FORMS: Form I-129
The R-1 visa is for foreign nationals coming temporarily to the U.S. to work in religious occupations or vocations for bona fide nonprofit religious organizations. It applies to ministers, priests, rabbis, imams, missionaries, religious instructors, cantors, monks, nuns, and similar religious workers serving recognized denominations.
The petitioning organization must be a bona fide nonprofit religious organization in the U.S. with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status (or equivalent); the beneficiary must have been a member of the same religious denomination for at least two years immediately preceding application; the position must be a religious occupation or vocation; and compensation arrangements must be documented.
USCIS conducts mandatory site inspections of petitioning organizations before approving R-1s. Petitioner files Form I-129 with extensive religious organization documentation, denomination affiliation evidence, and compensation details. New organizations may face heightened scrutiny.
Required: 501(c)(3) determination letter; denomination membership evidence; bylaws/articles describing religious mission; financial statements showing ability to compensate; beneficiary's denomination membership for 2+ years; description of religious duties; compensation arrangement; and physical premises evidence.
I-129 base fee; Asylum Program Fee.
Initial admission up to 30 months (2.5 years); Extension up to additional 30 months; Maximum 5 years total. Premium processing available.
We represent churches, temples, mosques, Buddhist monasteries, Hindu organizations, and other religious denominations across the United States. Our R-1 practice includes complex denomination documentation, compensation structuring (especially for religious vocations with traditional non-monetary support), and FDNS site visit preparation.
If your religious organization needs to bring a minister, religious worker, or instructor to the U.S., we can guide you through the R-1 process and prepare for the mandatory site visit.
Call: 212-571-6002 | WhatsApp Available | GreenCardMaker.com
