US Religious Worker Visa

People eligible for the US religious worker visa (1-R)

• Clergy and priests
• Rabbis
• Buddhist monks
• Holy deacons of the church
• Salvation Army officers
• Church physicians and nurses

Suitable organisations for religious workers

After obtaining the US religious worker visa (1-R) , a religious person can work as a minister or in religious occupations in the following organisations (for at least 20 hours a week):

• A non-profit religious organisation in the United States.
• A religious organisation that is authorised to use its tax exemption.
• A non-profit religious organisation affiliated with a religious denomination in the United States.

Suitable job titles for a holder of the US religious worker visa (1-R)

• Social worker
• Religious instructor
• Religious counsellor
• Acupuncture specialist
• Missionary
• Religious translator
• Religious presenter
• Religious hospital worker

Validity period of authorised stay for a religious person holding the US religious worker visa (1-R)

A holder of the US R-1 visa is permitted to stay in the United States for up to 30 months. They can also stay in the country for another 30 months by extending the visa. However, the maximum permitted period of stay in the United States is 5 years.

Requirements for obtaining the US religious worker visa

• The religious worker must have been affiliated with a denomination in the United States for two years.
• The religious worker must be able to provide evidence of recognition from a religious organisation, which requires a certificate from the relevant accredited centres.
• The religious worker must receive a job offer from an American employer.
• It is possible for a religious worker to hold several jobs at the same time for different employers (provided the employers are qualified)
• Submission of additional documents by the applicant
• If the person decides to perform a non-religious job for an employer, they must replace the R-1 visa with a new visa.

The process of obtaining the US religious worker visa

1. Filling in Form I-129
2. Paying the fee
3. Submitting the required documents
4. Attending an in-person interview
5. Waiting for the consulate's response
6. Obtaining the US R-1 visa

Documents required for the US R-1 religious worker visa

• Translation of the birth certificate and national ID card along with the original documents
• New and old passports
• Two 5*5 photographs with a white background
• A civil registration document with the address and details of all family members
• Visa application form in English
• Filling in Form DS-160 online
• Filling in Form I-129
• A document showing the religious community's tax exemption

The United States has provided various routes for people with different abilities, so you have great freedom in choosing your type of visa. In various articles on the Iranoca website we have covered the types of US visas, both immigrant and non-immigrant, which you can read if needed. As you have learned, the US religious worker visa is a suitable visa for people with religious inclinations. If you too wish to obtain this type of visa and become fully familiar with its points and details, our suggestion is that you seek help from the experienced consultants of Iranoca Immigration Marketing Company.

If you need advice , you can meet our consultants in person or online and learn about the process of obtaining your US religious worker visa . You can also, right now, through our free assessment form, which is managed by expert consultants, check your eligibility for this type of visa.

Steps to obtain the US religious worker visa

Dear applicant, if you would like to obtain the US religious worker visa, follow the steps below

Assessment and consultation form

First, by completing the free assessment form, you can send your basic circumstances and details for review by the lawyers. If your general circumstances are suitable, a call time will be scheduled for your consultation. Please note that this entire process is free and is reviewed and assessed by specialist staff

Receiving a confirmation letter

After the consultation and completion of the immigration file process, a letter of approval or non-approval will be sent to you by licensed lawyers. This letter specifies whether or not you are eligible to immigrate, the type of immigration visa, and the route and conditions through which you can immigrate.

Registration in Obtaining the visa Frequently asked questions some users have had about the US religious worker visa