The R-1 Visa is a temporary work visa for people coming to the United States to work in a religious role. It is meant for ministers, priests, monks, and other religious workers — as well as people doing jobs that directly support a religious organization (like religious instructors, missionaries, or those working in religious ceremonies).
It is not for general work in schools, hospitals, or charities unless those roles are closely tied to the religious function.
You must be a member of a religious denomination that has a real, non-profit religious organization in the U.S.
You must have been a member of this denomination for at least 2 years before applying.
The U.S. employer must be a non-profit religious organization, a group affiliated with one, or a recognized religious denomination.
You must be coming to work as either:
A minister or priest (leading religious services), or
In a religious vocation or occupation (such as missionaries, monks, or religious instructors).
The job must be at least part-time (20+ hours per week).
Live and work in the U.S. legally while serving in a religious role.
Stay up to 30 months (2.5 years) at first, with the option to extend — maximum stay is 5 years.
Bring your spouse and children under 21 with you under R-2 visas (they can study but cannot work).
A possible pathway to permanent residency if the employer sponsors the worker later under EB-4 (Special Immigrant Religious Worker).
Father Miguel, a Catholic priest from the Philippines, is invited by a U.S. parish in California to serve the local community. Since he has been a priest in his denomination for over 10 years and the parish is a registered non-profit, he qualifies for the R-1 visa. He moves to California, conducts masses, and continues his service legally in the U.S.
Sister Anjali, a missionary from India, joins a U.S.-based non-profit affiliated with her denomination. She applies for an R-1 visa and spends two years in the U.S. working on community outreach projects connected to her religious group.
Up to 30 months initially, with extensions up to a total of 5 years.
Yes, but your new religious employer must file a new petition with USCIS before you can begin working for them.
No. Spouses and children under 21 can come under R-2 visas, but they cannot work. They can, however, attend school.
Yes, USCIS requires proof that the organization is a non-profit religious body. Sometimes, site visits are made to confirm the existence of the place of worship or religious community.
Yes, but not directly. Religious workers may later qualify under the EB-4 immigrant category for permanent residency if their employer sponsors them.