Missionaries and other members of the religious community are valued members of any society, and the UK recognizes their contributions. A special sponsored worker visa was created specifically for ministers, which is a tier 2 classification work visa.
If applying under the tier 2 Minister of Religion category, an applicant must score a minimum of 70 points on attributes which include command of the English language, sponsorship, and funds available to maintain the work being performed.
This visa permits a religious worker an initial entry into the UK for up to three years –with the possibility of extensions. After remaining in the country for five years, an applicant can apply for ILR or Indefinite Leave to Remain status, which grants a permanent right to remain in the country as well as visa free travel to and from the UK.
Duties that religious personnel can perform that are covered under this tier classification include:
• Leading worship
• Religious education; preaching sermons or teaching religion
• Officiating at marriages, funerals and other religious services
• Offering counselling or welfare support to members of a congregation
• Recruiting, training or coordinating the work of local volunteers and preachers
• Organising missionary activities
Anyone applying for this classification must show proof that he or she is ordained in the faith professed or has worked for at least one year as a minister, that he or she is indeed a religious worker, and that no UK public funds will be needed for personal support. If coming to the UK to perform missionary duties, an applicant must show that he or she is trained as a missionary, and sponsored by an organization recognized and approved by the UK.
Please note that this classification is not for temporary performance of religious rites. If the need for religious services is only temporary, then the appropriate classification to use is Tier 5 for temporary workers. When in doubt, it is best to consult with UK immigration lawyers.
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