Minister of Religion visa (T2)
For religious ministers, missionaries or members of a religious order taking a role within a UK faith community.
The Minister of Religion visa (T2) is a UK work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~£769-£1,519 application; CoS ~£525; IHS ~£1,035/year) and processing time (~3 weeks), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Minister of Religion visa (T2) is for
For religious ministers, missionaries or members of a religious order taking a role within a UK faith community.
Leads to settlement (ILR) after 5 years of continuous residence.
Minister of Religion visa (T2) - eligibility criteria
- Job offer for an eligible religious role with a licensed sponsor
- Valid Certificate of Sponsorship
- Meets salary or maintenance requirements for the role
- Knowledge of English at level B2
- Genuine vacancy within the faith community
Minister of Religion visa (T2) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Minister of Religion visa (T2) (United Kingdom) is ~£769-£1,519 application; CoS ~£525; IHS ~£1,035/year, with an indicative processing time of ~3 weeks. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at GOV.UK.
| Type | Points-based |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Outside or inside the UK |
| Length of stay | Up to 3 years, renewable |
| Work rights | Work in the sponsored religious post |
| Study rights | Study allowed alongside work |
| Government fee | ~£769-£1,519 application; CoS ~£525; IHS ~£1,035/year |
| Processing time | ~3 weeks |
| Route to PR | Leads to settlement (ILR) after 5 years of continuous residence. |
Pathway & next steps
Leads to settlement (ILR) after 5 years of continuous residence.
Many applicants also compare Religious Worker · Temporary Work - Religious Worker visa, Skilled Worker · Skilled Worker visa, ILR · Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement). Run a free VisaChief check to see which UK route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Minister of Religion visa (T2) pitfalls we fix
Minister of Religion visa (T2) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Minister of Religion visa (T2) cost?
The Minister of Religion visa (T2) government fee is ~£769-£1,519 application; CoS ~£525; IHS ~£1,035/year. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at GOV.UK before applying.
How long does the Minister of Religion visa (T2) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~3 weeks. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Minister of Religion visa (T2) lead to permanent residence?
Leads to settlement (ILR) after 5 years of continuous residence.
Can I work on the Minister of Religion visa (T2)?
Work rights: Work in the sponsored religious post.
Who can apply for the Minister of Religion visa (T2)?
For religious ministers, missionaries or members of a religious order taking a role within a UK faith community.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official United Kingdom government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- GOV.UK - official United Kingdom immigration authority