R-1 Religious Visa

The R-1 visa allows foreign religious workers, including ministers and certain others in religious vocations,  to work in the U.S. for non-profit religious organizations.

To qualify, 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 two years immediately before filing the petition.

How do I apply for a Religious Worker Visa?

You can apply for an R-1 visa from either outside the U.S. or from inside the U.S.:

• • Applying from Outside the United states

    The applicant must have an approved petition from a qualifying organization in the U.S. The religious worker’s visa is then processed through the U.S. consulate in the applicant’s country of residence. Once the R-1 visa is issued, the religious worker may travel to the US and begin work with the religious organization.

  • Applying from Inside the united states

    An applicant in the U.S. in valid non-immigrant status may apply for change of status to an R-1 visa in the U.S. This process also requires an approved petition from a qualifying U.S. organization. Timing is extremely important in such petitions, so trust one of our experienced Atlanta immigration attorneys to help in your case.

How long is an R-1 Visa valid?

USCIS may grant R-1 status for up to 30 months. Subsequent extensions may be granted for up to an additional 30 months. The religious worker’s total period of stay in the United States in R-1 classification cannot exceed five years (60 months).

Can I work with an R-1 Visa?

Yes, but only with the religious organization that is sponsoring you. For example, an R-1 visa holder who wanted to change employers would require a new petition, even if the new employer is also a religious organization.