R-1 Visas

Allows individuals to come to the U.S. temporarily to work as a minister, or in a religious vocation or occupation at the request of a nonprofit religious organization.

Eligibility:

To qualify for a religious worker visa, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

• No Other Work: The applicant must not engage in any other work in the U.S. while holding the visa.
• Religious Denomination: The applicant must be a member of a bona fide nonprofit religious organization in the U.S. for at least two years immediately preceding the application.
• Position: The applicant must be coming to work at least part-time as a minister or in a religious vocation or occupation.
• Employment: The applicant must work at the request of the petitioner and only in the specified religious role.

Application Process:

The U.S. organization must first file a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to obtain an approval notice. Once the approval notice is received, the individual can then apply for an R-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Duration:

The initial stay for an R-1 visa is valid for up to five years. However, the I-94 card issued upon arrival may indicate a shorter duration than the full visa period, and the date on the I-94 card governs the legal stay and work period.

Family:

• R-2 Dependent Visas:Spouses and children of R-1 visa holders can apply for R-2 visas.
• Work Restrictions:R-2 visa holders are not authorized to work in the U.S.

Adjustment of Status:

R-1 visa holders may apply for U.S. lawful permanent residence as Special Immigrant Religious Workers. The eligibility criteria for this status are similar to those for the R-1 visa, with the additional requirement that the applicant must have worked in a religious role for at least two years immediately before applying for permanent residence.