The Minister of Religion Visa UK (T2) enables religious leaders, missionaries, and members of religious orders to live and work in the UK for up to 6 years, with a pathway to permanent settlement. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about eligibility requirements, the 2026 visa fees (£769 from outside the UK), the genuineness test, cooling-off period rules, and how this visa compares to the Temporary Religious Worker route.
Understanding the Minister of Religion Visa UK (T2) in 2026
The Minister of Religion Visa is designed for individuals taking on significant pastoral roles within UK faith-based organisations or religious orders. This route supports the UK's commitment to maintaining diverse religious communities by enabling qualified religious leaders from around the world to serve congregations across the country.
Unlike the Temporary Work – Religious Worker visa (which is limited to 2 years with no settlement pathway), the Minister of Religion route offers a long-term solution for religious institutions seeking to bring established faith leaders to the UK, with a clear pathway to indefinite leave to remain after 5 years.
Minister of Religion Visa UK Requirements 2026
Who Can Apply for a Minister of Religion Visa UK?
You can apply for a Minister of Religion Visa if you are 18 or over, have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK religious organisation, meet English language requirements at CEFR B2 level, and can demonstrate you will be undertaking a genuine pastoral role. You must also have sufficient funds (£1,270) unless your sponsor certifies maintenance.
To qualify for the Minister of Religion Visa, you must satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that you meet the eligibility criteria set out in the Immigration Rules. The key requirements include:
- Age: Must be 18 years or older at the time of application
- Certificate of Sponsorship: Valid CoS from a licensed T2 Minister of Religion sponsor
- English Language: Proficiency at CEFR level B2 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening
- Financial Requirement: £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days (unless sponsor certifies maintenance)
- TB Certificate: Required if applying from certain countries
- Genuine Role: Must genuinely intend and be able to undertake the sponsored role
What Salary is Required for Minister of Religion Visa?
Unlike the Skilled Worker visa, there is no specific minimum salary threshold for the Minister of Religion route. However, your salary must meet the "going rate" for similar roles within the UK and comply with National Minimum Wage standards. Your sponsor must confirm appropriate remuneration on the Certificate of Sponsorship.
The absence of a fixed salary threshold reflects the varied nature of religious roles, where compensation may include housing, stipends, or other non-monetary benefits alongside a basic salary.
The Genuineness Test for Minister of Religion Visa
The Genuineness Test is a critical component of the Minister of Religion visa application designed to ascertain whether you truly intend and are able to undertake the religious duties specified in your Certificate of Sponsorship.
What is the Minister of Religion Visa Genuineness Test?
The genuineness test evaluates whether you genuinely intend to perform the designated religious functions in the UK and will not undertake unauthorised employment. Decision-makers assess your knowledge of the role, relevant experience, understanding of the sponsoring organisation, and how you were recruited. You may be required to attend an interview or provide additional evidence.
UK Visas and Immigration may request additional information or require an interview, particularly if there are concerns about your application. Key factors evaluated include:
- Knowledge of the Role: Your understanding of the religious duties you will perform
- Relevant Experience: Previous experience in similar religious functions
- Knowledge of Sponsor: Your familiarity with the sponsoring organisation
- Recruitment Process: How you were selected for the role
- Immigration History: Any previous visa complications or refusals
Minister of Religion Visa Fees 2026
The visa fees for the Minister of Religion route depend on where you are applying from. All fees are non-refundable, and you must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Total Cost Example: 3-Year Minister of Religion Visa
For a single adult applicant applying for a 3-year Minister of Religion Visa from outside the UK:
- Visa Application Fee: £769
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £3,105 (£1,035 × 3 years)
- TOTAL: £3,874
Dependants applying with you will each pay the same visa application fee plus the healthcare surcharge at the relevant rate.
How to Apply for Minister of Religion Visa UK
All Minister of Religion Visa applications are submitted online through the official gov.uk portal. You can apply up to 3 months before the start date on your Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference number from your sponsor
- Valid passport with blank page for visa vignette
- Proof of English language proficiency (B2 CEFR)
- Bank statements showing £1,270 for 28 days (unless sponsor certifies)
- TB test certificate (if required from your country)
- Criminal record certificate (if required)
- Any previous UK visas or passports
Processing Times
The standard visa processing time for Minister of Religion applications is approximately 3 weeks when applying from outside the UK. For extensions within the UK, decisions typically take up to 8 weeks. Priority services can expedite processing but do not guarantee a faster decision if additional checks are required.
Visa Duration and Extensions
The Minister of Religion Visa is typically granted for up to 3 years and 1 month, or the tenure stated on your Certificate of Sponsorship plus 14 days—whichever is shorter. You can extend your visa for another 3 years, with a cumulative maximum stay of 6 years on this route.
What Can You Do on a Minister of Religion Visa?
- Work: Undertake the sponsored role described in your CoS
- Second Job: Work up to 20 hours/week in the same profession or shortage occupation
- Voluntary Work: Permitted alongside your main role
- Study: Allowed without additional permission
- Travel: Free to leave and re-enter the UK
- Bring Family: Dependants can accompany you
Minister of Religion Visa Cooling-Off Period
The cooling-off period is an important mechanism within UK immigration designed to prevent continuous residence through successive short-term work visas.
What is the Cooling-Off Period for Minister of Religion?
After your Minister of Religion Visa expires, you must typically wait 12 months before reapplying to enter the UK on this route. However, you are exempt if you were not in the UK under any sponsored work visa for the 12 months prior to your new application, or if your new role offers a salary of £159,600 or higher.
Cooling-Off Period Exemptions
You are exempt from the 12-month cooling-off period if:
- 12-Month Absence: You were not in the UK under any sponsored work visa for the 12 months before your new application
- High Salary: Your new role has a salary of £159,600 per year or higher
If you leave your role earlier than expected, inform the Home Office with supporting documentation (travel tickets, boarding passes, exit stamps, or a letter from an employer abroad). The cooling-off period calculation starts from the date of earliest evidence showing your departure from the UK.
Settlement & ILR Pathway for Ministers of Religion
The Minister of Religion Visa offers a clear pathway to permanent residence in the UK. After 5 years of continuous residence, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
ILR Requirements for Minister of Religion
- 5 Years Continuous Residence: On Minister of Religion or qualifying routes
- Absence Limit: No more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period
- Life in the UK Test: Must pass before applying
- English Language: B1 CEFR level (unless exempt)
- Ongoing Sponsorship: Sponsor confirms your services are still required
- Appropriate Salary: Compensation meets going rate requirements
Time spent on Minister of Religion can be combined with periods under other qualifying routes including Skilled Worker, International Sportsperson, Global Talent, and Innovator Founder routes.
Minister of Religion vs Religious Worker Visa: Key Differences
Understanding the distinction between the Minister of Religion (T2) and Religious Worker (Temporary Work) visas is essential for choosing the correct route:
- Visa costs £769 from outside UK, £885 for extension (2026 fees)
- No minimum salary threshold—but must meet "going rate" for the role
- 12-month cooling-off period applies after visa expires (with exemptions)
- Settlement pathway available after 5 years continuous residence
- Genuineness test may require interview or additional documentation
For official guidance and to start your application, visit the gov.uk Minister of Religion visa page. For detailed rules, see the Immigration Rules Appendix T2 Minister of Religion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Minister of Religion Visa UK?
The Minister of Religion Visa (T2) is a UK work visa for individuals whose main duties involve leading a congregation in performing religious rites and rituals, and preaching the essentials of the creed. This includes ministers, pastors, priests, imams, rabbis, missionaries, and members of religious orders. The visa allows stays of up to 6 years and provides a pathway to permanent settlement.
How much does the Minister of Religion Visa cost in 2026?
The Minister of Religion Visa costs £769 when applying from outside the UK, or £885 when extending or switching inside the UK (2026 fees). You must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year for adults. A 3-year visa for a single adult costs approximately £3,874 in total (visa fee plus IHS). Priority processing is available for an additional £500.
What is the genuineness test for Minister of Religion Visa?
The genuineness test evaluates whether you truly intend to perform the religious duties specified in your Certificate of Sponsorship. Decision-makers assess your knowledge of the role, relevant experience, understanding of the sponsoring organisation, and how you were recruited. You may be required to provide additional documentation within 10 business days or attend an interview.
Is there a minimum salary for Minister of Religion Visa?
Unlike the Skilled Worker visa, there is no specific minimum salary threshold for the Minister of Religion route. However, your salary must meet the "going rate" for similar roles within the UK and comply with National Minimum Wage standards. Your sponsor must confirm appropriate remuneration on the Certificate of Sponsorship.
What is the cooling-off period for Minister of Religion Visa?
After your Minister of Religion Visa expires, you must typically wait 12 months before reapplying. You are exempt if you were not in the UK under any sponsored work visa for the 12 months prior to your new application, or if your new role offers a salary of £159,600 or higher. The cooling-off period applies even if your actual stay was shorter than the CoS duration.
How long does Minister of Religion Visa processing take?
Standard processing takes approximately 3 weeks when applying from outside the UK. Extensions within the UK typically take up to 8 weeks. Priority service (£500 extra) aims for a decision within 5 working days, and Super Priority (£1,000 extra) aims for next working day. Processing may take longer if additional checks are required.
What's the difference between Minister of Religion and Religious Worker visas?
The Minister of Religion (T2) visa is for pastoral, congregation-leading roles with a maximum stay of 6 years and a pathway to settlement. The Religious Worker (Temporary) visa is for supporting, non-pastoral roles with a maximum of 2 years and no settlement pathway. Minister of Religion costs £769 and requires B2 English; Religious Worker costs £319 and requires B1 English.
Can I bring my family on a Minister of Religion Visa?
Yes, you can bring eligible dependants including your spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, and children under 18 (or over 18 if already in the UK as your dependant). Each family member must apply separately and pay the same visa fee (£769) plus healthcare surcharge. Your dependants can work and study in the UK without restriction.