R1 Visa

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

1. What is R-1 religious worker visa?

The R-1 religious worker visa is a nonimmigrant visa which allows foreign nationals in religious occupations to enter into the U.S. and perform the duties of a religious worker.

2. Who is eligible for R-1 visa?

You must be a foreign national who, for at least the two years immediately preceding the time of application for admission, have been a member of a religious denomination having a bona fide nonprofit religious organization in the U.S.

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3. How can I qualify as religious worker for R-1 visa?

To qualify for R-1 visa, you must be one of the following:

  1. Minister of religion
  2. Working in a professional capacity, either in a religious vocation or occupation
  3. Other religious worker working in a religious occupation or in a religious vocation

4. What privileges do I enjoy on R-1 visa?

On R-1 visa, you may:

  1. Engage in full time study in the U.S.
  2. Travel freely in and out of the U.S.
  3. Receive payment for services performed
  4. Apply for Green Card
  5. Apply for R-2 dependent visa for your spouse and unmarried children below 21 years

5. What are the limitations of R-1 visa?

On R-1 visa, you may:

  1. Receive payment only from the religious organization through which the status was obtained
  2. Take your dependents with you to the U.S. but they may not work

6. How long can I stay in the U.S. on R-1 religious worker visa?

You may stay in the U.S. on R-1 religious worker visa along with your spouse, and unmarried children under 21 years of age for an initial period of up to 30 months.

7. Can I extend my stay on R-1 visa?

Yes, you may use Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, to apply for extension of stay.Extension may be authorized for a period of up to 30 months. Your total period of stay may not exceed five years.

8. Can I study on R-1 religious worker visa?

Yes, you may engage in full time study on R-1 visa.

9. Can I change employers on R-1 religious worker visa?

Yes, you may change employers on R-1 visa. The new organization seeking to employ you must file a new Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant worker, with the USCIS and have it approved.

10. Are there any travel restrictions on R-1 religious workers visa?

No, there are no travel restrictions on R-1 religious workers visa. You may travel freely in and out of the U.S. during the validity of your visa.

11. What are the documents required for R-1 visa?

The documents required for R-1 visa are:

  1. Filled in Form I-129 nonimmigrant visa application with supporting documents
  2. Proof that you are working as a minister of religion, or in a religious vocation or occupation, for a bona-fide, non-profit religious organization or denomination that is exempt from taxation
  3. Proof that you have been a member of the religious organization for at least two years prior to your application
  4. A contract from the employer in the U.S proof, such as bank statements, that the employer is able to support the applicant above the poverty line
  5. Recommendation letters to further support your case
  6. IRS-supplied proof of the tax-exempt status of the religious organization in the U.S.
  7. Evidence that you are qualified for the work designated in the U.S.
  8. Documents showing arrangements for financial support.

12. Can I apply for Green Card while on R-1 status?

Yes, you may apply for Green Card. 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

13. What type of visa will my dependents require?

You may apply for R-2 visa for your spouse and unmarried children below 21 years.

14. Can my dependents study on R-2 visa?

Yes, your dependents may engage in full time study in the U.S.

15. Can my dependents work on R-2 visa?

No, your dependents may not work on R-2 visa.