As one of America’s top immigration attorneys, Shepelsky Law Group often helps religious workers from around the world to bring their mission and faith to communities across the United States. If you’re seeking to serve a religious organization in the U.S., the religious worker visa USA — specifically the R-1 visa — may be your path forward.
Here are the five key things you’ll need to qualify—and how to get them:
1. A Bona Fide Religious Organization Sponsor
To apply for an R-1 religious worker visa, you must get sponsorship from a nonprofit religious organization [church, religious school, temple, etc.]. It must have tax-exempt status under IRS rules. This means the organization must be a recognized church, synagogue, mosque, temple, or other faith-based nonprofit. It must have the proper IRS 501(c)(3) status.
The sponsor must also attach their IRS exemption letter as a religious organization to the Form I-129 Petition. This is required when you apply for an R-1 visa.
2. Two Years of Prior Membership in the Same Faith
Before applying for your religious worker visa in the USA, you need to have been a member of the same religious denomination as your sponsoring organization for at least two years immediately before submitting your application. Proof comes from documentation, such as letters from religious leaders, baptism records, or church membership documentation.
3. A Qualifying Religious Position in the U.S.
The job you’re taking in the United States must be religious in nature. This can include roles such as minister, religious instructor, missionary, or other faith-based vocations or occupations. Administrative or janitorial roles typically do not qualify under R-1 visa guidelines.
When filing the R-1 visa application, you will need to list all duties involved in the position and explain how the role supports the mission of the religious organization.
4. Proof of Financial Support or Compensation
To qualify for the R-1 visa, you must prove where your financial support will come from while living in the U.S. Your sponsor must show evidence of salaried compensation or provide details of room and board arrangements. Volunteer-only positions usually don’t qualify save for meeting specific exceptions.
USCIS will review the financial documents as part of the religious worker visa USA process to ensure you won’t need public assistance during your stay.
5. Intent to Leave the U.S. When Your R-1 Visa Expires
The R-1 visa is a nonimmigrant, temporary visa. This means you must demonstrate that you plan to leave the U.S. once your authorized stay ends—unless you later transition to a different visa or apply for permanent residency through other legal channels.
You must declare intent during the R-1 visa application process. It may come up at your visa interview.
Applying for an R-1 Religious Worker Visa: What to Expect
To apply, your sponsoring organization must file Form I-129 with USCIS, along with the R Supplement and documentation of the five eligibility criteria listed above. After getting petition approval, you can schedule an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. Then, you can complete the R-1 visa process.
Need Help Applying for a Religious Worker Visa in the USA?
At Shepelsky Law Group, we’ve successfully handled hundreds of R-1 religious worker visa cases. We understand how meaningful this process is for both religious organizations and their communities.
If you’re wondering exactly how to apply for an R-1 visa or need help assembling the right evidence, we’re ready to guide you every step of the way. Call us today for a consultation and let us help you continue your mission in the United States.