My friend is in the UK under a Minister of Religion visa . His visa is nearing the end and would like to renew it.He wishes to renew it so that he can continue working on the faith charity. How long can he stay if he renews?

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.

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

If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

If you or your close family member started living in the UK before 1 January 2021, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme.

Otherwise you need a visa to work in the UK.

Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.

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.

Find out about paying for 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 | £610 | £704

All dependants | £610 each person | £704 each person

If you’re from an eligible country

Your application fee will be automatically reduced by £55 if you’re from one of the following countries:

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden or Turkey.

This reduction only applies to your visa application. Your partner and children will still need to pay the full application fee.

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 pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

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 £800 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.

Once you’ve got your decision letter, your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive.

How long you can stay

You can apply to extend your stay.

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

Eligibility

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

You need to have an eligible qualification if you’re switching from a Tier 4 visa.

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’.

Knowledge of English

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.

Exceptions

You will not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re a national of one of the following countries:

Antigua and Barbuda

Australia

the Bahamas

Barbados

Belize

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.

See the full list of documents you can provide.

Read the guidance about the money you’ll need and how to prove it.

Apply from outside the UK

You must apply online for a Minister of Religion visa (T2).

Check which documents you’ll need to apply.

Your partner or children will need to apply separately.

Proving your identity and providing supporting documents

As part of your online application, you need to book an appointment at a visa application centre.

You’ll have your fingerprints and photograph taken at the visa application centre, so you can get a biometric residence permit.

You’ll have to collect your biometric residence permit within 10 days of when you said you’d arrive in the UK.

Apply for a Minister of Religion visa (T2)

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. Check your email and follow the link to return to your application.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.

Find out how to get your visa decision faster - this depends on what country you’re in.

After you apply

You can ask to cancel your application. You’ll only get your fee refunded if the application has not been processed yet.

You’ll get an email containing the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.

Extend your visa

You may be able to apply to extend your stay in the UK under a Minister of Religion visa (T2).

You can add your partner and children to your online application - including children who have turned 18 during your stay.

You should apply before your current visa expires.

Eligibility

You’ll still need to meet the eligibility criteria 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.

Fees

Check the fees for your visa.

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

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 biometric information (your fingerprints and a photo).

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

Once you’ve applied you can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your last visa expired.

You’ll usually get a decision:

within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service

within 5 working days of your UKVCAS appointment if you use the priority service

If you use the super priority service you’ll get a decision:

by the end of the next working day after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is at the weekend

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

Once you’ve got your decision letter, your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive.

You’ll be contacted if your circumstances or application are more complicated, for example if:

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

you have a criminal conviction

Switch to this visa

You can apply to change (‘switch’) from another visa to a Minister of Religion visa (T2).

You should apply before your current visa expires.

Eligibility

You must meet the Minister of Religion visa (T2) eligibility requirements and must already be in the UK under any of the following visas:

Tier 1 visa

Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa

Tier 2 (General) visa

Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) visa under the Immigration Rules in place before 6 April 2010 and you’re applying to change sponsor

Tier 4 visa - if you have an eligible qualification

Start-up visa

Innovator visa

You can also switch to this visa if you meet the eligibility requirements and you’re:

a dependent partner of someone with a Tier 4 visa

a representative of an overseas business

You must leave the UK and make your Minister of Religion visa (T2) application from abroad if you’re not in any of these categories.

Eligible qualifications for Tier 4 visa

You must have been sponsored by a licensed sponsor to get one of the following qualifications:

a UK bachelors degree

a UK masters degree

a postgraduate certificate in education

a professional graduate diploma of education

If you’re a PhD student, you must have also have completed the last 12 months’ study  during your most recent stay in the UK. This can be through a licensed sponsor or another visa that allowed you to study.

How long you can stay

You can stay up to 3 years after switching to a Minister of Religion visa (T2).

Fees

Check the fees for your visa.

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. Check your email and follow the link to return to your application.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

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

Once you’ve applied you can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your last visa expired.

You’ll usually get a decision:

within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service

within 5 working days of your UKVCAS appointment if you use the priority service

If you use the super priority service you’ll get a decision:

by the end of the next working day after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after your UKVCAs appointment if your appointment is at the weekend

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

Once you’ve got your decision letter, your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive.

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and 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

Your partner and children

Your partner and children can apply to join you or to stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible. If their application is successful, their visa will end on the same date as yours.

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’re currently 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

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 apply online.

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

As part of their application, your partner and children will need to have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre. 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 their visa faster - check with the visa application centre.

Apply from inside the UK to extend

You can include your partner and children on your application to extend this visa. This includes children who were born or have turned 18 during your stay.

If you cannot apply at the same time, your partner or child can apply to extend their visas at a later date. This must be before their current visa expires.

How to apply

Your partner and children must apply online to either:

extend as a partner

extend as a 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.

As part of their application, your partner and children will need to have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point.

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 - they’ll be told if they can when they apply.

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.

Taking a second job

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 shortage occupation 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

You can apply to extend your stay.

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

If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

If you or your close family member started living in the UK before 1 January 2021, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme.

Otherwise you need a visa to work in the UK.

Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.

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.

Find out about paying for 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 | £610 | £704

All dependants | £610 each person | £704 each person

If you’re from an eligible country

Your application fee will be automatically reduced by £55 if you’re from one of the following countries:

This reduction only applies to your visa application. Your partner and children will still need to pay the full application fee.

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 pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

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 £800 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.

Once you’ve got your decision letter, your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive.

How long you can stay

You can apply to extend your stay.

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

Eligibility

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

You need to have an eligible qualification if you’re switching from a Tier 4 visa.

Certificate of sponsorship

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

Knowledge of English

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

You may be able to meet the English language requirement in other ways. Check the full visa guidance for detailed information.

Exceptions

You will not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re a national of one of the following countries:

Antigua and Barbuda

Australia

the Bahamas

Barbados

Belize

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

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.

See the full list of documents you can provide.

Read the guidance about the money you’ll need and how to prove it.

Apply from outside the UK

You must apply online for a Minister of Religion visa (T2).

Check which documents you’ll need to apply.

Your partner or children will need to apply separately.

Proving your identity and providing supporting documents

As part of your online application, you need to book an appointment at a visa application centre.

You’ll have your fingerprints and photograph taken at the visa application centre, so you can get a biometric residence permit.

You’ll have to collect your biometric residence permit within 10 days of when you said you’d arrive in the UK.

Apply for a Minister of Religion visa (T2)

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. Check your email and follow the link to return to your application.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.

Find out how to get your visa decision faster - this depends on what country you’re in.

After you apply

You can ask to cancel your application. You’ll only get your fee refunded if the application has not been processed yet.

You’ll get an email containing the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.

Extend your visa

You may be able to apply to extend your stay in the UK under a Minister of Religion visa (T2).

You can add your partner and children to your online application - including children who have turned 18 during your stay.

You should apply before your current visa expires.

Eligibility

You’ll still need to meet the eligibility criteria and provide the right documents.

You’ll also need a new certificate of sponsorship from your sponsor.

How long you can stay

Fees

Check the fees for your visa.

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

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

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

Once you’ve applied you can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your last visa expired.

You’ll usually get a decision:

within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service

within 5 working days of your UKVCAS appointment if you use the priority service

If you use the super priority service you’ll get a decision:

by the end of the next working day after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is at the weekend

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

Once you’ve got your decision letter, your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive.

You’ll be contacted if your circumstances or application are more complicated, for example if:

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

you have a criminal conviction

Switch to this visa

You can apply to change (‘switch’) from another visa to a Minister of Religion visa (T2).

You should apply before your current visa expires.

Eligibility

You must meet the Minister of Religion visa (T2) eligibility requirements and must already be in the UK under any of the following visas:

Tier 1 visa

Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa

Tier 2 (General) visa

Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) visa under the Immigration Rules in place before 6 April 2010 and you’re applying to change sponsor

Tier 4 visa - if you have an eligible qualification

Start-up visa

Innovator visa

You can also switch to this visa if you meet the eligibility requirements and you’re:

a dependent partner of someone with a Tier 4 visa

a representative of an overseas business

You must leave the UK and make your Minister of Religion visa (T2) application from abroad if you’re not in any of these categories.

Eligible qualifications for Tier 4 visa

You must have been sponsored by a licensed sponsor to get one of the following qualifications:

a UK bachelors degree

a UK masters degree

a postgraduate certificate in education

a professional graduate diploma of education

How long you can stay

You can stay up to 3 years after switching to a Minister of Religion visa (T2).

Fees

Check the fees for your visa.

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. Check your email and follow the link to return to your application.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

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

Once you’ve applied you can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your last visa expired.

You’ll usually get a decision:

within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service

within 5 working days of your UKVCAS appointment if you use the priority service

If you use the super priority service you’ll get a decision:

by the end of the next working day after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after your UKVCAs appointment if your appointment is at the weekend

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

Once you’ve got your decision letter, your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive.

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and 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

Your partner and children

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’re currently 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

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

Apply from outside the UK

Your partner and children must apply online.

Each family member will need to complete a separate application and pay the visa fee. They must apply before they travel to the UK.

Proving their identity

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 their visa faster - check with the visa application centre.

Apply from inside the UK to extend

You can include your partner and children on your application to extend this visa. This includes children who were born or have turned 18 during your stay.

If you cannot apply at the same time, your partner or child can apply to extend their visas at a later date. This must be before their current visa expires.

How to apply

Your partner and children must apply online to either:

extend as a partner

extend as a child

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 - they’ll be told if they can when they apply.

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.

Taking a second job

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 shortage occupation 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

You may be able to apply to extend your stay in the UK under a Minister of Religion visa (T2).

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

If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

If you or your close family member started living in the UK before 1 January 2021, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme.

Otherwise you need a visa to work in the UK.

Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.

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.

Find out about paying for 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 | £610 | £704

All dependants | £610 each person | £704 each person

If you’re from an eligible country

Your application fee will be automatically reduced by £55 if you’re from one of the following countries:

This reduction only applies to your visa application. Your partner and children will still need to pay the full application fee.

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 pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

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 £800 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.

Once you’ve got your decision letter, your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive.

How long you can stay

You can apply to extend your stay.

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

Eligibility

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

You need to have an eligible qualification if you’re switching from a Tier 4 visa.

Certificate of sponsorship

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

Knowledge of English

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.

Exceptions

You will not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re a national of one of the following countries:

Antigua and Barbuda

Australia

the Bahamas

Barbados

Belize

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

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.

See the full list of documents you can provide.

Read the guidance about the money you’ll need and how to prove it.

Apply from outside the UK

You must apply online for a Minister of Religion visa (T2).

Check which documents you’ll need to apply.

Your partner or children will need to apply separately.

Proving your identity and providing supporting documents

As part of your online application, you need to book an appointment at a visa application centre.

You’ll have your fingerprints and photograph taken at the visa application centre, so you can get a biometric residence permit.

You’ll have to collect your biometric residence permit within 10 days of when you said you’d arrive in the UK.

Apply for a Minister of Religion visa (T2)

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. Check your email and follow the link to return to your application.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.

Find out how to get your visa decision faster - this depends on what country you’re in.

After you apply

You can ask to cancel your application. You’ll only get your fee refunded if the application has not been processed yet.

You’ll get an email containing the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.

Extend your visa

You may be able to apply to extend your stay in the UK under a Minister of Religion visa (T2).

You can add your partner and children to your online application - including children who have turned 18 during your stay.

You should apply before your current visa expires.

Eligibility

You’ll still need to meet the eligibility criteria and provide the right documents.

You’ll also need a new certificate of sponsorship from your sponsor.

How long you can stay

Fees

Check the fees for your visa.

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

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

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

Once you’ve applied you can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your last visa expired.

You’ll usually get a decision:

within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service

within 5 working days of your UKVCAS appointment if you use the priority service

If you use the super priority service you’ll get a decision:

by the end of the next working day after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is at the weekend

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

Once you’ve got your decision letter, your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive.

You’ll be contacted if your circumstances or application are more complicated, for example if:

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

you have a criminal conviction

Switch to this visa

You can apply to change (‘switch’) from another visa to a Minister of Religion visa (T2).

You should apply before your current visa expires.

Eligibility

You must meet the Minister of Religion visa (T2) eligibility requirements and must already be in the UK under any of the following visas:

Tier 1 visa

Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa

Tier 2 (General) visa

Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) visa under the Immigration Rules in place before 6 April 2010 and you’re applying to change sponsor

Tier 4 visa - if you have an eligible qualification

Start-up visa

Innovator visa

You can also switch to this visa if you meet the eligibility requirements and you’re:

a dependent partner of someone with a Tier 4 visa

a representative of an overseas business

You must leave the UK and make your Minister of Religion visa (T2) application from abroad if you’re not in any of these categories.

Eligible qualifications for Tier 4 visa

You must have been sponsored by a licensed sponsor to get one of the following qualifications:

a UK bachelors degree

a UK masters degree

a postgraduate certificate in education

a professional graduate diploma of education

How long you can stay

You can stay up to 3 years after switching to a Minister of Religion visa (T2).

Fees

Check the fees for your visa.

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. Check your email and follow the link to return to your application.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

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

Once you’ve applied you can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your last visa expired.

You’ll usually get a decision:

within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service

within 5 working days of your UKVCAS appointment if you use the priority service

If you use the super priority service you’ll get a decision:

by the end of the next working day after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after your UKVCAs appointment if your appointment is at the weekend

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

Once you’ve got your decision letter, your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive.

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and 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

Your partner and children

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’re currently 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

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

Apply from outside the UK

Your partner and children must apply online.

Each family member will need to complete a separate application and pay the visa fee. They must apply before they travel to the UK.

Proving their identity

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 their visa faster - check with the visa application centre.

Apply from inside the UK to extend

You can include your partner and children on your application to extend this visa. This includes children who were born or have turned 18 during your stay.

If you cannot apply at the same time, your partner or child can apply to extend their visas at a later date. This must be before their current visa expires.

How to apply

Your partner and children must apply online to either:

extend as a partner

extend as a child

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 - they’ll be told if they can when they apply.

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.

Taking a second job

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 shortage occupation 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

If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

If you or your close family member started living in the UK before 1 January 2021, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme.

Otherwise you need a visa to work in the UK.

Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.

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.

Find out about paying for 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 | £610 | £704

All dependants | £610 each person | £704 each person

If you’re from an eligible country

Your application fee will be automatically reduced by £55 if you’re from one of the following countries:

This reduction only applies to your visa application. Your partner and children will still need to pay the full application fee.

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 pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

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 £800 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.

Once you’ve got your decision letter, your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive.

How long you can stay

You can apply to extend your stay.

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

Eligibility

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

You need to have an eligible qualification if you’re switching from a Tier 4 visa.

Certificate of sponsorship

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

Knowledge of English

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.

Exceptions

You will not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re a national of one of the following countries:

Antigua and Barbuda

Australia

the Bahamas

Barbados

Belize

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

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.

See the full list of documents you can provide.

Read the guidance about the money you’ll need and how to prove it.

Apply from outside the UK

You must apply online for a Minister of Religion visa (T2).

Check which documents you’ll need to apply.

Your partner or children will need to apply separately.

Proving your identity and providing supporting documents

As part of your online application, you need to book an appointment at a visa application centre.

You’ll have your fingerprints and photograph taken at the visa application centre, so you can get a biometric residence permit.

You’ll have to collect your biometric residence permit within 10 days of when you said you’d arrive in the UK.

Apply for a Minister of Religion visa (T2)

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. Check your email and follow the link to return to your application.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.

Find out how to get your visa decision faster - this depends on what country you’re in.

After you apply

You can ask to cancel your application. You’ll only get your fee refunded if the application has not been processed yet.

You’ll get an email containing the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.

Extend your visa

You may be able to apply to extend your stay in the UK under a Minister of Religion visa (T2).

You can add your partner and children to your online application - including children who have turned 18 during your stay.

You should apply before your current visa expires.

Eligibility

You’ll still need to meet the eligibility criteria and provide the right documents.

You’ll also need a new certificate of sponsorship from your sponsor.

How long you can stay

Fees

Check the fees for your visa.

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

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

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

Once you’ve applied you can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your last visa expired.

You’ll usually get a decision:

within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service

within 5 working days of your UKVCAS appointment if you use the priority service

If you use the super priority service you’ll get a decision:

by the end of the next working day after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is at the weekend

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

Once you’ve got your decision letter, your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive.

You’ll be contacted if your circumstances or application are more complicated, for example if:

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

you have a criminal conviction

Switch to this visa

You can apply to change (‘switch’) from another visa to a Minister of Religion visa (T2).

You should apply before your current visa expires.

Eligibility

You must meet the Minister of Religion visa (T2) eligibility requirements and must already be in the UK under any of the following visas:

Tier 1 visa

Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa

Tier 2 (General) visa

Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) visa under the Immigration Rules in place before 6 April 2010 and you’re applying to change sponsor

Tier 4 visa - if you have an eligible qualification

Start-up visa

Innovator visa

You can also switch to this visa if you meet the eligibility requirements and you’re:

a dependent partner of someone with a Tier 4 visa

a representative of an overseas business

You must leave the UK and make your Minister of Religion visa (T2) application from abroad if you’re not in any of these categories.

Eligible qualifications for Tier 4 visa

You must have been sponsored by a licensed sponsor to get one of the following qualifications:

a UK bachelors degree

a UK masters degree

a postgraduate certificate in education

a professional graduate diploma of education

How long you can stay

You can stay up to 3 years after switching to a Minister of Religion visa (T2).

Fees

Check the fees for your visa.

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. Check your email and follow the link to return to your application.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

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

Once you’ve applied you can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your last visa expired.

You’ll usually get a decision:

within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service

within 5 working days of your UKVCAS appointment if you use the priority service

If you use the super priority service you’ll get a decision:

by the end of the next working day after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after your UKVCAs appointment if your appointment is at the weekend

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

Once you’ve got your decision letter, your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive.

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and 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

Your partner and children

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’re currently 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

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

Apply from outside the UK

Your partner and children must apply online.

Each family member will need to complete a separate application and pay the visa fee. They must apply before they travel to the UK.

Proving their identity

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 their visa faster - check with the visa application centre.

Apply from inside the UK to extend

You can include your partner and children on your application to extend this visa. This includes children who were born or have turned 18 during your stay.

If you cannot apply at the same time, your partner or child can apply to extend their visas at a later date. This must be before their current visa expires.

How to apply

Your partner and children must apply online to either:

extend as a partner

extend as a child

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 - they’ll be told if they can when they apply.

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.

Taking a second job

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 shortage occupation 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


I have a house I am looking to rent out. I don't really want to formalise things but i am told it's best to do so. What do I have to do as a landlord to see if someone if suitable as a tenant?

Check which adults will use your property as their main home (your ‘tenants’).

Check your tenant's right to rent

Who you have to check

You must check that a tenant or lodger can legally rent your residential property in England.

Check with the Home Office if the tenant is a Commonwealth citizen but does not have the right documents - they might still have the right to rent in the UK.

Before the start of a new tenancy, you must check all tenants aged 18 and over, even if:

they’re not named on the tenancy agreement

there’s no tenancy agreement

the tenancy agreement is not in writing

Check all new tenants. It’s against the law to only check people you think are not British citizens. You must not discriminate against anyone because of where they’re from.

Sign up for email updates about the right to rent policy.

If the tenant is only allowed to stay in the UK for a limited time, you need to do the check in the 28 days before the start of the tenancy.

You do not need to check tenants in these types of accommodation:

social housing

a care home, hospice or hospital

a hostel or refuge

a mobile home

student accommodation

You also do not need to check tenants if they live in accommodation that:

is provided by a local authority

is provided as part of their job (known as ‘tied accommodation’)

has a lease that’s 7 years or longer

Read the code of practice to find out if you need to do any other checks instead.

How to do a check

Because of coronavirus (COVID-19) there are temporary changes to the way you can check documents. Read guidance about the adjusted process, including asking for documents digitally, making checks on a video call, and what to do if someone cannot provide any accepted documents.

Ask them for original documents that prove they can live in the UK.

Check their documents to see if they have the right to rent your property.

Check that each tenant’s documents are genuine and belong to them, with the tenant present.

Make and keep copies of the documents and record the date you made the check.

You can get an unlimited fine or be sent to prison for renting your property to someone who is not allowed to stay in England.

Checking EU, EEA and Swiss citizens

Right to rent checks continue in the same way as now until 30 June 2021 for citizens of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

Continue checking their passport or national identity card as before. For family members of citizens of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, follow the usual guidance for documents you can accept for right to rent checks.

You cannot insist that citizens of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein show that they have settled status or pre-settled status when starting a new tenancy before 1 July. You can however ask if they have settled or pre-settled status, and whether they want to use this instead of a passport or identity card.

If the tenancy starts on or after 1 July 2021 but you check their right to rent before this, you can still use their passport or national identity card.

Check if the property is used as the tenant’s main home

A property would usually be a tenant’s only or main home if:

they live there most of the time

they keep most of their belongings there

their partner or children live with them

they’re registered to vote at the property

they’re registered with the doctor using that address

Check their original documents

You need to check that:

the documents are originals and belong to the tenant

their permission to stay in the UK has not ended

the photos on the documents are of the tenant

the dates of birth are the same in all documents (and are believable)

the documents are not too damaged or do not look like they’ve been changed

if any names are different on documents, there are supporting documents to show why, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree

If the tenant does not have the right documents

You must use the landlord’s checking service to check whether the tenant’s allowed to rent without the right documents if:

the Home Office has their documents

they have an outstanding case or appeal with the Home Office

the Home Office told them they have ‘permission to rent’

You’ll get an answer within 2 working days.

You’ll need the tenant’s Home Office reference number to use the service.

Do not rent a property to someone in England if they do not have the right documents and the landlord’s checking service tells you they are not allowed to rent.

Get help with a check

Call the landlord’s helpline to get help with a check.

You must follow the landlord’s code of practice on illegal immigrants and private rented accommodation.

Making copies of the documents

When you copy the documents:

make a copy that cannot be changed, such as a photocopy or a good quality photograph

for passports, copy every page with the expiry date or applicant’s details (such as nationality, date of birth and photograph), including endorsements, for example a work visa or Certificate of Entitlement to the right of abode in the UK

copy both sides of biometric residence permits

make a complete copy of all other documents

record the date you made the copy

Keep copies of the tenant’s documents for the time they’re your tenants and for one year after.

Make sure you follow data protection law.

If your tenant does not have any documents, you must check if they’re allowed to rent your property.

Follow-up checks

You must do a follow-up check to make sure your tenant can still rent property in the UK if there’s a time limit on their permission to stay.

You can get a fine if you do not do a follow-up check and your tenant’s permission to stay ends.

Do the follow-up check just before the date that’s the later of:

the end of your tenant’s permission to stay in the UK

12 months after your previous check

You do not have to do a follow-up check if there’s no time limit on your tenant’s permission to stay in the UK.

If your tenant fails a follow-up check

You must tell the Home Office if you find out that your tenant can no longer legally rent property in England after doing a follow-up check.

You could be fined or sent to prison for up to 5 years if your tenant fails a follow-up check and you do not report it to the Home Office.

Agents and subletting

You can ask any agents that manage or let your property to carry out the check for you. You should have this agreement in writing.

If a tenant sub-lets the property without you knowing, they’re responsible for carrying out checks on any sub-tenants. They will be liable for any civil penalties if they do not do the check correctly.

Ask them for original documents that prove they can live in the UK.

Check your tenant's right to rent

Who you have to check

You must check that a tenant or lodger can legally rent your residential property in England.

Before the start of a new tenancy, you must check all tenants aged 18 and over, even if:

they’re not named on the tenancy agreement

there’s no tenancy agreement

the tenancy agreement is not in writing

Sign up for email updates about the right to rent policy.

You do not need to check tenants in these types of accommodation:

social housing

a care home, hospice or hospital

a hostel or refuge

a mobile home

student accommodation

You also do not need to check tenants if they live in accommodation that:

is provided by a local authority

is provided as part of their job (known as ‘tied accommodation’)

has a lease that’s 7 years or longer

Read the code of practice to find out if you need to do any other checks instead.

How to do a check

Check which adults will use your property as their main home (your ‘tenants’).

Check their documents to see if they have the right to rent your property.

Check that each tenant’s documents are genuine and belong to them, with the tenant present.

Make and keep copies of the documents and record the date you made the check.

You can get an unlimited fine or be sent to prison for renting your property to someone who is not allowed to stay in England.

Checking EU, EEA and Swiss citizens

Check if the property is used as the tenant’s main home

A property would usually be a tenant’s only or main home if:

they live there most of the time

they keep most of their belongings there

their partner or children live with them

they’re registered to vote at the property

they’re registered with the doctor using that address

Check their original documents

You need to check that:

the documents are originals and belong to the tenant

their permission to stay in the UK has not ended

the photos on the documents are of the tenant

the dates of birth are the same in all documents (and are believable)

the documents are not too damaged or do not look like they’ve been changed

if any names are different on documents, there are supporting documents to show why, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree

If the tenant does not have the right documents

You must use the landlord’s checking service to check whether the tenant’s allowed to rent without the right documents if:

the Home Office has their documents

they have an outstanding case or appeal with the Home Office

the Home Office told them they have ‘permission to rent’

You’ll get an answer within 2 working days.

You’ll need the tenant’s Home Office reference number to use the service.

Get help with a check

Call the landlord’s helpline to get help with a check.

You must follow the landlord’s code of practice on illegal immigrants and private rented accommodation.

Making copies of the documents

When you copy the documents:

make a copy that cannot be changed, such as a photocopy or a good quality photograph

copy both sides of biometric residence permits

make a complete copy of all other documents

record the date you made the copy

Keep copies of the tenant’s documents for the time they’re your tenants and for one year after.

Make sure you follow data protection law.

If your tenant does not have any documents, you must check if they’re allowed to rent your property.

Follow-up checks

You can get a fine if you do not do a follow-up check and your tenant’s permission to stay ends.

Do the follow-up check just before the date that’s the later of:

the end of your tenant’s permission to stay in the UK

12 months after your previous check

You do not have to do a follow-up check if there’s no time limit on your tenant’s permission to stay in the UK.

If your tenant fails a follow-up check

You could be fined or sent to prison for up to 5 years if your tenant fails a follow-up check and you do not report it to the Home Office.

Agents and subletting

You can ask any agents that manage or let your property to carry out the check for you. You should have this agreement in writing.

Check their documents to see if they have the right to rent your property.

Check your tenant's right to rent

Who you have to check

You must check that a tenant or lodger can legally rent your residential property in England.

Before the start of a new tenancy, you must check all tenants aged 18 and over, even if:

they’re not named on the tenancy agreement

there’s no tenancy agreement

the tenancy agreement is not in writing

Sign up for email updates about the right to rent policy.

If the tenant is only allowed to stay in the UK for a limited time, you need to do the check in the 28 days before the start of the tenancy.

You do not need to check tenants in these types of accommodation:

social housing

a care home, hospice or hospital

a hostel or refuge

a mobile home

student accommodation

You also do not need to check tenants if they live in accommodation that:

is provided by a local authority

is provided as part of their job (known as ‘tied accommodation’)

has a lease that’s 7 years or longer

Read the code of practice to find out if you need to do any other checks instead.

How to do a check

Check which adults will use your property as their main home (your ‘tenants’).

Ask them for original documents that prove they can live in the UK.

Check that each tenant’s documents are genuine and belong to them, with the tenant present.

Make and keep copies of the documents and record the date you made the check.

You can get an unlimited fine or be sent to prison for renting your property to someone who is not allowed to stay in England.

Checking EU, EEA and Swiss citizens

Check if the property is used as the tenant’s main home

A property would usually be a tenant’s only or main home if:

they live there most of the time

they keep most of their belongings there

their partner or children live with them

they’re registered to vote at the property

they’re registered with the doctor using that address

Check their original documents

You need to check that:

the documents are originals and belong to the tenant

their permission to stay in the UK has not ended

the photos on the documents are of the tenant

the dates of birth are the same in all documents (and are believable)

the documents are not too damaged or do not look like they’ve been changed

if any names are different on documents, there are supporting documents to show why, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree

If the tenant does not have the right documents

You must use the landlord’s checking service to check whether the tenant’s allowed to rent without the right documents if:

the Home Office has their documents

they have an outstanding case or appeal with the Home Office

the Home Office told them they have ‘permission to rent’

You’ll get an answer within 2 working days.

You’ll need the tenant’s Home Office reference number to use the service.

Get help with a check

Call the landlord’s helpline to get help with a check.

You must follow the landlord’s code of practice on illegal immigrants and private rented accommodation.

Making copies of the documents

When you copy the documents:

make a copy that cannot be changed, such as a photocopy or a good quality photograph

copy both sides of biometric residence permits

make a complete copy of all other documents

record the date you made the copy

Keep copies of the tenant’s documents for the time they’re your tenants and for one year after.

Make sure you follow data protection law.

If your tenant does not have any documents, you must check if they’re allowed to rent your property.

Follow-up checks

You can get a fine if you do not do a follow-up check and your tenant’s permission to stay ends.

Do the follow-up check just before the date that’s the later of:

the end of your tenant’s permission to stay in the UK

12 months after your previous check

You do not have to do a follow-up check if there’s no time limit on your tenant’s permission to stay in the UK.

If your tenant fails a follow-up check

You must tell the Home Office if you find out that your tenant can no longer legally rent property in England after doing a follow-up check.

You could be fined or sent to prison for up to 5 years if your tenant fails a follow-up check and you do not report it to the Home Office.

Agents and subletting

You can ask any agents that manage or let your property to carry out the check for you. You should have this agreement in writing.

Check that each tenant’s documents are genuine and belong to them, with the tenant present.

Check your tenant's right to rent

Who you have to check

You must check that a tenant or lodger can legally rent your residential property in England.

Before the start of a new tenancy, you must check all tenants aged 18 and over, even if:

they’re not named on the tenancy agreement

there’s no tenancy agreement

the tenancy agreement is not in writing

Sign up for email updates about the right to rent policy.

If the tenant is only allowed to stay in the UK for a limited time, you need to do the check in the 28 days before the start of the tenancy.

You do not need to check tenants in these types of accommodation:

social housing

a care home, hospice or hospital

a hostel or refuge

a mobile home

student accommodation

You also do not need to check tenants if they live in accommodation that:

is provided by a local authority

is provided as part of their job (known as ‘tied accommodation’)

has a lease that’s 7 years or longer

Read the code of practice to find out if you need to do any other checks instead.

How to do a check

Check which adults will use your property as their main home (your ‘tenants’).

Ask them for original documents that prove they can live in the UK.

Check their documents to see if they have the right to rent your property.

Make and keep copies of the documents and record the date you made the check.

You can get an unlimited fine or be sent to prison for renting your property to someone who is not allowed to stay in England.

Checking EU, EEA and Swiss citizens

Check if the property is used as the tenant’s main home

A property would usually be a tenant’s only or main home if:

they live there most of the time

they keep most of their belongings there

their partner or children live with them

they’re registered to vote at the property

they’re registered with the doctor using that address

Check their original documents

You need to check that:

the documents are originals and belong to the tenant

their permission to stay in the UK has not ended

the photos on the documents are of the tenant

the dates of birth are the same in all documents (and are believable)

the documents are not too damaged or do not look like they’ve been changed

if any names are different on documents, there are supporting documents to show why, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree

If the tenant does not have the right documents

You must use the landlord’s checking service to check whether the tenant’s allowed to rent without the right documents if:

the Home Office has their documents

they have an outstanding case or appeal with the Home Office

the Home Office told them they have ‘permission to rent’

You’ll get an answer within 2 working days.

You’ll need the tenant’s Home Office reference number to use the service.

Get help with a check

Call the landlord’s helpline to get help with a check.

You must follow the landlord’s code of practice on illegal immigrants and private rented accommodation.

Making copies of the documents

When you copy the documents:

make a copy that cannot be changed, such as a photocopy or a good quality photograph

copy both sides of biometric residence permits

make a complete copy of all other documents

record the date you made the copy

Keep copies of the tenant’s documents for the time they’re your tenants and for one year after.

Make sure you follow data protection law.

If your tenant does not have any documents, you must check if they’re allowed to rent your property.

Follow-up checks

You can get a fine if you do not do a follow-up check and your tenant’s permission to stay ends.

Do the follow-up check just before the date that’s the later of:

the end of your tenant’s permission to stay in the UK

12 months after your previous check

You do not have to do a follow-up check if there’s no time limit on your tenant’s permission to stay in the UK.

If your tenant fails a follow-up check

You must tell the Home Office if you find out that your tenant can no longer legally rent property in England after doing a follow-up check.

You could be fined or sent to prison for up to 5 years if your tenant fails a follow-up check and you do not report it to the Home Office.

Agents and subletting

You can ask any agents that manage or let your property to carry out the check for you. You should have this agreement in writing.

Make and keep copies of the documents and record the date you made the check.

Check your tenant's right to rent

Who you have to check

You must check that a tenant or lodger can legally rent your residential property in England.

Before the start of a new tenancy, you must check all tenants aged 18 and over, even if:

they’re not named on the tenancy agreement

there’s no tenancy agreement

the tenancy agreement is not in writing

Sign up for email updates about the right to rent policy.

If the tenant is only allowed to stay in the UK for a limited time, you need to do the check in the 28 days before the start of the tenancy.

You do not need to check tenants in these types of accommodation:

social housing

a care home, hospice or hospital

a hostel or refuge

a mobile home

student accommodation

You also do not need to check tenants if they live in accommodation that:

is provided by a local authority

is provided as part of their job (known as ‘tied accommodation’)

has a lease that’s 7 years or longer

Read the code of practice to find out if you need to do any other checks instead.

How to do a check

Check which adults will use your property as their main home (your ‘tenants’).

Ask them for original documents that prove they can live in the UK.

Check their documents to see if they have the right to rent your property.

Check that each tenant’s documents are genuine and belong to them, with the tenant present.

Make and keep copies of the documents and record the date you made the check.

You can get an unlimited fine or be sent to prison for renting your property to someone who is not allowed to stay in England.

Checking EU, EEA and Swiss citizens

Check if the property is used as the tenant’s main home

A property would usually be a tenant’s only or main home if:

they live there most of the time

they keep most of their belongings there

their partner or children live with them

they’re registered to vote at the property

they’re registered with the doctor using that address

Check their original documents

You need to check that:

the documents are originals and belong to the tenant

their permission to stay in the UK has not ended

the photos on the documents are of the tenant

the dates of birth are the same in all documents (and are believable)

the documents are not too damaged or do not look like they’ve been changed

if any names are different on documents, there are supporting documents to show why, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree

If the tenant does not have the right documents

You must use the landlord’s checking service to check whether the tenant’s allowed to rent without the right documents if:

the Home Office has their documents

they have an outstanding case or appeal with the Home Office

the Home Office told them they have ‘permission to rent’

You’ll get an answer within 2 working days.

You’ll need the tenant’s Home Office reference number to use the service.

Get help with a check

Call the landlord’s helpline to get help with a check.

You must follow the landlord’s code of practice on illegal immigrants and private rented accommodation.

Making copies of the documents

When you copy the documents:

make a copy that cannot be changed, such as a photocopy or a good quality photograph

copy both sides of biometric residence permits

make a complete copy of all other documents

record the date you made the copy

Keep copies of the tenant’s documents for the time they’re your tenants and for one year after.

Make sure you follow data protection law.

If your tenant does not have any documents, you must check if they’re allowed to rent your property.

Follow-up checks

You can get a fine if you do not do a follow-up check and your tenant’s permission to stay ends.

Do the follow-up check just before the date that’s the later of:

the end of your tenant’s permission to stay in the UK

12 months after your previous check

You do not have to do a follow-up check if there’s no time limit on your tenant’s permission to stay in the UK.

If your tenant fails a follow-up check

You must tell the Home Office if you find out that your tenant can no longer legally rent property in England after doing a follow-up check.

You could be fined or sent to prison for up to 5 years if your tenant fails a follow-up check and you do not report it to the Home Office.

Agents and subletting

You can ask any agents that manage or let your property to carry out the check for you. You should have this agreement in writing.