What is a Tier 2 Minister of Religion Visa?

The Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa is specifically for candidates who wish to come to the UK to perform pastoral or religious duties. Coming to the UK in the capacity of a monk, nun, priest or a member of similar religious community entitles the candidate to stay in the country for a maximum of 3 years and can further extend their stay in the UK to the maximum of 6 years.

Applicant Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be over the age of 16 years;

• Satisfy English Language requirement;

• Satisfy the maintenance requirement; and

• Have the certificate of sponsorship.

Minister of Religion Duties

• Acting as a leader of a religious ceremony

• Education, preaching and teaching religion

• Performing rituals of marriages, funerals and other religious activities

• Counselling or providing welfare support to members of a congregation

• Conducting missionary activities

• Monitoring and coordinating the work of local preachers and volunteers

You don’t need to meet the maintenance requirement if you have a visa in one of the following categories:

• Tier 2

• Work permit holder

• Jewish agency employee

• Ground staff for an overseas airline

• Minister of religion, missionary, or member of a religious order

• Representative an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation