Nonimmigrant visas for ministers and non-minister religious workers coming to the U.S. temporarily to work in a religious vocation or occupation for a qualifying religious organization.
Common questions
What qualifies as a religious organization?
The petitioning organization must be a bona fide nonprofit religious organization in the U.S. — such as a church, mosque, synagogue, temple, or nonprofit religious affiliate. USCIS conducts a site inspection for R-1 petitions.
Who qualifies as a religious worker?
Ministers (ordained clergy who perform religious worship and other duties in their religious vocation) and workers in a religious vocation or occupation (such as liturgical workers, religious instructors, or cantors).
Can an R-1 worker get a green card?
Yes. The EB-4 special immigrant religious worker category provides a path to permanent residence. The worker must have been carrying on the religious vocation continuously for at least 2 years before filing.
Free consultation
Speak with a licensed immigration attorney about your R-1 Religious Worker Visa case — no obligation, 20 minutes.
