[vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” content_placement=”middle” css_animation=”fadeIn” css=”.vc_custom_1544181326484{background-image: url(https://immigrationexperts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Banner.jpg?id=1633) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}” el_class=”video_overlay”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1544180342932{padding-top: 100px !important;padding-bottom: 100px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Minister of Religion Visa (Tier 2) UK” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:center|color:{550504ab9c0cb0f84db7c39152d65be21b6403ad977c49457b63283386586382}23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1544442743846{margin-bottom: 30px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1452837797829{margin-bottom: 51px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Section 1: Minister of Religion Visa (Tier 2)

If you are looking to visit the UK for employment in a religious role, then you need to apply for the Minister of Religion Visa (Tier 2). This visa allows religious ministers from another country to enter the UK and permits them to practice a religious role.

Missionaries and other members of religious orders can apply for this visa. The person entering the UK using this visa needs to take part in various duties, such as leading religious services, providing religious instructions within a faith community by preaching or teaching, participating in religious worship, conducting weddings, christenings, and funerals, and providing counselling, support and guidance to members of a religious community.

The immigration rules for the Minister of Religion Visa (Tier 2) make it clear that this visa type is intended for overseas missionaries, from countries not belonging to the EEA and Switzerland. The eligibility criteria for this overlap with the eligibility criteria for the General Visa (Tier 2).

Applicants need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed sponsor before they can submit an application for the Minister of Religion Visa (Tier 2). Additionally, this visa makes it mandatory for the applicant to only take up work connected to the sponsor during the time of their stay in the UK.

Section 2: General Queries About Minister of Religion Visa (Tier 2)

1. What are the Eligibility Criteria for a Minister of Religion Visa (Tier 2)?

The main eligibility requirements for the Minister of Religion Visa Tier 2 are similar to that of the General Visa (Tier 2), such as:

  • A valid Certificate of Sponsorship from the organisation sponsoring you.
  • Fulfill the English language requirements of the General Visa (Tier 2).
  • Evidence of personal savings worth at least £945 in your bank account for 90 days before the date of visa application, to establish that you can support yourself during your stay in the UK.
  • Evidence of eligibility for international travel and travel history for the last five years.
  • Tuberculosis test results, if you are from a country that is on the TB list.

2. What Documents Will I Need for Applying for a Minister of Religion Visa (Tier 2)?

The documents needed to apply for a Minister of Religion Visa (Tier 2) include:

  • Certificate of sponsorship, along with a valid reference number.
  • Certificates proving your English language knowledge.
  • A statement from your bank or other financial institution, stating that you have sufficient personal savings.
  • A current passport or other travel documents that show that you are eligible for international travel. Your passport should have at least a couple of blank pages, for the visa to be stamped.
  • Documents showing your past travel history, such as old passports.
  • Tuberculosis test results, if you are from a listed country.

If any of these documents are not in English or Welsh, you will have to provide a certified translation of the particular document.

3. How Can I Apply for a Minister of Religion Visa (Tier 2)?

You can begin the application process by filling in the Minister of Religion Visa (Tier 2) application form online. You need to, however, visit your nearest UK visa application centre for biometric readings. Make sure to collect your biometric residence permit within 10 days of arriving in the UK.

If you are already residing in the UK on another visa, you can also apply to switch to this visa type. The application process for the Minister of Religion Visa (Tier 2) can be cumbersome, especially for first-timers. You can simplify the process by hiring experienced visa services provides, like Rapid Visas, who can help you with Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa guidance and a smooth, hassle-free process.

4. How Can I Extend the Minister of Religion Visa (Tier 2)?

You can apply for a Minister of Religion Visa (Tier 2) extension if you are already in the UK on this visa, and you meet the eligibility criteria. You need to submit the application for extension before your current visa expires.

Additionally, you need to submit a new certificate of sponsorship from your sponsor in the UK and provide the required documents. While applying for an extension, make sure to include all the dependants on your current visa. For a hassle-free process, let a reliable visa services provider, like Rapid Visas, help you with the application.

5. Can My Family Members Accompany Me When I’m Approved for the Minister of Religion Visa (Tier 2)?

Yes, you can bring your dependants with you to the UK, while travelling on a Minister of Religion Visa (Tier 2).

According to the Minister of Religion Visa (Tier 2) guidelines, specified on the gov.uk official website, a dependant can be any one of the following people:

  • A spouse/partner
  • Children under 18 years of age
  • Children over 18 qualify if they are currently with you in the UK as a dependant

You will need to pay the required health surcharges for every dependant travelling with you and each will need a separate visa.

6. Can I Switch to Minister of Religion Visa (Tier 2)? What are the Criteria?

You can switch to the Minister of Religion Visa (Tier 2) if you are already in the UK on anyone

of the following visas:

  • Tier 1 visa
  • Tier 2 General visa
  • Tier 2 Sportsperson visa
  • Tier 2 Intra-company transfer visa, if you are in the process of changing your sponsor

You can also switch to this visa if you are a:

  • Dependant partner of a person who holds a Tier 4 visa
  • A representative of an overseas business

Apart from this, you will also need to meet the general eligibility requirements of the Minister of

Religion Visa (Tier 2). Make sure to apply for a switch before your current visa expires.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Additional FAQs” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_section title=”1. How Long Will it Take to Get the Minister of Religion Visa (Tier 2)? ” tab_id=”1″][vc_column_text]The earliest you can apply for the Minister of Religion Visa (Tier 2) is three months before your date of starting work in the UK. This date will be mentioned on your Certificate of Sponsorship.

Generally, you can expect your visa to be processed within 3 weeks of applying if you are from a country outside the UK. However, inadvertent errors can lead to delays. This is why it is useful to enlist the services of Rapid Visas, which holds a record of 97{550504ab9c0cb0f84db7c39152d65be21b6403ad977c49457b63283386586382} success on visa applications.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”2. What are the Fees for the Minister of Religion Visa (Tier 2)?” tab_id=”2″][vc_column_text]The Minister of Religion Visa (Tier 2) fees depend on several factors, such where you are applying for the visa, the mode of applying and more. Here’s a general guide to give you an idea of how much it costs:

The Applicant Fees for Applying from Outside the UK Fees for Switching or Extending the Visa from the UK
Self £610 £704
Dependants £610 for each person accompanying you £704 for each person

You may have to pay an additional service charge when hiring Rapid Visas for a speedy and efficient visa process.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”3. How Long Can I Stay in the UK with the Minister of Religion Visa (Tier 2)?” tab_id=”3″][vc_column_text]The maximum you can stay in the UK on a Minister of Religion Visa (Tier 2) is 3 years and 1 month, or the time mentioned on your Certificate of Sponsorship plus 1 month, whichever is shorter.

You can start your stay in the UK, from up to 14 days before the start date mentioned on your Certificate of Sponsorship.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”4. Can I Take Another Job in the UK with the Minister of Religion Visa (Tier 2)?” tab_id=”4″][vc_column_text]Yes, you can take up another job if you are working only up to 20 hours per week in your first job. You also need to meet any one of the following conditions:

  • The second job is in the same profession as your first job
  • The second job is mentioned on the shortage occupation list

You are eligible to do unpaid voluntary work, while you are on the Minister of Religion Visa (Tier 2) in the UK.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”5. How Well Do I Need to Know English to Apply for a Minister of Religion Visa (Tier 2)?” tab_id=”5″][vc_column_text]All applicants for the Minister of Religion Visa (Tier 2) need to fulfil the English language

requirements, by any one of the following methods:

  • Pass an approved English language test, like the IELTS, with a ranking of at least B2 level in writing, reading, listening and speaking.
  • Show that you received an academic qualification in a subject that was taught in English from an institution recognised by the UK NARIC.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”6. Are There Any Funds Requirements for a Minister of Religion Visa (Tier 2)?” tab_id=”6″][vc_column_text]The qualifying investments for the Minister of Religion Visa (Tier 2) include funds worth at least £945 as personal savings in your bank account for a minimum of 90 days before the date of visa application.

However, you are exempted from showing these funds, if you:

  • Have a fully approved A-rated sponsor, who is willing to cover all your costs in the UK.
  • If you are applying from within the UK on a Tier 2 visa.

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