The Tier 2: Minister of Religion Visa is designed to allow religious ministers to enter the UK and take up employment in a religious role within a faith community.

The definition of ‘Minister of Religion’ includes missionaries or other members of religious orders. It is expected that such ministers will undertake duties such as leading religious services, worship, weddings or funerals, providing religious instruction whether through teaching or preaching, and providing support and counselling to a faith community.

The Minister of Religion visa is designed for foreign nationals who meet various other eligibility criteria – many of which overlap with the Tier 2 (General) Visa. For example you must have a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed Sponsor organisation before you are eligible to apply for your visa, and the work you plan on undertaking in the UK must be connected to the work of your sponsoring organisation.