The R-1 visa is a non-immigrant work visa that allows foreign nationals to work temporarily in the U.S. in religious roles, including: 

• Ministers and clergy members 
• Religious professionals and instructors 
• Missionaries and cantors 
• Other religious occupations supporting faith-based organizations 

To qualify, the worker must be sponsored by a nonprofit religious organization recognized as tax-exempt under IRS section 501(c)(3). 

Religious Organizations Must: 

• Be a nonprofit and recognized as tax-exempt under IRS 501(c)(3) 
• Demonstrate the need for the religious worker’s role 
• Be actively operating as a religious organization in the U.S. 

Religious Workers Must: 

• Have been a member of the religious denomination for at least two years 
• Intend to work full-time in a religious capacity in the U.S. 
• Hold a qualifying religious position, such as a minister, missionary, or religious instructor 

• Strengthen Your Mission – Bring experienced and dedicated religious workers to your congregation 
• Meet Community Needs – Address clergy shortages and expand your faith-based outreach 
• Flexible Staffing Options – Sponsor workers for short-term needs or long-term roles 

• Work Authorization – Legally serve in a religious capacity in the U.S. 
• Family Inclusion – Spouses and children under 21 can apply for R-2 dependent visas 
• Path to Permanent Residency – R-1 visa holders may apply for a green card under the EB-4 special immigrant category 

To qualify for an R-1 visa, the religious organization and the worker must meet specific requirements set by USCIS: 

• Employer Sponsorship – The religious organization must petition for the worker 
• Valid Religious Role – The position must be ministerial or religious in nature (e.g., ministers, religious instructors, or cantors) 
• Denomination Membership – Workers must have been active members of the religious denomination for at least two years 

• I-129 Petition Fee: $460 (USCIS filing fee) 
• Additional Costs: May include document preparation, translations, and legal fees 
• Consular Processing Fees: Varies based on country and U.S. consulate processing times 

IBP Immigration Law provides transparent pricing and customized payment plans to support religious organizations and workers. 

1. Determine Eligibility

• IBP Immigration Law assesses your organization and the worker’s qualifications 

2. File the I-129 Petition

• The religious organization files Form I-129 with USCIS, including all supporting documents 

3. Consular Processing or Change of Status

• Workers outside the U.S. apply at a U.S. consulate 
• Workers already in the U.S. may adjust status without leaving 

4. Begin Religious Work in the U.S.

• Once approved, religious workers can begin employment immediately 

• USCIS Processing: Typically 2-6 months 
• Consular Processing: Varies by location but generally takes 1-2 months 
• Premium Processing: Not currently available for R-1 visas 

IBP Immigration Law ensures timely submissions and efficient case preparation to reduce delays and maximize approval chances.