The Minister of Religion Visa (T2) allows UK faith organisations to sponsor senior religious workers who will lead worship, pastoral work, missionary activity or religious orders.
Previously known as the Tier 2 Minister of Religion route.
Reviewed by the Morgan Smith Immigration team — IAA-regulated UK immigration specialists. Last reviewed 2026-07-10.
TL;DR
The Minister of Religion Visa (T2) is for faith leaders with a sponsored role in a UK religious organisation. The outside-UK Home Office fee is £819, permission can be granted for up to 3 years and 1 month, and a typical outside-UK decision is around 3 weeks.
£819
Outside-UK fee
3 years 1 month
Maximum first grant
3 weeks
Typical decision outside UK
What is the Minister of Religion Visa (T2)?
The Minister of Religion Visa (T2) is for people taking up key leading roles in UK faith communities or religious orders. This can include leading worship, pastoral responsibilities, religious instruction, missionary activity and senior organisational duties.
The UK faith organisation must hold the correct sponsor licence and assign a Certificate of Sponsorship. Sponsors need to be confident that the role is genuine, suitably senior and compatible with the route.
The route can be extended and may lead to settlement after 5 years if the applicant continues to meet the Immigration Rules.
Eligibility Requirements
You must satisfy all three conditions to qualify for the Minister of Religion Visa (T2).
📄
Certificate of Sponsorship
The applicant needs a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK sponsor. The CoS must describe an eligible Minister of Religion role.
💼
Genuine Religious Role
The role must involve leading a faith community, religious order or related ministry activity. The work should match the T2 Minister of Religion route rather than a temporary religious worker route.
£
English & Maintenance
Applicants must usually meet the English language requirement and show they can support themselves unless the sponsor certifies maintenance.
What You Can and Cannot Do
Your rights and restrictions while in the UK on a Minister of Religion Visa (T2).
✓ You Can
- Work for your sponsor in the religious role described on the CoS.
- Do supplementary work where permitted by the route rules.
- Study if it does not interfere with sponsored work.
- Bring eligible dependants if they meet the requirements.
- Apply for settlement after the qualifying period.
✗ You Cannot
- Access public funds while on the route.
- Take an unsponsored main role outside the CoS.
- Use the wrong route for short-term temporary religious work.
- Start before permission allows if the application has not been granted.
- Rely on settlement automatically without meeting ILR requirements.
Costs & Fees
Current fees as of 2026. Set by the Home Office — subject to change.
Fees set by the Home Office and subject to change. Last reviewed: July 2026.
| Item | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| Outside-UK application | £819 |
| Inside-UK application | £943 |
| Certificate of Sponsorship | £525 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £1,035 per year |
| Maintenance funds | £1,270 unless exempt |
| Priority services | Additional fee — check current fees |
How to Apply
Five steps from preparation to decision.
Confirm Sponsorship
The faith organisation checks that it holds the correct sponsor licence.
Assign the CoS
The sponsor issues a Certificate of Sponsorship for the religious role.
Prepare Evidence
The applicant gathers identity, English language, financial and role documents.
Submit Online
The applicant completes the visa application and proves identity.
Receive Your Decision
Outside-UK work visa decisions are typically around 3 weeks.
Speak to Our Team Today
Fill in the form and an immigration specialist will be in touch within one business day.
Request a Consultation
Tell us about your case
Sources
Legal information on this page is based on guidance from GOV.UK, the UK Home Office / UK Visas and Immigration, legislation.gov.uk, and Free Movement. Rules change frequently — speak to our team to confirm current requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Minister of Religion Visa (T2) from employers and applicants.
What is the Minister of Religion Visa UK?
It is a sponsored work visa for senior religious leaders taking up roles in UK faith organisations. It is also known as the T2 Minister of Religion route.
How much is the Minister of Religion Visa fee?
The outside-UK fee is £819 and the inside-UK fee is £943. The sponsor may also need to pay a £525 Certificate of Sponsorship fee.
How long can I stay on a Minister of Religion Visa?
The first grant can be up to 3 years and 1 month, or the CoS period plus 14 days if shorter.
Does the sponsor need a licence?
Yes. The UK faith organisation must be licensed to sponsor the relevant route.
Is English required for the Minister of Religion Visa?
Yes, applicants normally need to meet the English language requirement.
Can this visa lead to settlement?
Yes. After 5 years, a Minister of Religion visa holder may be able to apply for settlement if the rules are met.
Can I bring dependants?
Eligible partners and children can apply as dependants.
Is this the same as Religious Worker?
No. T2 Minister of Religion is for senior faith leadership roles. Religious Worker is a Temporary Work route.
Can I do other work?
Only work permitted by the route is allowed, including the sponsored role and permitted supplementary work.
How long does a decision take?
A typical outside-UK work visa decision is around 3 weeks.
Need Help With Your Minister of Religion Visa (T2)?
Our immigration specialists handle everything from sponsor licence checks to visa approval — for employers and applicants alike.