What is the R-1 religious worker visa?

The R-1 nonimmigrant visa allows members of a religious denomination to come to the United States temporarily to work in a religious vocation or occupation. Qualifying positions include ministers, priests, religious instructors, liturgical workers, and other religious occupations. The petitioning organization must be a bona fide nonprofit religious organization with tax-exempt status.

The employer files Form I-129 on behalf of the worker. USCIS requires evidence of the organization's tax-exempt status, the worker's membership and training in the denomination, and a valid job offer. USCIS conducts on-site inspections of R-1 petitioning organizations as part of fraud prevention efforts.

R-1 is initially approved for up to 30 months and can be extended to a maximum of five years. After five years, the worker must leave the US for one year before another R-1 period is possible. There is also an employment-based green card category (EB-4) for special immigrants including religious workers who have completed two years of qualifying religious work.

This is general information only, not legal advice. Consult a qualified immigration lawyer or registered migration agent for your specific situation.