R-1 Religious Workers Visa
R-1 Immigration Visa Explained
The R-1 visa allows aliens in certain religious occupations to enter the
United States temporarily to perform the duties of a religious worker
with a bona fide non-profit religious organization. The alien may work
in a professional capacity, in a specific religious occupation, or in
a religious vocation provided that the alien was a member of the particular
religious denomination for the two years preceding the application for
an R-1 visa.
Advantages
Employment
The R visa holder is permitted to work in the United States in a religious
occupation for a temporary period.
Duration
The R visa is granted initially for a period of three years. Upon expiration
of the initial visa, an extension can be obtained for another two years
for a total not to exceed five years.
Earnings
The R-1 visa holder can earn any amount of money as a salary without limitations
imposed by labor conditions applications.
Dependents
Spouses of R-1 visa holders and children under 21 years of age may be entitled
to remain in the United States for the duration of the R-1 visa holder's
authorized stay. They are issued R-2 visas.
Change of Employers
R-1 visa holders may change employers without leaving the United States
provided the new position qualifies the alien for R-1 status and a new
nonfrivolous petition is filed.
Travel
Unless the R-1 visa holder has the visa stamped in their passport, they
may not leave and reenter the United States without first obtaining the
visa stamp at a U.S. Embassy abroad.
Requirements
Professional Capacity
Occupations for which a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent is required.
Religious Occupation
An activity pertaining to a religious function such as:
- Liturgical worker
- Religious instructor
- Religious counselor
- Cantor
- Catechist
- Worker in a religious hospital
- Missionary
- Religious translator
- Religious broadcaster
Religious Vocation
A calling to religious life evidenced by a committed practice in the denomination,
such as taking vows, including:
- Priests
- Nuns
- Monks
- Ministers
Limitations
Dependents Cannot Work
Accompanying spouses and children of R-1 visa holders are not permitted
to work while in the U.S. on R-2 status.
If you have questions about R-1 visas for religious workers, our immigration
attorneys at Maney | Gordon | Zeller, P.A. are prepared to help.
Contact us today at
(800) 708-4399 for a personalized consultation!
