Are you passionate about your faith and looking for an opportunity to serve your religious community in the United States? The R1 Religious Worker Visa might just be your answer.
What is the R1 Religious Visa?
The R1 Visa allows foreign nationals to enter the U.S. temporarily to work in a religious capacity. This includes ministers, individuals working in a professional capacity within a religious vocation, or those engaged in a religious occupation.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
To be eligible, applicants must:
1. Be a member of a religious denomination with a bona fide nonprofit religious organization in the U.S.
2. Have been a member of this denomination for at least two years before applying.
3. Intend to work at least 20 hours per week in a religious role.
4. The religious organization must have a tax-exempt status as described in the Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3).
How to Apply for the R1 Religious Worker Visa
Steps to Apply for the R1 Visa
Gather Documentation:
• Proof of membership in your religious denomination.
• Evidence of your religious organization’s tax-exempt status.
• Detailed job description and financial documentation from your sponsoring organization.
File the Petition:
• Your sponsoring organization must file Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Attend the Visa Interview:
• Once the petition is approved, you will schedule and attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
Receive Your Visa:
• If everything goes well, you’ll receive your R1 Visa and can start planning your move to the U.S.
Bonus Information
Here’s a bonus tip—double-check all your forms and documents for accuracy before submission. Even small errors can lead to delays or denials. Include letters of recommendation from leaders within your religious community. These letters should highlight your dedication, experience, and the vital role you play within the organization.
Thanks for tuning in today. Be sure to check the caption below this video. We’ve got questionnaires for different types of visas so that we can help you determine which visa is most appropriate for you. And if you’re traveling soon, we also have a list of some of my travel favorites.