Religious Worker Visa
The R-1 Religious Worker Visa allows ministers, missionaries, and other religious workers to serve in the United States through nonprofit faith organizations. I assist applicants and sponsoring institutions with every aspect of the process, including R-1 Religious Worker Visas, R-2 Dependent Visas, R-1 Visa Extensions and Compliance, and EB-4 Special Immigrant Religious Worker Green Cards, ensuring that each petition is prepared with care, accuracy, and full USCIS compliance.
R-1 Religious Worker Visa
What It Is:
The R-1 Religious Worker Visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows ministers, missionaries, and other religious workers to serve in the United States for nonprofit religious organizations. This visa category supports those entering the country to perform religious duties, such as preaching, teaching faith, or working in a recognized religious vocation or occupation. The R-1 visa is valid for an initial period of up to 30 months and can be extended for a total stay of five years.
Who Qualifies:
Ministers, missionaries, or religious workers who have been members of a recognized religious denomination for at least two years before applying.
Individuals entering the U.S. to work for a qualified nonprofit religious organization or affiliate.
Applicants performing religious functions, not administrative or secular duties.
U.S. employers or sponsoring institutions that hold tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status and can verify religious purpose and employment.
How I Help:
I represent both religious workers and sponsoring organizations in preparing and filing R-1 Religious Worker Visa petitions. My services include completing Form I-129, gathering and organizing supporting evidence, ensuring compliance with USCIS regulations, and guiding you through interviews and extensions. Each application is prepared carefully to demonstrate eligibility, authenticity of employment, and the religious nature of the work.
If you are a minister, missionary, or religious worker planning to serve in the United States, book a consultation to begin your R-1 Religious Worker Visa process with experienced immigration counsel.
Special Immigrant Religious Worker (EB-4) Visa
What It Is:
The EB-4 Special Immigrant Religious Worker Visa provides a path to lawful permanent residence for ministers and other qualified religious workers serving in the United States. It allows those who have devoted their service to a nonprofit religious organization to obtain a green card and continue their mission permanently. Many R-1 Religious Worker Visa holders later transition to this category to establish long-term residence in the U.S.
Who Qualifies:
Ministers or religious workers employed full-time by a nonprofit religious organization in the United States.
Applicants with at least two years of qualifying religious work experience before filing.
Individuals entering or already in the U.S. to work in a religious vocation or occupation.
Sponsoring organizations that hold 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and can verify the religious nature of employment.
How I Help:
I guide religious workers and sponsoring institutions through every stage of the EB-4 green card process. My services include preparing and filing Form I-360, documenting religious employment history, ensuring USCIS compliance, and assisting with adjustment of status or consular processing.
If you currently hold an R-1 Religious Worker Visa or serve in a qualified religious role, schedule a consultation to explore your eligibility for permanent residence under the EB-4 program.
R-2 Dependent Visa
What It Is:
The R-2 visa allows the spouse and unmarried children under 21 of an R-1 Religious Worker Visa holder to accompany them to the United States. Dependents may remain in the country for the same period as the principal R-1 holder and can attend school or college while residing in the U.S..
Who Qualifies:
Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of an approved R-1 Religious Worker Visa holder.
Dependents who can demonstrate a valid family relationship through official documentation.
R-2 visa holders may study in the United States but are not authorized to work.
How I Help:
I prepare and file R-2 dependent visa petitions for families of religious workers, ensuring accuracy and timely submission. My services include documenting family relationships, coordinating with consulates, and maintaining visa compliance for each dependent.
If your family plans to accompany you while you serve under an R-1 visa, schedule a consultation to begin your R-2 Dependent Visa process.
R-1 Visa Extensions & Renewal
What It Is:
The R-1 visa is initially valid for up to 30 months and may be extended for a total stay of five years. Religious organizations and workers must remain compliant with USCIS regulations, including maintaining active employment in a religious role and participating in on-site inspections when required.
Who Qualifies:
Religious workers currently in valid R-1 status.
Nonprofit religious organizations continuing to employ R-1 workers.
Institutions maintaining 501(c)(3) status and consistent religious operations.
How I Help:
I assist religious workers and sponsoring organizations in renewing R-1 status and ensuring full USCIS compliance. My support includes preparing extension filings, responding to site visit inquiries, and maintaining accurate employment documentation to prevent future visa complications.
If your R-1 visa is approaching its expiration or you want to confirm compliance for upcoming extensions, book a consultation to begin your review.