To make an application under the Minister of Religion category you must have a sponsor and a valid certificate of sponsorship. Points will be awarded on the basis of certificate of sponsorship, English Language requirements and maintenance. You can make an application to move into this category if you are:

1.      Applying for an entry clearance and meet the requirements under this category.

2.      Already in the United Kingdom with permission to leave and able to move into the category.

3.      Already in the UK under this category and wish to extend their leave.

As a Tier 2 (Minister of Religion), you can stay in the United Kingdom for a maximum of 3 years plus one month or the time given on your certificate of sponsorship. The same rules applies when applying from the United Kingdom but you are given an additional 14 days instead of the 1 month.

The time frame changes when you make an extension under the category and you are given 2 years further extension or the time on the certificate of sponsorship including the 14 days.

If you are currently in the United Kingdom under the old 'ministers of religion, missionaries and members of religious orders' category and you want to extend your stay, you can apply under the transitional arrangements for permission to stay for a time that takes you to five years in the United Kingdom. For example, if you have been here for two-and-a-half years with permission as a work permit holder or under the transitional arrangements, you can apply for a further two-and-a-half years permission to stay.

If this means that you would get permission to stay for less than a further two years, you can apply for permission to stay for two years instead. For example, if you have been here for four years with permission as a minister of religion, missionary, member of a religious order or under the transitional arrangements, you can apply for a further two years permission to stay.

You may apply for settlement once you have been here for five years. If you do not apply for settlement, you must apply under the points-based system and make a new application.