigration Rules are met.
Latitude Law can also assist religious organisations with securing a sponsor licence to enable them to sponsor religious workers under the Minister of Religion category and can assist sponsors with any queries they have regarding existing/proposed workers.
Religious organisations that hold a sponsor licence are subject to various duties and it is important that they are fully aware of the requirements that apply to individuals under the Minister of Religion category and their duties as a sponsor.
Latitude Law has extensive experience of assisting religious workers and organisations throughout the UK in relation to the Minister of Religion and Religious Worker queries and, is able to assist with applications by individuals and religious organisations.
If you want the best chance of success with your application, our expert immigration solicitors will help to break down and explain the process and your situation. Don’t hesitate to contact us, as making a mistake in your application could have legal repercussions. Call us today on 0300 131 6767 or complete our enquiry form and we will get straight back to you.
If your application is successful, you will normally be granted leave for the period stated on your CoS plus 14 days, or 3 years and 1 month, whichever is shorter.
Applicants present in the UK as Tier 2 Minister of Religion migrants are usually able to extend their leave to remain up to a maximum period of 6 years. The route can lead to settlement, usually after spending a continuous and lawful period of 5 years inside the UK.
If your application is refused, you will receive a notice from the UK Home Office outlining the reasons for the refusal. It is important to carefully review the refusal notice to understand the grounds on which the application was denied. Depending on the reason for refusal, you may have the right to an administrative review if you believe there has been a case working error. If there is new information or changes in circumstances, or if the initial application was incomplete, you may be able to apply again. However, you will need to pay the application fee again, and it is advisable to address the reasons for the initial refusal in the new application.
If you find yourself in this situation, call us as soon as possible and we will help you to assess your options and take the necessary action.
You can switch to most of the other visa categories if you are in the UK as a Minister of Religion.
You can be joined or accompanied by your dependent partner and children under the age of 18 if you can meet the relevant relationship and financial requirements.
