NONIMMIGRANT VISAS

Types of Visas

R Visas: Aliens in Religious Occupations

Who should apply?

This visa is for a religious worker who wants to go to the U.S. to work for a genuine non-profit religious organization or denomination:

1. as a minister of religion; or
2. at the request of the organization, or an organization affiliated with the denomination, in a religious vocation or occupation, whether in a professional capacity or not

What types are available?

• R-1 is for a religious worker
  
  
• R-2 is for a spouse/child of a religious worker

R Visa eligibility

You must have been a member of the same religious denomination as the non-profit religious organization in the U.S. for at least two years prior to your application for a visa.

What must you establish as an R Visa applicant?

• You have sufficient money to support yourself without recourse to employment other than religious work 
• You will depart at the end of your authorized stay in the U.S.

Spouse and Children

The spouse or children of a religious worker are also entitled to accompany or join the holder of an R-1 Visa. They can apply for an R-2 Visa. A spouse or child with an R-2 Visa cannot seek employment in the U.S., but can attend school.

If you want your spouse/child to travel to the U.S. with you, apply for your visas at the same time. Book your visa interview appointments for the same day and attend your visa interview together.

Religious vocation

Religious vocation means a calling to religious life, evidenced by the demonstration of a lifelong commitment as practiced in the religious denomination, such as the taking of vows. Examples of persons with a religious vocation include, but are not limited to, nuns, monks, and religious brothers and sisters.

Religious occupation

Religious occupation means a habitual engagement in an activity that relates to a traditional religious function. This group does not include janitors, maintenance workers, clerks, fundraisers, persons involved in the solicitation of donations, or similar occupations.

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