If you want to apply for an R-1 visa in 2025, there are certain things you will need to be aware of before starting your application. Like any immigration pathway, there are some qualifications you must meet in order to be approved. You also want to be prepared for what the application process will look like so that you can avoid making mistakes that could potentially delay your application. Keep reading to find out what the religious worker visa for the USA is and how you can qualify.
What is a R-1 Religious Worker Visa?
The R-1 visa in 2025 is an immigration option granted to those in religious vocations and occupations who wish to come to the United States. R-1 status allows these individuals to live and work in the U.S. as long as they are performing qualifying religious work with an eligible religious organization.
Here are some examples of who can apply for an R-1 religious worker visa:
- Ministers
- Missionaries
- Religious healthcare workers
- Religious musicians or choir directors
It’s important to understand that R-1 status is only temporary and provides an initial stay of up to 30 months. However, your stay can be extended for an additional 30 months, but cannot be extended beyond that.
Who Qualifies for an R-1 Visa?
If you wish to come to the United States temporarily for religious work, you will need to make sure you meet the R-1 visa eligibility requirements. One of the main requirements relates to the fact that the R-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa. So, you must be able to demonstrate that you have strong ties to your home country and have every intention of returning home after your stay is finished.
Additionally, you must:
- Be a member of a recognized religious denomination.
- Have been part of that religious denomination for at least two years.
- Be sponsored by a bona fide nonprofit religious organization within the United States.
- Intend to work solely in a religious vocation or occupation for a minimum of 20 hours a week.
- Be coming to the United States upon the request of the R-1 petitioner, with the intention of working only for them.
Also, keep in mind that R-1 visas are reserved for paid religious workers, which makes religious volunteers ineligible.
Application Process for the R-1 Visa
Now that you know what an R-1 visa is in 2025 and who qualifies, how do you apply for this visa? Here is the step-by-step process of the R-1 visa application that will need to be submitted if you wish to come to the United States:
- File form I-129: The sponsoring religious organization will need to file form I-129 with the USCIS, which is an official request for the R-1 visa. If the USCIS approves this petition, this means that you will be able to proceed with applying directly for the R-1 visa. Also, the religious sponsor will need to pay the filing fee for form I-129, which is currently $510, but is subject to change.
- File form DS-160: The next step is to fill out form DS-160, which is an online non-immigrant visa application. When you do this, you will need to pay the application fees as well as submit all of the required documentation and evidence to support your case. The filing fee for an R-1 application that is paid by the applicant is currently $205.
- Visa interview: R-1 visa applicants will have to attend a visa interview to discuss the details of their case, their qualifications, and their religious work. To avoid running into issues with your interview, make sure you prepare beforehand so that you do not provide conflicting information.
On average, the R-1 visa processing time takes between 2 and 4 months. However, this is very dependent on each individual situation, as additional security checks may be necessary.
If approved, you will receive your R-1 visa and will be able to legally enter the U.S. to begin your 30 month stay. Keep in mind that you must complete every step of the application process as thoroughly as possible to avoid running into delays.
Transitioning to Permanent Residency
If you wish to transition your R-1 to a green card, this is possible if you take the right steps. The most common way for religious workers to obtain permanent residency is by applying for an EB-4 special immigrant religious worker visa.
The EB-4 special immigrant religious worker visa comes with many benefits, including allowing you to bypass PERM labor certification as well as obtain permanent residency for your spouse and dependent children.
However, to qualify for this visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have been continuously employed in a full-time religious occupation or vocation role for a minimum of two years.
- Have been a member of the same religious denomination as your sponsor for the immediate preceding two years.
- Have sponsorship from a bona fide United States nonprofit religious organization.
- Be coming to the United States to work as a paid religious worker in a full-time position.
To make sure that you meet the qualifications for an EB-4 special immigrant religious worker visa, it is strongly recommended that you hire a religious immigration lawyer. They will have experience with the application process and can help you submit a strong application that is more likely to be approved.
Hire an Immigration Attorney Today
Are you ready to apply for a non-immigrant religious visa but don’t know where to start? Contact us today at U.S. Immigration Law Counsel at 800-666-4996 to speak with an immigration attorney about your situation. We will deal with the government, so you don’t have to!
FAQ Section
Can a volunteer qualify for an R-1 visa?
No, R-1 visas are reserved for paid religious workers and are not a suitable option for religious volunteers.
Does the worker have to be ordained?
No, it is not necessary to be ordained as a religious worker.
Can my spouse and children join me?
Yes, if you have any dependents, they can apply for R-2 visas so that they can come to the United States with you for the duration of your stay.
