R Visa - Religious Workers
Religious workers and clergy may enter the U.S. as non-immigrants on an R-1 visa to serve local communities. This visa provides for the temporary stay of persons who will be full-time religious workers. Religious work is work of a religious nature for which the applicant has had relevant religious training. The religious work proposed must directly serve an organization's religious objectives. The law also allows for all family members of clergy to enter the United States with an R-1 visa.
Religious occupation is defined as the demonstration of a lifelong commitment to religious study or practices as is usually the case with priests, pastors, ministers, nuns, sheiks, rabbis, monks, liturgical workers, religious instructors, employees in religious hospitals, missionaries, religious translators, and the like.
Examples of religious work include:
- Providing spiritual leadership
- Conducting worship
- Teaching or guidance in religion
- Ministering, pastoral care
Sponsorship and Eligibility
In order to receive an R-1 visa, the religious order, denomination, community, or group must have a tax exempt status. Unlike other work-related visas, you are not required to provide proof of income from a church, mosque, synagogue, or other religious organization in order to receive an R-1 visa. However, the United States government may require proof that your particular religion exists.
The following documents are required for the R-1 Visa:
- A form OF-156 visa application
- One, 1 & 1/2 square inche (37mm x 37mm) photograph of each applicant that meets USCIS guidelines (entire face visible, taken before a light background, without head covering)
- A passport that will remain valid for at least six months beyond the duration of stay in the U.S.
- Proof of the religious organizations tax exempt status
- A letter from an authorized official of the United States employing organization certifying the R visa applicant’s position in this organization and the nature of the organizations services
Our immigration lawyers can assist individuals and communities interested in bringing religious clergy and workers to the U.S. We can also help document the organizations tax exempt status. Our office works with you and immigration officials in order to ensure all information is properly prepared and submitted in a timely manner.
Please contact us to start your immigration application now.