R1 Visa - Religious
The R-1 visa allows religious workers to enter the U.S. temporarily to perform religious duties. Our firm guides ministries and faith leaders through the process with clarity, compliance, and care.
Contact Versfeld & Hugo LLC for Your R-1 Visa Needs
If you are a religious worker or a family member seeking to apply for an R-1 or R-2 visa, contact Versfeld & Hugo LLC today. Our experienced immigration attorneys provide clear, compassionate guidance to help you navigate the R-1 visa process with confidence. Schedule your confidential consultation to explore your options and take the next step toward serving your religious community in the United States.
What is an R-1 Visa?
The R-1 visa allows eligible religious workers to live and work in the United States to perform religious duties for a qualifying nonprofit religious organization. Applicants must be employed in a religious vocation or occupation—such as ministers, religious instructors, or members of a religious order—and must work at least 20 hours per week. Only religious workers are eligible under current USCIS guidelines; administrative staff and volunteers do not qualify
Key Requirements for the R-1 Visa
To qualify for an R-1 visa, applicants must meet several specific requirements:
Membership in a Religious Denomination:
The applicant must have been a member of a religious denomination for at least two years immediately preceding the filing of the R-1 visa application.
Affiliation in the U.S.:
The religious denomination must have a bona fide nonprofit religious organization or an affiliate in the United States.
Qualifying U.S. Organization:
The U.S. organization must be a nonprofit religious organization that is tax-exempt or would qualify as tax-exempt if it applied.
Purpose of Entry:
The applicant must be coming to the U.S. to work in a religious capacity, such as performing religious duties or pursuing a religious vocation. The applicant must also prove that they will be financially supported through the religious work for which the visa is granted and will not need to seek outside employment.
Duration and Extension of the R-1 Visa
The R-1 visa is initially granted for up to 30 months. An extension of an additional 30 months may be approved, allowing a maximum stay of five years in total, provided the applicant continues to meet all eligibility requirements.
R-2 Visa for Family Members
Spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 of R-1 visa holders may apply for an R-2 visa, allowing them to accompany the primary visa holder to the United States. R-2 visa holders are permitted to study in the U.S. but are not authorized to work.
Application Process for the R-1 Visa
Petition Filing: The sponsoring U.S. religious organization must file Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, with USCIS on behalf of the applicant. The petition should include detailed evidence of the organization’s nonprofit status, the applicant’s qualifications, and the nature of the religious work. The application process may also involve a site inspection by USCIS at their discretion.
Supporting Documentation: The petition must be accompanied by proof of the applicant’s membership in the religious denomination for a minimum of two years, the organization’s tax-exempt status, and evidence of the applicant’s intent to perform qualifying religious work.
Consular Processing: Once the petition is approved, the applicant may apply for the R-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. If the applicant is already in the United States, they may also apply to change their status to R-1. Processing times can vary, so it is crucial to ensure all documentation is accurate and complete to avoid delays.
Why Choose Versfeld & Hugo LLC for Your R-1 Visa Application?
Applying for an R-1 visa can be complex, requiring careful coordination and thorough documentation. At Versfeld & Hugo LLC, we offer:
Personalized Legal Guidance: Our attorneys take the time to understand your specific situation and provide tailored advice to meet your needs.
Comprehensive Support: We handle every aspect of the R-1 visa application, from gathering necessary documents to filing the petition and responding to any requests from USCIS.
Expert Representation: With extensive experience in religious worker visas, our team knows the processes and procedures to work effectively with various government agencies to ensure the best possible outcome for your application.
Commitment to Detail: We understand that even minor errors can cause significant delays in the visa process. Our team is dedicated to providing meticulous attention to every detail of your application.
Get Expert Help from Versfeld & Hugo LLC Today
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