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The Minister of Religion visa, under the religious worker category, is designed for individuals who have been offered a job within a faith community in the UK. This visa is suitable for those who intend to undertake preaching, pastoral work, or work in a religious order. Applicants must be sponsored by a licensed sponsor in the UK, which could be a religious organization. The main purpose of this visa route is to facilitate religious workers' entry into the UK to support the spiritual needs of their communities, ensuring they can contribute effectively to their congregations or religious groups.
Religious Worker
The Minister of Religion visa, under the religious worker category, is designed for individuals who have been offered a job within a faith community in the UK. This visa is suitable for those who intend to undertake preaching, pastoral work, or work in a religious order. Applicants must be sponsored by a licensed sponsor in the UK, which could be a religious organization. The main purpose of this visa route is to facilitate religious workers' entry into the UK to support the spiritual needs of their communities, ensuring they can contribute effectively to their congregations or religious groups.
Applicants must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by a UK-based religious organization that is a licensed sponsor. The CoS is a unique reference number that confirms the job offer and details of the role. It must be issued no more than three months before the visa application date. The sponsor must be listed on the Home Office's Register of Sponsors.
The applicant must be offered a salary of at least £25,000 per year or the appropriate rate for the job, whichever is higher. This ensures that the role is genuine and meets the financial standards set by the Home Office. Exceptions may apply for certain religious roles that are traditionally unpaid or low-paid, such as monks or nuns.
Applicants are generally required to have worked for their sponsor outside the UK for at least 12 months. This requirement can be waived if the applicant is filling a position where there is a shortage of qualified individuals or if the role is critical to the sponsor's operations.
Applicants must provide a valid passport or travel document to confirm their identity and nationality. The passport must have at least one blank page for the visa. If the applicant has any previous travel documents, these should also be provided.
Applicants must provide evidence of their qualifications relevant to the religious role they are applying for. This could include degrees, diplomas, or certificates in theology or religious studies. If the documents are not in English, a certified translation must be provided.
Applicants must demonstrate their knowledge of English to at least CEFR Level B2. This can be proven through an approved English language test, a degree taught in English, or being a national of a majority English-speaking country.
Applicants must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support themselves without recourse to public funds. This typically means having at least £1,270 available in their bank account for 28 consecutive days prior to the application.
The application fee for the Minister of Religion visa is £1,220. This fee must be paid at the time of application and is non-refundable. Applicants should ensure they have sufficient funds to cover this fee in addition to maintenance funds.
Applicants must pass an approved English language test at CEFR Level B2 or higher. Tests must be taken at an approved test center. Results must be valid at the time of application.
Applicants from certain countries must provide a valid TB test certificate if they are coming to the UK for more than six months. The test must be conducted at a clinic approved by the Home Office.
Applicants must provide a criminal record certificate from any country they have lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years. This is to ensure the applicant is of good character and does not pose a threat to the UK.
Applicants should provide evidence of where they will stay in the UK. This can include a rental agreement, letter from a host, or confirmation of accommodation provided by the sponsor.
Applicants must provide biometric information, including fingerprints and a digital photo, at a visa application center. This information is used to create a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), which is required for identification in the UK.
Disclaimer: We are not immigration advisors. For professional immigration advice, consult a qualified immigration lawyer or OISC-registered advisor.
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