Often times, when clients and the general public think of work visas, people immediately think of visas such as the H-1B, TN, and E-2 work visas. These are all work visas for professional workers that are tailored for the private sector. However, there is also a work visa for religious workers called the R-1 Visa. This visa provides an opportunity for religious workers to share their expertise and contribute to the religious activities of the qualifying religious organization in the United States.

To qualify for the R-1 work visa, the Applicant must be coming to the United States to work in a religious capacity, such as a minister, priest, or any other type of religious occupation. Secondly, the sponsoring organization must be a bona fide, non-profit religious organization in the United States. Lastly, the Applicant should have been a member of the religious denomination for at least two years immediately preceding the filing of the petition.

If approved, the R-1 Visa holder may be granted a temporary stay of up to 30 months to work for the religious organization, and the visa may be extended for up to an additional 30 months. The R-1 Visa holder’s spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 may also accompany the R-1 visa holder to the United States.

The R-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa; thus, R-1 Visa holders are expected to maintain a non-immigrant intent which means they should not have the intention of permanently settling in the United States. However, R-1 visa holders can explore other options, such as the EB-4 permanent residency if they wish to pursue a permanent status in the United States.

Do you want to learn more about the R-1 Visa? Call our office at (915) 314-2363.