R-1 Religious Worker Visa
Nonimmigrant visa for foreign nationals coming to the United States to work in a religious vocation or occupation for a qualifying religious organization.
5,330
Visas Issued FY2023
Up to 5 years
Maximum Duration
Religious vocation
Requirement
What is the R-1 Visa?
The R-1 visa is designed for foreign nationals who are members of a religious denomination and are coming to the U.S. to work temporarily as ministers or in a religious vocation or occupation at a qualifying religious organization. Applicants must have been members of the religious denomination for at least 2 years before filing and must be coming to work for a bona fide nonprofit religious organization in the United States.
Eligibility Requirements
Application Process
Religious organization files Form I-129 petition with R-1 classification supplement
USCIS conducts a site visit to verify the organization's legitimacy
Upon petition approval, worker applies for R-1 visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate
Attend visa interview with evidence of religious membership and qualifications
Enter the U.S. and begin work at the sponsoring religious organization
Duration of Stay
Up to 30 months, extendable to a maximum of 5 years
Frequently Asked Questions
QWhat qualifies as a religious vocation or occupation?
A religious vocation is a calling to religious life, such as nuns, monks, or religious brothers and sisters. A religious occupation is a position that relates to a traditional religious function, such as liturgical workers, religious instructors, counselors, cantors, catechists, or workers in religious hospitals or charitable organizations. The role must be connected to the religious mission of the organization.
QCan R-1 visa holders apply for a Green Card?
Yes, R-1 visa holders can apply for permanent residency through the EB-4 Special Immigrant Religious Worker category. The religious organization must file Form I-360, and the worker must have been in religious work for at least 2 years. This provides a direct path from R-1 status to a Green Card.
QDoes USCIS conduct site visits for R-1 petitions?
Yes, USCIS routinely conducts unannounced site visits to verify the legitimacy of the petitioning religious organization and the bona fide nature of the job offer. The site visit may occur before or after the petition is approved. Failure to cooperate with a site visit can result in petition denial or revocation.
Related Visa Types
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Work visa for professionals in specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree or higher.
O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa
Visa for individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement in their field.
U.S. Permanent Resident Card
Permanent residency in the United States, granting the right to live and work permanently.
Related Immigration Forms
Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker
Filed by U.S. employers to petition for a foreign worker to come to or remain in the U.S. temporarily in a nonimmigrant worker classification.
Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
Required online application for all nonimmigrant visa applicants at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.
Arrival/Departure Record
Documents a traveler's arrival and authorized stay period in the United States.
Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
Filed by individuals already in the U.S. to adjust their status to permanent resident (Green Card).
Coming to the U.S. for religious work?
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