R Visas

Purpose:

allows individuals to come to the U.S. temporarily to work for a religious organization

Requirements:

(1) you must be a member of the clergy or a lay religious worker;

(2) a job offer from a religious organization in the U.S.; and

(3) you must have been a member of that religious denomination for the 2 years immediately preceding your application

Duration of Visa:

maximum of 5 years, including extensions

Description:

The R visa allows individuals to come to the U.S. temporarily to work for a religious organization. Both members of the clergy and lay religious workers are eligible to apply for a R visa, as long as you have been a member of the religious denomination for at least the 2 years immediately preceding your application. You may come to the U.S. to work as a minister or in a religious vocation or occupation. Nuns, monks, brother, and sisters, for example, may apply for a R visa as they have undertaken a religious vocation. Individuals working as a religious instructor, religious counselor, or cantor would be eligible to apply for a R visa based on their having a religious occupation. Finally, individuals working in a professional capacity for an organization also can apply for a R visa. To get a R visa, you need a specific job offer from a religious organization in the U.S. With R status, you are allowed to remain in the U.S. for a maximum of 5 years, including any extensions.

Immigration law is often complex in nature with different eligibility and filing requirements. The material on this page and the other pages of this web site is general and for informational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice and counsel of an attorney, and you should not rely on it solely when making decisions about your immigration status.

If you would like me to examine your particular situation and assist you in applying for a visa, it is possible to arrange for a consultation by telephone or e-mail.
Return to Visa Page