R-1 Visa

The R-1 Visa enables religious workers to work temporarily for a non-profit religious organization or an organization which is affiliated with the religious denomination in the United States.

• Religious workers are also divided into two categories to work as a minister or in a religious vocation or occupation.
• Religious worker as a minister must be certified by a recognized religious communion to execute religious worship and actively take part in other works as an authorized member of the priesthood.

The R-1 Visa enables religious workers to work temporarily for a non-profit religious organization or an organization which is affiliated with the religious denomination in the United States. Religious workers are also divided into two categories to work as a minister or in a religious vocation or occupation. Religious worker as a minister must be certified by a recognized religious communion to execute religious worship and actively take part in other works as an authorized member of the priesthood. A religious worker in the vocation field is defined as a calling to live a religious life or having a special grace that God gives to certain persons, calling them to a life of the evangelical counsels such as taking vows, monks, nuns, and religious brothers and sisters.

Qualifying Condition

The R visa may be available for the following individuals:

Ministers

Candidate must be certified by a recognized religious communion to execute religious worship and actively take part in other works as an authorized member of the priesthood. Proof regarding candidate’s qualification includes appointment certificate, licenses, a formal letter of conferral etc.
Religious Vocation or Occupation related workers are categorized into professional workers and other religious workers.

Professional Workers

Candidate must have a U.S. bachelor degree or its foreign equivalent to work in a religious vocation or occupation.

Other Religious Workers

Candidates under this category are working in a religious vocation or occupation.

Religious Occupation or Vocation

A religious occupation implies a habitual involvement in an activity that indicates to a traditional religious occupation which includes liturgical workers, missionaries, religious broadcasters, workers in a religious hospital, religious instructors, vocalists, or catechists except for clerks, maintenance workers, counselors of donations or similar occupations.
A religious vocation involves a calling to religious life, based on the evidence of a lifelong commitment as prepared in the religious communion, such as taking vows, monks, nuns, and religious brothers and sisters.

Religious Denomination (Communion)

A religious denomination is a subgroup within a religion that functions under a common name, identity, and traditions. In general, a religious denomination is found to have some form of ecclesiastical government, a formal code of doctrine and discipline, religious services and ceremonies, a recognized church and built places of worship. However, an interdenominational religious organization may also consider as a religious denomination if it is free from tax.
However, you have to be a member of the denomination for two years constantly proceeding admission. Your entrance into the U.S. with a purpose to work in a religious vocation or occupation for the denomination/for an organization associated with the denomination whether in a professional capacity or not. If you have remained and presented physically outside the U.S. for existing prior year and had previously spent 5 years in this classification, it makes you eligible to apply for the R-1 visa.

Family Status

Spouses and/or unmarried children under 21 years of age may come along with the religious worker to the U.S. under R-2 status. R-2 visa holders are not allowed to work while staying in the U.S., but may attend school.

Duration of Stay

Initially, R visa can be issued for 3 years and continued with an extension of 2 years more, a total of 5 years period. If the candidate wants to stay longer in the US with R-1 status, he/she must live and be present physically outside the U.S. for one year to be eligible again for R-1 status. The R visa could possibly lead to a green card.

The petitioning organization may also be asked to provide the following:

• Written proof that the applicant has been employed by the organization for two years.
• A statement outlining the potential position (including “salary, benefits, and other compensation”) and the applicant’s qualifications for the work to be performed (USCIS).
• The name and address of the organization where the religious worker will be employed.
• Proof of “the organization’s affiliation with the denomination” in question (USCIS).

Source: www.uscis.gov