You need to: have a certificate of sponsorship for your job prove your knowledge of English have personal savings so you can support yourself when you arrive in the UK show you can travel and your travel history over the last 5 years have tuberculosis test results if you’re from a listed country be 18 or over when you apply Your employer must make sure your job pays at least the minimum wage and follows the UK rules for how many hours a week you work. If your employer does not do this, your application will be refused. Certificate of sponsorship A certificate of sponsorship holds your personal details and information about the job you’ve been offered. It’s an electronic record, not a paper document. Your sponsor will give you a certificate of sponsorship reference number to add to your application. You can only use your certificate of sponsorship reference number once. You must use it within 3 months of getting it. Money to support yourself You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself in the UK. You will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for this visa. You’ll usually need to show proof of this when you apply , unless either: you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months your employer can cover your costs during your first month in the UK, up to £1,270 Your partner and children will also need to prove they can support themselves while they’re in the UK. Check how much they’ll need . Read the guidance on financial evidence for more information about the money you need and how to prove it. If your employer can support you instead Your certificate of sponsorship must confirm this. Your employer will need to complete the ‘sponsor certifies maintenance’ section on your certificate. This is under ‘Additional data’.

You may need to prove your knowledge of the English language when you apply. You can prove your knowledge of English by either: passing an approved English language test with at least CEFR level B2 in reading, writing, speaking and listening having an academic qualification that was taught in English and is recognised by Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) as being equivalent to a UK bachelors degree, master’s degree or PhD You may be able to meet the English language requirement in other ways. Check the full visa guidance for detailed information. Who does not need to prove their knowledge of English You will not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re a national of one of the following countries or territories: Antigua and Barbuda Australia the Bahamas Barbados Belize the British overseas territories Canada Dominica Grenada Guyana Jamaica Malta New Zealand St Kitts and Nevis St Lucia St Vincent and the Grenadines Trinidad and Tobago USA You also may not have to prove your knowledge of English in other circumstances - check the full visa guidance .

Documents you'll need

When you apply you’ll need to provide: your certificate of sponsorship reference number (your employer will give you this) proof of your knowledge of English evidence that you have enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK , for example bank statements (unless your certificate of sponsorship shows your employer can support you) a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality - you need a blank page in your passport for your visa expired passports or travel documents if you need them to show your travel history your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a listed country If your documents are not in English or Welsh you’ll also need to provide a certified translation . You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances. Read the guidance about the money you’ll need and how to prove it .

Your partner and children

Your partner and children can also apply to join you or stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible. If your partner or child’s application is successful, their visa will usually end on the same date as yours. If a child’s parents have visas with different expiry dates, the child’s visa will end on the earlier date. Your relationship A dependant partner or child is any of the following: your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner your child under 18 - including if they were born in the UK during your stay your child over 18 if they currently have permission (‘leave to enter’ or ‘leave to remain’) to be in the UK as your dependant You’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship when you apply. Your partner You must be able to prove that either: you’re in a civil partnership or marriage that’s recognised in the UK you’ve been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply If your child is 16 or over They must: live with you (unless they’re in full-time education at boarding school, college or university) not be married, in a civil partnership or have any children be financially supported by you If your child lives with you, you’ll need to provide evidence of their address such as: a bank statement credit card bills driving licence NHS registration document an official letter from their university or college Money they need to support themselves Your partner or children must have a certain amount of money available to support themselves while they’re in the UK. You - or your partner or child - will need: £285 for your partner £315 for one child £200 for each additional child Example You - or your partner or child - would need to have £600 to bring your partner and one child with you to the UK (£285 for your partner and £315 for your child). You would also need to have £1,270 to support yourself for your own application. You - or your partner or child - will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of you or them applying for this visa. You’ll usually need to show proof of this when they apply , unless either: you have all been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months your employer can cover your family’s costs during your first month in the UK - this must be confirmed on your certificate of sponsorship If your partner or child is applying at a different time to you, they’ll only need to prove they have enough money to support themselves if they have been in the UK for less than one year. Apply from outside the UK Your partner and children must either: apply online as your partner apply online as your child Each family member will need to complete a separate application and pay the visa fee . They must apply before they travel to the UK. They’ll also need your application number - you’ll get this when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application. Proving their identity Your partner and children will need to have their fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a visa application centre as part of their application. They may need to travel to get to their nearest centre (this could be in another country). The visa application centre may need to keep their passport and documents while they process their application. How long it takes to get a decision Once they’ve applied online, proved their identity and provided their documents, they’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks. They may be able to pay to get a faster decision . Apply from inside the UK (extend or switch their visa) If you extend or switch your visa, your partner or child’s current visa will still be valid until its original end date. Your partner or child need to apply to extend or switch their visa, either: at the same time as you at any time before their current visa expires This includes children who have turned 18 during your stay. Your partner or children cannot apply to switch to your Minister of Religion (T2) visa as your dependants if they are currently in the UK: on a visit visa on a short-term student visa on a Parent of a Child Student visa on a Seasonal Worker visa on a Domestic Worker in a Private Household visa or an Overseas Domestic Worker visa on immigration bail because they were given permission to stay outside the immigration rules , for example on compassionate grounds If your partner or child is currently in the UK on a Student visa, they can only switch if they have either: completed the course they were sponsored to study studied for a PhD for at least 24 months How to apply The application form will tell you if you can include your partner and children in your application or whether they need to apply separately. If your partner or child apply separately, they’ll need to either: apply online as your partner apply online as your child They’ll need your application number - you’ll get this when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application. Your partner and children will need to have their fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services ( UKVCAS ) service point as part of their application. They must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until they get a decision. Their application will be withdrawn if they do. How long it takes to get a decision Once they’ve applied online, proved their identity and provided their documents, they’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks. They may be able to pay to get a faster decision . Children born in the UK If you have a child while you’re in the UK, they do not automatically become a British citizen . You can apply online for their visa as your dependant . You must do this if you want to travel in and out of the UK with your child. You’ll need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child, showing the names of both parents. You must apply to add them to your visa before they turn 18 if they want to stay in the UK. What your partner or child can and cannot do Your partner or child can: work, except as a sportsperson or coach study travel abroad and return to the UK apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’) if they’ve lived in the UK for 5 years and meet the other eligibility requirements They cannot apply for most benefits (public funds), or the State Pension. If their application is successful, they’ll get a full list of what they can and cannot do.

You may be able to apply to extend your stay in the UK under a Minister of Religion visa (T2). You should apply before your current visa expires. Your partner or child’s visa will not automatically extend if you extend yours. If they do not extend their visa, it will be valid until its original end date. They can either apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa expires. Eligibility You’ll still need to meet the eligibility requirements and provide the right documents . You’ll also need a new certificate of sponsorship from your sponsor. How long you can stay You can extend a Minister of Religion visa (T2) for up to 3 years, or the time given in your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, or the time required to take your total stay in the UK to a maximum of 6 years, whichever time is shorter. You may be able to apply to settle in the UK permanently if you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years on this visa. Fees Each person applying will need to pay: the visa application fee the healthcare surcharge for each year of their stay - check how much you’ll have to pay You’ll also need to have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken - there’s no fee for this. Apply to extend your Minister of Religion visa (T2) You must apply online before your current visa expires. Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later. Apply now Continue your application You can sign back into your application if you’ve saved it. Find out how to sign in to your account . Providing biometric information and supporting documents When you apply, you’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services ( UKVCAS ) service point to provide your fingerprints and a photo (biometric information). You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents. You can: upload them into the online service have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do. How long it takes to get a decision You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks of your application date. You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example because: your supporting documents need to be verified you need to attend an interview of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction You may be able to pay to get a faster decision . After you apply If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) . You can ask to cancel your application . You’ll only get your fee refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application. You’ll get an email or a letter containing the decision on your application . This will explain what you need to do next.

You might be able to apply to change (‘switch’) to a Minister of Religion visa (T2) if you’re already in the UK on a different type of visa. Your partner or child’s visa will not automatically switch to this visa if you switch yours. If they do not switch their visa, it will be valid until its original end date. They can either apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa expires. Eligibility You must meet the following requirements: your job meets the eligibility requirements you can speak, read, write and understand English If you’re currently in the UK on a Student visa, you must also meet one of the following requirements: you have completed the course you were sponsored to study your job start date is after your course has finished you have studied for a PhD for at least 24 months Who cannot apply to switch to this visa You cannot apply to switch to this visa if you’re currently in the UK: on a visit visa on a short-term student visa on a Parent of a Child Student visa on a Seasonal Worker visa on a Domestic Worker in a Private Household visa or an Overseas Domestic Worker visa on immigration bail because you were given permission to stay outside the immigration rules , for example on compassionate grounds You must leave the UK and apply for a Minister of Religion visa (T2) from abroad if you’re in one of these categories. How long you can stay You can stay up to 3 years after switching to a Minister of Religion visa (T2). Fees Each person applying will need to pay: the visa application fee the healthcare surcharge for each year of their stay - check how much you’ll have to pay You’ll also need to have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken - there’s no fee for this. If you’ve been in the UK for less than 1 year, you’ll need to prove you have enough money to support yourself . Apply to switch to a Minister of Religion visa (T2) You must apply online before your current visa expires. Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later. Apply now Continue your application You can sign back into your application if you’ve saved it. Find out how to sign in to your account . Providing biometric information and supporting documents When you apply, you’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services ( UKVCAS ) service point to provide your fingerprints and a photo (biometric information). You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents. You can: upload them into the online service have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do. How long it takes to get a decision You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks of your application date. You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example because: your supporting documents need to be verified you need to attend an interview of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction You may be able to pay to get a faster decision . After you apply If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) . You can ask to cancel your application . You’ll only get your fee refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application. You’ll get an email or a letter containing the decision on your application . This will explain what you need to do next.

You can take a second job on this visa if you’re working up to 20 hours a week in either: the same profession as your main job a profession on the Skilled Worker immigration salary list You can also do unpaid voluntary work. Otherwise, you’ll need to apply for a new visa. You’ll need to be sponsored by your second employer and get a new certificate of sponsorship. When to apply for a new visa You cannot apply for a new visa until you’ve started work with your first sponsor. You cannot start work with your second sponsor until your visa application has been approved. How to apply Read the guidance before you apply. You must apply online . You must be in the UK to apply. Documents you must provide You’ll need to provide some documents with your application. You must also provide a letter explaining that you want to change your current permission to stay. Your letter must state: your name your date of birth your current certificate of sponsorship reference number the date when your current permission to stay runs out

Minister of Religion visa (T2)

Overview

You can apply for a Minister of Religion visa (T2) if:

you’ve been offered a job within a faith community (for example as a minister of religion, missionary, or member of a religious order) in the UK
you meet the other eligibility requirements

Getting sponsored

You need to be employed by a licensed sponsor to apply to live in the UK.

Your sponsor checks that you can do the job they’re hiring you for and if it qualifies you for a visa. They’ll give you a certificate of sponsorship to prove this.

They must also give you other information you need when you apply, for example how much you’ll be paid.

How long it will take

You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day you’re due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on your certificate of sponsorship.

You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK.

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision.

Application fee

How much you pay for a Minister of Religion visa (T2) depends on where you are.

Who you’re applying for	Apply outside the UK	Extend or switch in the UK
You	£719	£827
All dependants	£719 each person	£827 each person

Healthcare surcharge

You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application. Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

If you’re applying to extend or switch in the UK

You’ll need to have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken - there’s no fee for this.

Get a faster decision on your application

If you’re applying to extend or switch in the UK you can pay an extra £500 for the priority service to get a decision within 5 working days.

You can pay an extra £1,000 for the super priority service to get a decision:

by the end of the next working day after providing your biometric information if your appointment is on a weekday
2 working days after providing your biometric information if your appointment is at the weekend

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

If your application is successful

You’ll get an eVisa (an online record of your immigration status).

Your decision email or letter will tell you how to get access to your eVisa. You’ll need to create a UKVI account.

Find out how to get your biometric residence permit (BRP) if you were told you’d get one when you applied.

How long you can stay

You can come to the UK with a Minister of Religion visa (T2) for a maximum of up to 3 years and 1 month, or the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.

You can apply to extend your stay.

After 5 years, you may be able to apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’). This gives you the right to live, work and study here for as long as you like, and apply for benefits if you’re eligible.

You must apply before your visa expires.

What you can and cannot do

You can:

work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship
do a second job - in certain circumstances
do voluntary work
study as long as it does not interfere with the job you’re sponsored for
travel abroad and return to the UK
bring your partner and children with you as your ‘dependants’, if they’re eligible

You cannot:

own more than 10% of your sponsor’s shares (unless you earn more than £159,600 a year)
get public funds

View a printable version of the whole guide

Minister of Religion visa (T2)

Overview

Getting sponsored

How long it will take

Application fee

Healthcare surcharge

If you’re applying to extend or switch in the UK

Get a faster decision on your application

If your application is successful

How long you can stay

What you can and cannot do

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Minister of Religion visa (T2)

Overview

Getting sponsored

How long it will take

Application fee

Healthcare surcharge

If you’re applying to extend or switch in the UK

Get a faster decision on your application

If your application is successful

How long you can stay

What you can and cannot do

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Is this page useful?

Help us improve GOV.UK

Help us improve GOV.UK