Religious Worker Visa
Religious Worker VisaThe religious worker visa is for members of a religious denomination that has a nonprofit religious organization in the United States. The visas are designated for ministers, nuns, rabbis, priests, monks and other similarly situated religious workers. Unlike the EB-4 immigrant visa, the R-1 Religious Worker visa is a temporary non-immigrant visa. The R-1 visa allows religious workers to enter the United States and stay in the United States for three years. R-1 religious workers must be involved in a religious vocation, which is defined as a calling to religious life, shown by evidence of a lifelong commitment. Nuns, monks, religious instructors, missionaries, and priests are eligible for religious worker status among other religious vocations. R-1 extensions are available for up to two years; however, the total period of stay may not exceed five years. The spouse and children under 21 years of age may be granted derivative status and permitted to enter the United States; however, they are not authorized to work in the United States. The sponsoring United States organization must prove tax-exempt status. R-1 visa holders may change employers during their stay, but the new sponsoring organization must file a new I-129 form. The R-1 visa holder may travel freely inside and outside of the United States during the validity of the visa. R-1 religious worker visa holders may apply for permanent residence while in the United States by filing the I-360 form. |
EMPLOYMENT/INVESTOR SERVICES
General Employment Based Immigration Information Employment Based Visas Labor Certification / PERM H-1B Visas, Transfers & Extensions L-1 Intra Company Transfer O-1 Extraordinary Abilities Visas P-1 Visas TN Free Trade NAFTA Visas E-1 Treaty Traders E-2 Non-Immigrant Investor Visa E-3 Visa for Australians EB-1 Priority Workers EB-2 Professionals with Advanced Degrees EB-3 Skilled or Professional Workers EB-4 Religious Worker Green Card EB-5 "Million Dollar" Investor Green Card How Nelson & Nuñez, P.C. Can Help
The application process for religious worker visas can be very specific
at times. There are several required documents and pieces of evidence
that must be included with a Religious Worker Visa Petition. Failing to
include the necessary documents and evidence can prolong the process
substantially. Additionally, the U.S. Immigration officers often conduct
site visits to inspect the religious organization's property. Nelson & Nuñez, P.C. will organize and collect all the necessary documents to ensure
that the petition is adjudicated as promptly as possible. Additionally,
we will help prepare you for the site visit, and accompany you during
the visit, if necessary.
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