The Minister of Religion visa (T2) is the long-term route for faith leaders coming to take a mainly pastoral role in the UK — and unlike the temporary Religious Worker visa, it leads to settlement. This 2026 guide covers eligibility, salary, English, length and ILR.
Who is it for?
It’s for people sponsored to perform a mainly pastoral, leading role — ministers, missionaries or members of a religious order — within a bona fide faith-based organisation in the UK.
Minister of Religion vs Religious Worker
If your work is mainly pastoral (leading a congregation) and you want a path to settlement, this is your route. If it’s non-pastoral or short-term, that’s the temporary Religious Worker visa instead.
Requirements
- a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed religious sponsor;
- English at B2 (reading, writing, speaking and listening);
- salary — no fixed threshold, but at least the National Minimum Wage and the going rate paid to settled workers in the same role;
- about £1,270 in savings (unless exempt or your sponsor certifies maintenance).
Length and settlement
The initial visa lasts up to 3 years and 1 month and can be extended. After 5 years’ continuous residence you can apply for indefinite leave to remain — with B1 English (speaking and listening), a passed Life in the UK Test, and no more than 180 days abroad in any 12 months.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Minister of Religion visa?
A long-term work visa for a mainly pastoral, leading role in a bona fide faith-based organisation in the UK.
How is it different from the Religious Worker visa?
Minister of Religion is for pastoral leaders and leads to settlement; the Religious Worker visa is temporary, for non-pastoral or religious-order work.
How long does it last and does it lead to ILR?
Up to 3 years and 1 month initially, extendable, with ILR available after 5 years.
What salary do I need?
No fixed threshold, but at least the National Minimum Wage and the going rate paid to settled workers in the same role.
What English level is required?
B2 at application; B1 (speaking and listening) plus the Life in the UK Test for ILR.
Do I need a sponsor?
Yes — a licensed religious sponsor and a valid Certificate of Sponsorship.
