R2 Visa

The R-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa which allows the spouses and unmarried children of R-1 religious workers to enter into the U.S. and reside with their family.

To qualify for R-2 visa, you must be:

1. The spouse or unmarried child below 21 years of R-1 religious worker
2. Accompanying or joining the R-1 religious worker in the U.S.

On R-2 visa, you may:

1. Engage in full time study in the U.S.
2. Travel freely in and out of the U.S.
3. Apply for Green Card

On R-2 visa, you may not:

1. Work in the U.S.
2. Reside in the U.S. for a period longer than the principal R-1 visa holder

Your initial admission period on R-2 visa shall not exceed three years.

Yes, you may use Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker extension, to apply for extension of stay. Extension may be authorized for a period of up to two years. Your total period of stay may not exceed five years.

Yes, you may engage in full time study on R-2 visa.

No, there are no travel restrictions on R-2 visa. You may travel freely in and out of the U.S. during the validity of your R-2 visa.

In addition to all documents required for R-1 visa, you will require:

1. Your marriage registration certificate, and an original birth certificate for each child
2. Other evidence of a marital relationship, such as wedding ceremony photos. Please submit no more than 30 and please do not submit entire albums
3. Other evidence of a marital relationship, such as wedding ceremony photos. Please submit no more than 30 and please do not submit entire albums
4. Documents showing arrangements for financial support for the entire family
5. The copy of the contract between the employer and the employee in the U.S.

Yes, you may apply for Green Card while on R-2 status. To adjust status you must file:

1. Form I-360, Application for Special Immigrant and obtain approval
2. Form I-485, Application for Adjustment of Status when priority date for Form I-360 is current