What is an R-1 visa?
The R-1 visa classification permits a nonimmigrant to temporarily be employed as a minister or in a religious vocation or occupation.
REQUIREMENTS
In order to be qualify for a R-1 visa, the Foreign National must be a member of a religious denomination having a bona fide non-profit religious organization in the U.S. for at least two (2) years immediately prior to filing the petition. Other eligibility criteria include the following:
- The Foreign National must work for the employer who files the R-1 petition on their behalf; and
- The Foreign National may only work as a religious worker, no other capacity allowed.
PROCESS
After filing the petition: After filing the request for R-1 status, USCIS may conduct a site visit to the petitioner’s headquarters to verify the work location, work hours, duties, etc. An R-1 maximum stay is a total of five (5) years. Due to long delays in processing times that date pre-pandemic, it is advisable to begin the Green Card process (I-360 petition) early in five (5) year period to avoid problems.
LENTINI VISAS EXPERIENCE
Throughout the years, we have aided Religious Organizations, large and small, and Foreign Nationals in Minister and Non-Minister positions successfully obtain and extend their R-1 status.