NONIMMIGRANT VISAS
Supporting Documents
Aliens in Religious Occupations
R-1 Visa: Aliens in Religious Occupations
Together with the mandatory documents, the following documents may be useful when you apply for your visa:
- Proof that you work as a minister of religion, or in a religious vocation or occupation, for a genuine non-profit religious organization or denomination that is exempt from taxation
- Proof that you have been a member of the religious organization for at least two years prior to your visa application
- A contract from your employer in the U.S. and proof, such as bank statements, that the employer is able to support you above the poverty line
- Recommendation letters to further support your visa application
- IRS-supplied proof of the tax-exempt status of the religious organization in the U.S.
- Evidence that you are qualified to do the specific work your U.S. employer requires
- Documents that show arrangements for financial support
Further Instructions & Information:
- Issuance of a visa is not guaranteed because you bring supporting documents
- A Consular Officer relies mainly on the oral visa interview to determine eligibility for a visa
- Present only valid documents. Fraud or misrepresentation can result in permanent ineligibility for a U.S. visa
- It is the responsibility of the nonimmigrant visa applicant to prove to the Consular Officer that they do not intend to immigrate
To see the Mandatory Documents > click here
R-2 Visa: Spouse/Children
Together with the mandatory documents, the following documents may be useful when you apply for your visa:
If you apply for your visa with your spouse
- Original marriage registration certificate
- Wedding ceremony photos and wedding invitation. At least five, but not more than ten, of each
- Original birth certificate for each child
- Documents that show the arrangements for financial support for the entire family
If you apply for your visa separately
- Bring all other supporting documents required for the R-2 visa. (See above)
- A good quality photocopy of your spouse's passport -- all 36 pages -- that must include a copy of their valid U.S. visa. The copied pages must be readable and the photo must be clear enough to allow identification
- A copy of the contract between the employer in the U.S. and your spouse
Further Instructions & Information:
- Issuance of a visa is not guaranteed because you bring supporting documents
- A Consular Officer relies mainly on the oral visa interview to determine eligibility for a visa
- Present only valid documents. Fraud or misrepresentation can result in permanent ineligibility for a U.S. visa
- It is the responsibility of the nonimmigrant visa applicant to prove to the Consular Officer that they do not intend to immigrate
To see the Mandatory Documents > click here