Tier 2 - Ministers of Religion — Visas for Missionaries and Pastoral Duties

The Sponsored Worker (Tier 2 Minister of Religion) visa is for Ministers of Religion coming to the UK to perform pastoral duties. The Sponsored Worker (Tier 2 Minister of Religion) visa category also caters to those seeking to come to the UK as a missionary or member of a religious order, such as monks, nuns or members of similar religious communities.

Applicants who are granted temporary residence under the Sponsored Worker (Tier 2 Minister of Religion) visa scheme are permitted to live and work in the UK for the duration of their employment for a maximum three (3) year period.

Minimum Visa Requirements and Entitlements

The basic requirement for this visa is to score a minimum of 70 points for attributes including sponsorship, English language and available maintenance (funds).

Applicants under the Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) include those who act in the capacity of a Minister of Religion (either regularly or occasionally), missionaries and members of religious orders. Duties performed by eligible applicants under Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) can include:

• Leading worship;
   
• Preaching or teaching religious education;
   
• 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; and
   
• Organising missionary activities.

In the first instance, a prospective sponsor will apply to the UK Border Agency in order to be granted a licence. When successfully licensed, a sponsor can apply for a number of certificates of sponsorship, which they can then present to the people whom they intend to sponsor. Once a prospective employee has been allocated a certificate of sponsorship, he or she will be eligible to apply for UK entry clearance or leave to remain in the UK.

The Sponsored Worker (Tier 2 Minister or Religion) visa is issued for an initial grant of three (3) years. The individual can then apply for a further extension.

Upon successfully holding a Sponsored Worker (Tier 2 Minister of Religion) for a total of five (5) years, individuals may be entitled to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). ILR entitles individuals to permanent residency in the UK, as well as visa-free travel to and from the UK. It is also possible for eligible dependants to accompany the main applicant to the UK in which case they will be allowed to work and study without limitation.