R-1 Religious Worker Visa
(Nonimmigrant visa for members of legitimate religious organizations)

Definition of R1 Visa:

The R-1 visa is a non-immigrant category that applies to an alien entering the U.S. to perform the duties of a religious worker. The term ‘religious occupation’ refers to a habitual participation in an activity that links to a traditional religious meaning. To be eligible to receive a R1 religious visa, the applicant must be a minister of religion, or working in a professional capacity, either in a religious occupation or vocation.

The R-1 visa holder is authorized to work temporarily in the US:

• As a minister of a religious group or community,
• As a professional in a religious vocations, including liturgical workers, catechists, religious translators, missionaries, religious instructors or cantors, workers in religious hospitals or religious broadcasters, OR
• For a bona fide non-profit, religious organization in the United States.

One can enjoy the following benefits on R-1 Visa:

On R-1 religious visa, an individual can:

• participate in full time study in the country,
• travel freely in and out of the US during the valid visa period,
• accept payment for services carried out,
• apply for lawful permanent resident status (“Green Card”).

A person stay in the USA on R-1 visa is eligible to change his/her employers. The new organization seeking to recruit the person must file a new Petition for a Nonimmigrant worker (Form I-129) with the USCIS and obtain approval.

Applying for R1 Visa:

If the applicant resides outside the United States, the R-1 visa application is submitted to the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy (See U.S. Embassy & Consulate Website Locator page) . If visa excused, the applicant can apply at a port of entry. As part of the visa application procedures, the applicant is required to attend an interview at the consulate. If the R1 visa applicant resides inside the US, the religious community must submit Form I-129 with USCIS for a change of status, change of employment, or extension of stay.

Documents required for applying the visa:

While applying for R-1 religious worker visa, the documents required include:

• Completed Form I-129 with supporting documents;
• Evidence that the applicant is working as a minister of religion, in a religious occupation, or for a bona fide non-profit religious community;
• Certificates that show the applicant has been a member of the religious group for at least two years prior to the visa application;
• Proof of the contract from the U.S. employer;
• IRS-supplied proof of the tax-exempt status of the religious organization in the U.S.;
• Proof that the applicant is eligible for the work designated in the United States;
• Credentials showing arrangements for financial support.