The R-1 Religious Worker Visa

The R-1 Religious Worker Visa

The R-1 Visa –Temporary Nonimmigrant Religious Workers

1)    What is the R-1 Visa?

The R-1 Visa is a temporary nonimmigrant religious workers visa which allows  a foreign national to come to the United States temporarily to be employed by a non-profit religious organization within the United States for a period not exceeding five years.

2)    What are the requirements for the R-1 Visa?

Several requirements:

• The foreign national must have been a member of a religious denomination having a bona fide non-profit religious organization in the United States for at least 2 years immediately before the filing of the petition.
  
• Work at least part-time of an average 20 hours per week.
  
• The non-profit be a religious organization or be affiliated with a religious denomination in the United States.
  
• Work as a minister, or in a religious vocation or occupation.
  
• Come to the United States at the request of the petitioner to work for the petitioner. 
  

3)    What are the necessary forms or documents to file for a R-1 Visa?

A Form I-129 Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker to request an initial admission of R-1 status must be filed by a prospective or U.S. Employer. The I-129 Form must be approved by USCIS before it is issued at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad.

4)    What evidence related to R-1 Visa?

• Documents required by the Religious organization:
  
• Proof of tax-exempt status
  
• Proof of salaried and non-salaried compensation
  
• Documents required by the Religious worker:
  
• Proof of membership of a religious denomination 
  
• If working as a minister, copy of ordination and acceptance of qualification as a minister in the religious denomination.
  
• Proof of previous R-1 employment (for extension)
  

---

This information is made possibly by USCIS and the team at Karim Law. You must always consult a licensed immigration attorney regarding your immigration matters, especially a R-1 Visa. Our experienced and competent team can help make the process much easier for you. Contact us here or call us at (480)-626-0641.