R-1 Visa for Religious Workers
The R-1 category allows a non-profit religious organization in the United States to bring in a minister or a person working in a religious vocation or occupation. The applicant must have belonged to the same religious denomination for at least the two years immediately before the petition is filed. Status is granted for an initial period of up to 30 months and can be extended to a maximum of five years.
Get Started TodayEligibility Requirements
✓Requirements
- •Membership of the same religious denomination for the two years immediately before filing
- •A job offer from a bona fide non-profit religious organization in the United States, or an affiliated organization
- •The role must be as a minister, or in a religious vocation or occupation
- •Employment of at least 20 hours per week — part-time below that threshold does not qualify
- •The employer must be able to show it can compensate you, whether salaried or supported in kind
- •The organization must hold tax-exempt status, or qualify for it
★Benefits
- ✓Initial admission of up to 30 months, extendable to a 5-year maximum
- ✓No annual cap and no lottery — petitions can be filed at any time
- ✓Spouse and children receive R-2 status and may study in the United States
- ✓Permits both salaried and non-salaried compensation arrangements common in religious work
- ✓May lead to the EB-4 special immigrant religious worker green card
- ✓Time spent abroad can, in some cases, be recaptured against the 5-year limit
The Process
Case preparation
4–6 weeksOnce you engage us, we build your case: we tell you exactly which documents we need, review each one, and assemble the filing package. This stage moves at the pace documents reach us — the sooner we receive what we ask for, the sooner we can file.
Establish the organization's standing
2–4 weeksWe assemble evidence that the petitioning organization is a bona fide non-profit religious organization: IRS tax-exemption documentation, a description of its religious purpose, and evidence of its congregation and activities.
Evidence of two-year membership
2–3 weeksWe document your membership of the denomination for the full two years before filing, together with your qualifications, ordination or training, and the nature of the work you will perform.
File Form I-129 with the religious worker supplement
2–6 monthsThe employer files the petition with USCIS. Be aware that USCIS conducts site visits in R-1 cases as a matter of routine, and may inspect the premises before or after approval.
Consular processing or change of status
2–8 weeksOnce approved, applicants abroad attend an interview at a U.S. consulate. Applicants already in the United States in another valid status can change status without leaving.
Processing Details
Timeline
2–6 months for the I-129 petition, plus 2–8 weeks for consular processing where required. Premium processing is available and reduces USCIS adjudication to 15 business days.
Government Fees
Government fees comprise the I-129 petition fee and, for consular applicants, the visa fee. Premium processing, if used, is $2,805. Attorney fees additional. Fees as of 2025.
Key Documents Required
- •Evidence of the organization's tax-exempt status as a religious organization
- •Proof of denominational membership covering the full two years before filing
- •Ordination certificate or evidence of religious training and qualification
- •Detailed description of the proposed duties and hours
- •Evidence of how you will be compensated, including salaried or in-kind support
- •Evidence of the organization's congregation, premises, and religious activities
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to common immigration questions.
Still have questions? Speak directly with an immigration attorney.
Contact UsSchedule a Consultation
Speak With an Immigration Attorney
R-1
Book a 30-minute consultation directly with our team. Select a time that works for you.
Founder & Immigration Attorney
- •Washington State Bar Association
- •New York State Bar Association
Business Immigration Specialist
- •Licensed Attorney (São Paulo, Brazil)
- •LL.M., Global Business Law
Related Pages
H-1B Visa
Specialty occupation visa for skilled professionals sponsored by a U.S. employer.
O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa
For those with nationally or internationally recognized achievement — no lottery.
L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa
Transfer managers and key employees from your global office to the United States.