Catalog · Work & Employment

R-1 Religious Worker

For religious workers coming to work for a religious organization.

About this visa

R-1 classification allows eligible religious workers to undertake qualifying temporary work for a qualifying religious organization in the United States. The role must satisfy the requirements for a minister or a religious vocation or occupation — not merely employment by a religious institution.

The worker generally must have been a member of the relevant denomination for the two years immediately before filing. The petition also addresses the organization's eligibility, the duties, compensation or qualifying support arrangements, and work averaging at least 20 hours a week.

What's included

◆Attorney review of the worker and religious role.
◆Review of denominational membership evidence.
◆Organization and tax-exempt status documentation review.
◆Assessment of duties, hours and compensation or support.
◆Petition and supporting statement preparation.
◆USCIS submission, receipt tracking and site-visit preparation guidance.

The path

1 · Define

Assess the organization, religious role and worker's qualifying membership.

2 · Build

Prepare evidence of duties, hours, support and organizational eligibility.

3 · File & track

File with USCIS and track notices and any inspection-related steps.

Timing and features

USCIS may conduct an on-site inspection; inspection requirements can affect the case schedule.