OVERVIEW

The R-1 Visa enables religious workers to temporarily enter the United States to work as a minister or in a professional capacity in a religious vocation or occupation. A religious vocation is defined as a calling to religious life, shown by a demonstration of a lifelong commitment; for instance, taking vows. Nuns, monks, and religious brothers and sisters are examples of religious workers. A religious occupation is defined as a continual engagement in an activity related to a traditional religious function. This definition includes liturgical workers, religious instructors or cantors, catechists, workers in religious hospitals, missionaries, religious translators and religious broadcasters. To qualify for R status, the foreign national must be able to prove that for the two years preceding the filing of the visa application they have been a member of a religious denomination having a bonafide non-profit, religious organization in the U.S. The spouse and/or unmarried children under 21 years of age of the applicant may be granted derivative status to enter the U.S. in R-2 status. Persons in R-2 status are not authorized to work while in the U.S., but may attend school.

STEPS

A foreign national should apply for an R-1 Visa at the U.S. Consulate, Consular Office or U.S. Embassy having jurisdiction over your permanent residence.

DOCUMENTS

To apply for an R-1 Visa, the following documents are required:

1. A completed visa application Form DS-156.
2. Form DS-157 is required in certain instances (some Consulates require a DS-157 for each person).
3. One recent photograph 1 & 1/2 inches square (37mm x 37mm) of each applicant, with the entire face visible. The picture should be taken before a light background and without head covering.
4. A passport, valid for travel to the United States for at least six months.
5. Evidence of the applicant's religious vocation and occupation.
6. A letter from an authorized official of the employing organization certifying the applicant's position in that organization, and giving a brief description of the nature of the organization.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

LEGAL SOURCES

HELPFUL LINKS

1. USCIS Fact Sheet: USCIS Proposes Revisions for Religious Worker Visa Classifications (April 19, 2007)
2. DHS Proposed Rule for Special Immigrant and NonImmigrant Religious Workers (April 25, 2007)