Religious Workers
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Are you a religious worker looking to temporarily come to the United States to work in your field? If so, the R-1 visa might be a good option for you! This nonimmigrant visa allows individuals like you to work in a full-time, compensated position as a minister or in a religious vocation or occupation in the United States. As long as you’re a member of a religious denomination and have training or experience in your field, you may be eligible for an R-1 visa. Just keep in mind that this visa is only for temporary work in the United States, and does not lead to permanent residence.
U.S. Business Visitor Visa Benefits
The R-1 visa allows religious workers to temporarily live and work in the United States in a full-time, compensated position as a minister or in a religious vocation or occupation. Some specific benefits of the R-1 visa include:
- The ability to work in the United States in a full-time, compensated position as a religious worker
- The ability to bring your spouse and children (unmarried and under 21) to the United States with you, as long as they meet certain requirements
- The ability to apply for a Social Security number and work authorization
- The ability to travel in and out of the United States while the R-1 visa is valid
It’s important to note that the R-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa, which means that it is intended for temporary stays in the United States. R-1 visa holders are not eligible for permanent residence in the United States. If you wish to immigrate to the United States on a permanent basis as a religious worker, you may be able to do so through the EB-4 visa category for “Special Immigrants.”
General Requirements for a Religious Visa to the U.S.
To qualify for an R-1 visa, you must:
- Have been a member of a religious denomination that has a non-profit religious organization in the United States for at least the two years immediately preceding the application
- Seek to enter the United States solely to work in a full-time, compensated position as a minister or in a religious vocation or occupation
- Have been trained in the religious vocation, or have experience in a religious occupation
R-1 Visa Application Process
- The non-profit religious organization in the United States that will employ you must file a Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (Form I-129) with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The petition must include evidence that the organization is a non-profit religious organization, and that you meet the requirements for the R-1 visa.
- Once the petition has been approved by USCIS, you will need to complete the online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form and pay the visa application fee.
- After completing the DS-160 form and paying the fee, you will need to schedule an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. You will need to bring the following documents to your interview:
- A valid passport
- A copy of the approved Form I-129 petition
- Two passport-style photos
- Any other documents required by the embassy or consulate, such as evidence of your religious training or experience
- After your interview, the embassy or consulate will decide whether or not to grant you an R-1 visa. If your visa is approved, you will be given a stamped passport and an R-1 visa stamp.
R-1 Visa Processing Times
The processing time for an R-1 visa can vary depending on a number of factors, including the workload of the embassy or consulate where you apply and any additional security clearances that may be required. Generally, it’s a good idea to allow at least several months for the R-1 visa application process to be completed.
The first step in the R-1 visa application process is for the non-profit religious organization in the United States that will employ you to file a Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (Form I-129) with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The processing time for this step can vary, but it typically takes several weeks to several months for the petition to be approved.
After the petition has been approved, you will need to complete the online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form and schedule an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. The processing time for this step can also vary, but it typically takes several weeks to several months to schedule an interview.
After your interview, the embassy or consulate will decide whether or not to grant you an R-1 visa. The processing time for this step can vary, but it typically takes several weeks to several months for a decision to be made.
It’s important to note that the R-1 visa application process can be complex, and the processing times can vary significantly. It’s a good idea to start the process as early as possible and to consult with an experienced immigration attorney if you have any questions or need assistance.
If you have any questions about the R-1 Visa process or are ready to start your application, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We can provide you with the guidance and support you need to complete the process successfully.
👋 Book a Consultation
You can book a 30 min consultation and have an immigration lawyer advise you on your options based on your individual circumstances.
- 30 min virtual meeting
- Detailed assessment of your situation
- Discuss Immigration options
- Get specific answers to your questions
Questions? Answers.
Can I change employers while on an R-1 visa?
Yes, you are allowed to change employers while on an R-1 visa, as long as the new employer is also a non-profit religious organization and files a new petition on your behalf.
Can I bring my spouse and children with me to the United States on an R-1 visa?
Yes, you can bring your spouse and children (unmarried and under 21) with you to the United States on an R-1 visa as long as they meet certain requirements. Your spouse and children will be granted R-2 visas, which allow them to live and study in the United States while you are on an R-1 visa. They are not allowed to work while on an R-2 visa, but they may be able to apply for work authorization once they are in the United States.
Can I apply for a green card (permanent residence) while on an R-1 visa?
No, the R-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa, which means that it is intended for temporary stays in the United States. R-1 visa holders are not eligible to apply for a green card while in the United States. If you wish to apply for a green card as a religious worker, you may be able to do so through the EB-4 visa category for “Special Immigrants.”
Can I apply for an R-1 visa if I am self-employed as a religious worker?
No, the R-1 visa is only available to individuals who are coming to the United States to work in a full-time, compensated position as a minister or in a religious vocation or occupation for a non-profit religious organization in the United States. If you are self-employed as a religious worker, you may be able to apply for a different type of visa, such as the O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in their field.
Can I study while on an R-1 visa?
Yes, you are allowed to study while on an R-1 visa, as long as it is not the primary reason for your stay in the United States. If you wish to study full-time, you may need to apply for a student visa.
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