One of the temporary worker categories is the R-1 visa, which enables a religious organization to submit an application on behalf of a qualified religious minister or worker. A maximum of five years may be spent working for that religious organization in the United States by the R-1 visa holder. 

For religious organizations, the R-1 visa category is one of the best ways to overcome the disconnect between immigration laws and international borders. It permits a religious organization to hire seasoned members who are currently working for the religious denomination in other nations.

Now that we know what an R1 visa is, let's understand what is required to be eligible for it. 

Requirements For R1 Visa

In order to become eligible for this particular visa, you need to fulfill the following requirements:

• In order to work in a religious occupation or vocation, you must be a religious minister.
• You require a job offer from a nonprofit religious organization operating in the United States or from a nonprofit organization associated with a religious organization.
• Prior to applying, you must have been a part of the religious organization for at least two years.
• Your job entitles you to at least part-time employment with a weekly minimum of 20 hours.

Documents Needed

Following is a list of documents that you may need in order to apply for an R-1 visa: 

• Form DS-160 confirmation page
• Approved Form I-129
• An international passport that is valid for at least six months after your intended stay
• Passport photographs
• Fee payment receipts

The above are the most important documents that you will need. However, along with these, you may need a few other documents that will further prove your status of whether you are a religious minister or worker. 

These may include a letter from an authorized official of a particular employing religious organization's unit confirming that: 

• The U.S, as well as the foreign organizations, belong to a similar religious denomination in case your religious membership was maintained in part or in whole outside the United States. 
• You have been a part of the religious denomination for the necessary two years before applying for the R1 visa.
• If you are a minister, you are permitted to lead religious services for that denomination.
• You possess a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent, and obtaining such a degree is necessary to pursue a career in religion, or
• If the job entails performing a traditional religious duty, you are qualified for it.
• The arrangements for remuneration, along with the amount and source of salary, other forms of payment, like housing and food, and any other perks to which a monetary value may be attached, as well as a declaration as to whether these remunerations will be in exchange for the rendered services. 
• Name and location of the particular religious organization affiliate for which you will offer your services.
• The nature of the relationship between the two organizations is described if you are going to work for one that is associated with a particular religious denomination.

Duration Of Stay

There is a five-year maximum stay allowed in the US. Your initial stay will be for 30 months. However, you will get the opportunity to extend your status for an extra 30 months. After five years in the country with R1 status, you can apply for R1 status again after spending at least a year outside the country.

Visa Application Fee

The R-1 visa requires a $190 application fee. You must pay this fee before moving forward with your application. Additionally, extra charges could be charged based on your country's relations with the United States. These charges, known as visa issuance fees, can differ from one nation to another.

Family Members Accompanying You

Your spouse and those children who are under the age of 21 and are not married can certainly accompany you. However, in order to become eligible, they may need to get an R-2 visa. This will allow them to stay in the United States. But, they won't be able to do any work or accept employment. 

How Can RB Law Assist?

RB Law is always there to assist when it comes to applying for a visa for the United States. As the entire process of applying for an R1 Visa is quite complex and lengthy, a lot of people find it challenging. If you are also one of those, there is nothing to get worried about. We have got you covered. Get in touch with us today, and our team will assist you with the entire process.