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Ministers and non-ministers in religious vocations and occupations may come to the U.S. temporarily to perform religious work. Below are the requirements and process for obtaining an R-1 Visa. 

General Eligibility

An R-1 nonimmigrant is a noncitizen who is coming to the United States temporarily to work at least part-time (an average of at least 20 hours per week) as a minister or in a religious vocation or occupation and be employed by one of the following:

  • A non-profit religious organization in the United States
  • A religious organization that a group tax exemption holder authorized to use its group tax exemption
  • A non-profit organization that is affiliated with a religious denomination in the United States

To qualify, you must have been a member of a religious denomination having a bona fide non-profit religious organization in the United States for at least two years immediately before filing the petition.

You can read more about the R-1 Visa process on the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services Website or Travel.State.Gov.


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titleEmployment Details & Requirements

Hiring Date

A hire date should be determined (keeping MTD in mind) before submitting the R-1 Visa petition.

Religious Occupation & Job Description

The occupation and job description from the partner ministry should average at least 20 hours per week and include all religious duties that will be performed. 

Offer Letter

An offer letter from Reliant should be included with the R-1 Visa petition.

Salary Guidelines

The R-Visa applicant will need to be fully funded before obtaining their R-1 Visa. The minimum wage should meet the prevailing wage guideline in the location where the R-1 Visa applicant will be living and working.

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titleDocuments & Details Reliant Needs for R-1 Visa Petition

Please provide your Program Team with the following details to begin the R-1 Visa Petition process:

  • Permanent Home Country Address
  • Current U.S. Home Address
  • Do you have any other Visa such as a J1/J1 Exchanged Visitor Visa? (if yes, provide a copy and include expiration dates)

Please provide your Program Team with the following documents to begin the R-1 Visa Petition process:

  • Resume
  • Job Description with the ministry focus area
  • Weekly work schedule & proposed weekly work hours
  • New Staff Training Certificate
  • Amount & type of compensation (including benefits)
  • Scanned copy of current passport, biographic information, and any US Visa pages
  • Scanned copy of birth certificate

Other documents needed (if applicable)

  • Scanned copy of any certificate of ordination
  • Scanned copy of any ministerial licenses
  • Scanned copy of any religious degrees and academic transcripts
  • Scanned copy of any certificate for religious training
  • Scanned copy of the U.S. Social Security Card (front & back)
  • Scanned copy of marriage certificate

Documents needed from the Partner Ministry

  • Name & location of ministry worksite
  • Number of church/ministry members or employees
  • Date the applicant started attending the church/ministry (2-year minimum relationship required)
  • Why the applicant's position is needed
  • Letter from church/ministry confirming applicant's church membership and any ministry involvement
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titleR-1 Visa Petition Costs

R-1 Visa Consultation Fee with Attorney: $175

R-1 Visa Non-Refundable Application Fee: $530 

Expedited Premium Processing Fee: $1,685 + an extra $200 attorney fee (processes on average 15 business days instead of the estimated 2.5 months)

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titleVisa Renewals

R-1 Visa holders must wait until 6 months before their R-Visa's expiration date to begin the renewal process. At that time, if the R-1 Visa holder worked full-time with consistent paid employment, Reliant may also pursue the I-360 religious worker green card sponsorship petition.

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titleR-2 Visas for Spouse & Children

Your spouse and unmarried children under age 21 may apply for R-2 visas to accompany or join you to reside temporarily. You must demonstrate that you will be able to financially support your family in the United States. They are permitted to study while in the United States but are not authorized to accept employment.