Temporary Religious Worker (R-1)
United States
Last updated: December 30, 2025
2.5 years (renewable)
$205
6-10 months
High
About this Visa
The R-1 visa lets religious workers live and work in the United States temporarily. It's for ministers, priests, monks, nuns, missionaries, and other people who work for religious organizations. Your church, temple, mosque, or other religious group sponsors you. You can work for your religious organization at least 20 hours per week. You can travel in and out of the US freely. Your spouse and children can come with you, but they cannot work. Unlike some work visas, there's no yearly limit on how many people can get this visa. Your religious organization doesn't need to hire Americans first. You can eventually get a green card after 2 years.
Key Benefits
- Work legally for your religious organization
- Bring spouse and children under 21
- Travel freely in and out of the US
- Path to green card through EB-4 after 2 years
- No yearly limit on visa availability
- Can work for multiple employers with separate petitions
- Family members can study
- Can extend stay twice for total of 5 years
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be member of recognized religious faith for at least 2 years
- Must work at least 20 hours per week
- Work must be solely in religious duties, not secular jobs
- No serious criminal record
- Must be in good health
- For ministers: must be ordained or formally recognized by your religion
- For lay workers: job must be genuinely religious in nature
- Sponsored by legitimate nonprofit 501(c)(3) religious organization
- Organization must have current IRS tax-exempt determination letter
Financial Requirement
No minimum amount specified. Organization must show it can pay you or support you through housing, food, transportation, or written proof of self-support. Evidence needed: employment contract with salary, proof of housing/food/medical care, or written proof of self-support.
Documents
- Valid passportMust be valid for entry to US
- Birth certificateOriginal or certified copy
- Religious membership proofDocumentation of 2+ years membership in the faith
- Marriage/divorce papersIf applicable
- Criminal record checkPolice clearance or background documentation
- Ordination certificateRequired if you are a minister or clergy
- IRS tax-exempt letter501(c)(3) determination letter from organization
- Articles of incorporationOrganization's founding documents
- Proof of religious activitiesService schedules, membership lists, organizational literature
- Financial statementsLast 1-2 years of organization accounts
- Job descriptionDetailed description of your duties and hours
- Employment contractOffer letter or employment agreement with compensation terms
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.