This guidance relates to the UK Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa requirements and FAQs. The Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa is a points-based visa; therefore, an applicant needs to score seventy points for Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), English Language and Maintenance Funds requirements. The post also provides guidance notes relating to Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa supporting documents checklist, extension, switching, application fee, processing time etc.
Table of Contents
1. Tier 2 Minister of Religion Visa Requirements
The Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa is only for those migrants who intend to undertake preaching and pastoral work, Missionary, or Member of a Religious Order. And in each case are taking up employment or a post/role within a faith community in the UK.
An applicant can apply for a Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa if they have been offered a job within a faith community such as a minister of religion, missionary, or member of a religious order) in the UK. And the applicant is not an EEA or Swiss national and meets the other eligibility requirements. Moreover, an applicant cannot apply under Tier 2 General or Tier 2 ICT if they are applying for permission to work as a Minister of Religion in the UK. Accordingly, a person is likely to get the visa if they:
- have a valid CoS for the job
- meet the English language requirement of CEFR B2
- have personal savings to support the cost of living in the UK
- can travel and has a travel history over the last 5 years
- have tuberculosis test results if the applicant is from a listed country
2. Tier 2 Minister of Religion Visa Points Requirements
For successfully applying for the Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa, an applicant needs to score seventy points i.e.
- 50 points for an assigned Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- 10 points for the English Language
- 10 points for Maintenance funds
Please note there are no requirements for the Appropriate Salary.
Tier 2 Minister of Religion Visa UK Certificate of Sponsorship
An applicant can score 50 points for the CoS if the applicant confirms with the sponsor that they have indicated that a resident labour market test has been completed on the CoS, or
- the sponsor has justified that the role is supernumerary. And the applicant will not fill a vacant position a settled worker can fill. And the applicant intends to be based in the UK for the duration of permission to stay
- that the role involves living within and being a member of a religious order, which is a lineage of communities or of people who live in some way set apart from society in accordance with their specific religious devotion. For example, an order of nuns or monks
The sponsor also needs to confirm that they will support the Tier 2 Minister of Religion migrant through funds and/or accommodation that are/is sufficient for the migrant to maintain him/herself throughout the period of employment stated on the CoS. And that the migrant will receive pay and conditions at least equal to, or more than those normally given to a settled worker in the same role. This may be a traditional salary, stipend, customary offering, board and lodgings or a combination of these but must comply with, or be exempt from, the National Minimum Wage regulations.
Tier 2 Minister of Religion Visa UK Maintenance Funds
For Tier 2 Minister of Religion, the maintenance funds requirements are £945 in a regulated financial institution for at least 90 days for the Main and dependant applicants. Therefore, an applicant needs to have £3,780 if they are applying with spouse and two children. However, an applicant does not need the evidence of savings if they have a fully approved A-rated sponsor. And the CoS states that the sponsor will give provide £945 for cost of living.
Tier 2 Minister of Religion Visa UK English Language
An applicant can meet the Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa requirements for English Language if they:
- have passed an English language test (CEFR Level B1)
- are a national of a majority English speaking country
- have a degree taught in English (certified by UK NARIC equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree)
- have met requirement in a previous grant of leave or there are transitional arrangements.
Usually, applicants meet Tier 2 Minister of Religion English Language requirements by passing an approved language test.
Tier 2 Migrant must have 10 points for English language
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3. Documents Required for Tier 2 Minister of Religion Visa UK
Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa applicants usually need to furnish the following supporting documents:
- Print out of the online visa application form
- the CoS reference number
- proof of knowledge of the English language
- a bank or building society statement or letter that shows the applicant has enough personal savings unless the CoS shows the sponsor can support the applicant
- a current passport or travel document with a blank page for affixing the visa vignette
- expired passports or travel documents for past immigration and travel history
- tuberculosis test results if the applicant is from a listed country
- a certified translation of documents, which are not in English or Welsh
Moreover, depending on circumstances, an applicant may provide additional documents relating to credibility and credentials.
4. Tier 2 Minister of Religion Visa Genuineness Test
A Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa applicant must satisfy that they genuinely intend to undertake, and are capable of undertaking, the role for the assigned CoS. And will not undertake employment in the UK other than permitted by the entry clearance or leave to remain grant. Therefore, to assess the genuine intentions, a decision-maker may request the applicant to:
- provide additional information and evidence. And may refuse the application if the applicant does not provide the requisite information or evidence within 10 business days
- attend an interview and may refuse the application if the applicant fails to comply with any such request without providing a reasonable explanation
The Home Office may also use the information obtained during an interview to assess a sponsor’s compliance with their sponsor duties. And in case of non-compliance may revoke the Tier 2 license of the sponsor. Furthermore, in making the assessment, the decision-maker may conclude an application on the balance of probabilities. And accordingly, may consider an applicant’s:
- knowledge of the role
- relevant experience relative to do the role as Minister of Religion in the UK
- knowledge of the sponsor in the UK
- explanation of the recruitment process
- any other relevant information
Tier 2 Minister of Religion Visa UK Interview
At times, UKVI may conduct an interview with the applicant. In fact, the need for an interview may arise due to adverse immigration history, past criminal convictions, documents verifications etc.
5. Guidance Notes
Tier 2 Minister of Religion Visa UK: Key Points
How to Apply for Tier 2 Minister of Religion Visa?
An applicant needs to apply online for a Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa. And needs to attend the appointment at a visa application centre for submitting application and biometrics. In case of a successful outcome, the UKVI will use the biometrics information (i.e. fingerprints and photograph) of the applicant for issuing the biometric residence permit (BRP) to the applicant. Accordingly, an applicant needs to collect the BRP within 10 days of arriving in the UK. Please note applicants from North Korea cannot apply online. And need to download the application form.
Tier 2 Minister of Religion Visa UK Fees
The UK visa fees for Tier 2 Minister of Religion applications are £625. A citizen of Turkey or Macedonia is eligible for a £55/- discount. Please note, the application fee does not include the immigration healthcare surcharge (IHS), which is refundable in case of a refusal.
Family Members
The dependant family members can come to the UK with the Tier 2 Minister of Religion main applicant. Quite clearly, family members need to have a Tier 2 dependant visa if they are not EEA or Swiss nationals. Moreover, in terms of the PBS Tier 2 policy and immigration rules, a dependant family member is a spouse or partner of the main applicant. And children under 18 years of age. However, children over 18 can also apply if they are already in the UK on a Tier 2 dependant visa.
Tier 2 Minister of Religion Visa UK Processing Time
In fact, an applicant can apply for a Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa up to 3 months prior to the start work in the UK. The CoS mentions the date on which a migrant can start doing the work in the UK. For instance, if the CoS mentions Feb 2, 2020, as a start date then an applicant can apply as early as Nov 3, 2019. Moreover, the service standard is to process most of the applications within fifteen working days. However, a fraction of the applications may take up to thirty working days. The UKVI also offers Tier 2 priority visa service at certain UKVACs to process applications within 1-week.
Conditions of Stay in the UK
Quite clearly, a migrant can undertake following activities on Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa in the UK:
- work for the sponsor in the job described in the CoS
- do a second job in certain circumstances
- do voluntary work
- study if it does not interfere with the sponsored job
- travel abroad and return to the UK
- bring family members to the UK
However, a migrant is not eligible for public funds. And cannot start working in the UK before getting the Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa. Moreover, a migrant cannot own more than 10% of the sponsor’s shares. This restriction is not applicable if a migrant earns more than £159,600 a year.
When can a migrant start work in the UK?
In fact, a migrant on Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa can start working in the UK 14 days prior to the start date of the sponsored job in the UK as detailed on the CoS. For instance, if the job starts on Jan 15, 2020, then a migrant can start working from Jan 1, 2020.
Maximum Duration of Stay
The maximum duration of Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa is 3 years plus 1 month or the time given on the CoS plus 1 month, whichever is the shortest. However, a migrant on Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa can apply for an extension up to 3 years, or the time given in the certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, or the time required to take a migrant’s total stay in the UK to a maximum of 6 years, whichever time is shorter.
Children born while the migrant is in the UK
Quite clearly, if a migrant on Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa has children while the migrant is in the UK then can certainly apply for permission to stay. Indeed, a migrant needs the permission to travel in and out of the UK with the child. Accordingly, the migrant needs to provide a full UK birth certificate to apply for permission.
Tier 2 Minister of Religion Visa UK Second Job
Indeed, a migrant on a Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa can do a second job- without making a new application- up to 20 hours per week in either the same profession as the main job or if the profession is in the shortage list. And can do unpaid voluntary work in the UK.
Fresh Application
In certain circumstances, a migrant need to make a new application. However, the migrant cannot apply for a new application until they start working for the first sponsor in the UK. And cannot start work with the second sponsor until the Home Office approves the application.
An applicant can make a new application. And provide supporting documents with the application, including a letter explaining that the migrant wants to change the current permission to stay in the UK. Accordingly, the letter may state the name, date of birth and current CoS reference number. And the date when the current permission to stay in the UK runs out.
6. Leave to Remain
A migrant on Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa can extend their stay in the UK if the migrant meets the eligibility criteria and provide requisite supporting documents. Moreover, the migrant also needs a new CoS from the sponsor. However, a migrant need to apply for an extension before the expiry of the current visa. And can include any dependants who are on their current visa. Perhaps, also including children who have turned eighteen during the stay in the UK.
A migrant on Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa can apply online for leave to remain. Quite clearly, the fees for Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa leave to remain (extension and switching) applications from inside the UK is £704/-. Moreover, citizens of Turkey or Macedonia are eligible for a £55/- discount. And the Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa application fee does not include the immigration healthcare surcharge (IHS). However, the IHS is refundable in case of a refusal. Moreover, for leave to remain applications, an applicant also needs to pay £19.20 for biometrics.
Switching
In fact, the following types of migrants in the UK can switch to Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa before expiry of their current visa:
- PBS Tier 1 visa
- Tier 2 Sportsperson and Tier 2 General
- Tier 2 Intra-company Transfer visa under the Immigration Rules in place before 6 April 2010 and the migrant is applying to change sponsor
- PBS Tier 4 visa – only if the migrant has an eligible qualification
- Start-up visa
- Innovator visa
- a dependent partner of a Tier 4 visa
- a representative of an overseas business
However, if a migrant is on another type of visa in the UK, then needs to leave the UK before applying for the Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa.
Eligibility for Switching from Tier 4 Visa
Before applying for switching to Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa, a migrant on Tier 4 visa needs to have a:
- UK bachelor’s or master’s degree
- postgraduate certificate in education
- professional graduate diploma (PGD) of education
Moreover, a PhD student needs to complete the last 12 months’ study during their most recent stay in the UK. This can be through a licensed Tier 4 sponsor or another visa that allowed the migrant to study.
Max Duration of Stay
In fact, a migrant can extend a Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa for up to 3 years, or the time duration stated in the CoS sponsorship plus 14 days, or the time required to take the total stay in the UK to a maximum of 6 years, whichever time is shorter.
Processing Time
The service standard is to process Tier 2 Minister of Religion extension and switching applications within 8 weeks after biometrics. Moreover, applicants can also avail priority and super-priority service for extension and switching applications.
In fact, the priority visa cost an extra £500/. However, it enables the processing of Tier 2 Minister of Religion extension and switching application within 5 working days. Moreover, the charges for the super-priority visa service are £800. The super-priority service enables a decision by the end of the next working day after biometrics.
If the appointment is on a weekday, then super-priority service enables processing an extension and switching application within 2 working days. Please note working days are from Monday to Friday and do not include bank holidays.
Purchase of priority and super-priority service does not influence a decision. And does not guarantee that the UKVI will decide within the stated service standard. Therefore, both priority and super-priority service for extension and switching applications are only for a straightforward application.
7. Tier 2 Minister of Religion Visa UK Cooling-Off Period
Certainly, a migrant on Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa cannot stay in the UK beyond 6 years. Therefore, a migrant need to leave the UK once the duration of visa ends. And in most instances can only reapply after 12-months. Accordingly, this break of 12-months is commonly known as the cooling-off period.
Exemptions
Accordingly, if a migrant has had a grant of leave for entry clearance, leave to enter or remain as a Tier 2 Migrant at any time during the 12 months immediately before the date of application, unless the migrant is sponsored for a period of 3 months or less. Moreover, a migrant can also apply for further leave under Tier 2 if:
- the migrant was not in the UK with leave as a Tier 2 Migrant at any time during the above 12-month period immediately before the date of application. And the applicant provides evidence to show this or
- the salary for the job that is £159,600 or more
Moreover, if an applicant leaves the job with the Tier 2 Sponsor early then needs to notify the Home Office so that the Home Office can curtail the leave. Perhaps, this is important as the 12 months are counted from the date that the applicant leaves ends.
When does the cooling-off period start?
If an applicant leaves the UK before the expiry of the last period of Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa grant, then the 12-month period starts earlier than the expiry date of leave. However, this can only be possible if an applicant provides evidence such as:
- travel tickets or boarding card stubs. These are only useful if an applicant/sponsor has submitted an SMS report for confirming the end of employment
- exit or entry stamps in the applicant’s passport
- a letter from the overseas employer. The letter needs to confirm the date the applicant started working overseas after returning from the UK
- any other evidence that shows that the applicant was not in the UK
Therefore, if an applicant submits such evidence, then the Home Office calculates the cooling-off period to start from the earliest date. In all cases where the CoS is longer than 3 months, the cooling-off period is applicable. Certainly, even in cases where a migrant stay in the UK is less than 3 months. For instance, if a migrant on Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa has a CoS of 6 months and they ceased to work in the UK after 2 months, then the cooling-off period is applicable as the CoS was for more than 3 months.