Who the R-1 is for
#- Ministers and religious workers for qualifying organizations
- Applicants with two years of denominational membership
- Workers with religious duties aligned to the sponsoring organization
Official guidance to review
#Use the category-specific USCIS page and State Department resources before applying.
Requirements checklist (high level)
#- USCIS petition filed by a qualifying organization
- Evidence of two years of membership
- Proof of religious duties and compensation
- Intent to depart after R-1 status ends
- R-1 requires a qualifying U.S. religious organization.
Documents and evidence
#Prepare credentials, job or program details, and evidence that matches your visa category. Consular posts may request additional documents based on your case.
- Employer letter detailing duties, salary, and location
- Proof of membership and ordination (if applicable)
- I-129 approval notice
- DS-160 confirmation and passport
Step-by-step overview
#- Sponsoring organization files the I-129 petition.
- Complete DS-160 and schedule a consular interview.
- Attend interview with organization and membership evidence.
- Enter the U.S. and begin religious work.
Fees (verify before you pay)
#Verify Department of State visa fees and any USCIS filing fees that apply. USCIS petition fees and consular visa fees may apply.
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • Visa fee schedule (Department of State)
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • USCIS filing fees
Processing times
#Timelines depend on USCIS petition steps (if required) and consular interview availability. Petition processing times can vary by service center.
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • USCIS processing times tool
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • Visa appointment wait times (Department of State)
Common mistakes that cause delays
#- Insufficient proof of prior membership
- Role description that does not qualify as religious work
- Missing evidence of compensation or support
Next steps
#Use Find My Visa to build a sequenced plan with official sources and deadlines.
FAQs
Who qualifies as a religious worker for R-1?
The role must involve religious duties such as ministers, religious professionals, or other qualifying religious vocations tied to the organization.
Is prior membership required for R-1?
Yes. Applicants must generally show at least two years of membership in the same religious denomination as the sponsoring organization.
Does the organization need USCIS approval first?
Yes. The U.S. religious organization files Form I-129 with evidence of tax-exempt status and job details.
Sources
Last reviewed: 2026-01-29
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.
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