The R-1 Visa is a nonimmigrant visa issued to individuals who wish to come to the United States temporarily to be employed in a religious capacity, such as a minister, vocation or occupation at least part time (average of at least 20 hours per week) by a non-profit religious organization in the United States; or a religious organization that is authorized by a group tax exemption holder to use its group tax exemption; or a non-profit religious organization which is affiliated with a religious denomination in the United States.
More specifically, in order to be eligible for the R-1 Religious Worker Visa, the foreign national must demonstrate that he or she:
Authorized Stay under the R-1 Visa
The R Visa may be issued for an initial validity period of 3 years, and if deem necessary, may file for a Form I-129 extension petition for 2 more years, for a total period of 5 years. However, if the R-1 beneficiary wishes to stay beyond the 5-year limit, considering that the offer for the religious occupation still exists, he/she must reside outside the U.S. for 1 year in order to be eligible for a reboot of R-1 visa again.
Dependents of the R-1 Visa
Spouse and unmarried minor children of the R-1 visa holder may be issued the R-2 visa, which would allow them to accompany the principal applicant to the United States. This nonimmigrant status will grant them the same validity of stay as issued to the R-1 visa holder.
**Please call our office for immediate assistance on your visa requirements.