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Tier 2 (Minister of Religion)

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How to switch in to the minister of religion category

This page explains what immigration categories you can switch from in to the minister of religion category (Tier 2 Ministers of religion) of the points-based system to work in the United Kingdom if you are already in the United Kingdom.

The categories you can switch from

You can switch in to the minister of religion category from the immigration categories below:

  • highly skilled worker (tier 1);
  • sponsored skilled worker (tier 2);
  • student;
  • student nurse, but only if your certificate of sponsorship shows that you are being sponsored to work as a nurse, doctor, or dentist;
  • student re-sitting an examination;
  • person writing up a thesis;
  • overseas qualified nurse or midwife;
  • postgraduate doctor or dentist, but only if your certificate of sponsorship shows that you have been sponsored to work as a nurse, doctor or dentist;
  • student union sabbatical officer;
  • qualifying work permit holder;
  • Highly Skilled Migrant;
  • a participant in the International Graduate Scheme (formerly known as the Science and Engineering Graduate Scheme);
  • a representative of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation;
    a participant in Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme;
  • minister of religion, missionary or member of a religious order;
  • member of the operational ground staff of an overseas-owned airline;
    innovator;
  • a Jewish agency employee.

If you are not in any of these categories, you must leave the United Kingdom and apply as a new application at your local entry clearance post.

See also

Do it online

Terms explained

  • Resident labour market test

    This is the process an employer must follow before employing a person who is not a permanent resident of the United Kingdom if he/she is first required to show that no resident worker could be found to take a job.

  • Shortage occupations

    Specific types of work that have been officially listed as ones for which there are not enough resident workers to fill available jobs. Employers who wish to hire a worker from outside the European Economic Area to fill a vacancy that is on a list of shortage occupations may do so without carrying out a resident labour market test.

All glossary terms

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