Ministers may be allowed to come to the UK. This includes anyone who preaches to their community and/or performs a pastoral role. Tier 5 will cover ministers of religion coming to the United Kingdom on a temporary basis as a religious worker in a non-pastoral role, where duties include performing religious rites, but not preaching to a congregation.
This category will replace the existing arrangements for ministers of religion and missionaries.
If you would like to enter the United Kingdom under this category you will need to obtain entry clearance and show that you have scored enough points to qualify,
Points assessment
You will need to score a pass mark of 70 points from the three sets of criteria. These are sponsorship, maintenance and English language skills.
Sponsorship
As with the rest of Tier 2 - skilled worker you will require a valid certificate of sponsorship by a sponsor licensed by the Home Office, for which you will score 50 points. More information about how sponsors can become licensed can be found in the employers and sponsors section.
If you want to come to the United Kingdom under the Minister of religion category you will need to:
- be qualified to do the job in question;
- intend to base yourself in the United Kingdom;
- will comply with the conditions of your permission to stay and leave the United Kingdom when your leave expires.
Maintenance
You must score 10 points in this category by showing that you are able to support yourself while you are in the United Kingdom. You will need to have £800 in savings that you will be able to use while in the United Kingdom. If you intend to bring dependants you will need to show you have a further £533 for each dependant.
English language skills
You must score 10 points in this category by showing that you are able to speak English to a level of English equivalent to the Council of Europe level B2.
For further information email immigrationlaw@wellerslawgroup.com or 'phone 0208 464 4242
