What is the R-1 visa?
An R-1 Temporary Religious Worker Visa is a Non-immigrant visa which allows foreign nationals in religious occupations to enter into the US and perform the duties of a religious worker.
R-1 status is available to foreign nationals who have been a member of a legitimate religious denomination for at least two years, immediately prior to filing the visa petition. They must also have a job offer from a US non-profit affiliate of that same organization to work in a religious vocation or occupation.
R-1 is an employment related status and you cannot apply for it individually. Your employer would petition on your behalf, which can be done up to six months before the intended starting date. However, it is important to note that you will be an important part of the process in collecting relevant documentation for the petition.
An R-1 status can be granted for an initial period of admission of up to 30 months. Subsequent extensions can be granted for up to an additional 30 months. However, the total period of stay of the R-1 Religious Worker cannot exceed five years (60 months).
Consular officers request documentation in many different forms and the applicant must be prepared to present requested documentation to verify that they and the religious organization qualify for the R-1 status. Vazquez & Poudat, PLLC has an experienced team in place to assist you and your employer with assembling all the necessary elements for the R-1 visa petition and application.
The dependent spouse and unmarried child under 21 years old of an R-1 holder can be admitted under the R-2 nonimmigrant Visa.
Contact Us for your R-1 Visa Application in Central Florida
If you think you may qualify for a temporary religious worker visa contact us today. We have a highly professional team dedicated to helping individuals with all of their migration needs, including R1 visa applications. Call us today during office hours at (407) 674-6968. If you have an emergency after office hours please call or text us at (407) 925-2554 and we will contact you shortly. You may also fill our online form provided on this page and we will get back to you shortly.