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Tier 2 (Minister of religion)

Image of hands clasped together in prayer.

Certificate of sponsorship

This page explains how you get points for a certificate of sponsorship to be able to apply under the minister of religion category (Tier 2 Ministers of religion) of the points-based system to work in the UK.

You must read the Tier 2 policy guidance before you apply. You can download the guidance from the right side of this page. The guidance is based on Part 6A of the Immigration Rules.

You will score 50 points if you have a certificate of sponsorship from a sponsor to be able to apply.

Your sponsor will assign a certificate of sponsorship to you if you are coming to:

  • preach or perform pastoral duties;
  • work as a missionary; or
  • work in a religious order within a community which involves a permanent commitment like a monastery or convent.

Application forms

Tier 2 policy guidance

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See also

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Terms explained

  • Certificate of sponsorship

    A 'virtual document' assigned by a licensed sponsor to a migrant who wishes to work for them in the UK. The migrant must quote the certificate of sponsorship reference number when applying for permission to enter or remain in the UK  under Tier 2 or Tier 5 of the points-based system or, where the migrant is a Croatian national, when applying for worker authorisation.

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Policy & Law