Temporary religious worker (R-1) visas are for persons who want to work temporarily in the United States in religious capacities. If you are planning to come to the United States as a religious worker, then this is your best method. This visa allows various kinds of religious workers to temporary come to the United States as ministers, priests, religious educators, translators, and missionaries. (There is a separate, immigrant program, available to religious workers in the EB-4 category. While the program for ministers is still active, the non-minister program was discontinued as of September 30, 2025).

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Requirements

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• You must be a member of the same religious denomination as the religious organization you plan to work for in the United States for at least two years before that organization files a petition on your behalf

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• be coming to work as a minister or in a religious vocation or occupation in the United States

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• be employed by a non-profit religious organization in the United States (or an organization affiliated with the religious denomination in the United States)

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• work at least part time, an average of at least 20 hours per week.

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When you have a religious vocation or profession or are a religious worker coming for temporary employment, with your salary paid by a non-profit religious organization in the United States, you must have a religious worker (R) visa or other work visa. (In certain situations, you may only need a B visitor visa when coming to the United States for certain temporary work).

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Application Process

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• Your prospective employer must file a Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker on your behalf with USCIS. The fee is currently $510.00.

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• That petition must be approved by USCIS.

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• You must then complete an online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160.

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• You must upload a photograph of yourself when completing Form DS-160.

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• You must schedule an interview at a United States Consulate or Embassy usually where you live.

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• You must pay application and issuance fees.​

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R-1 Benefits

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As a R-1 visa holder, you may work lawfully in the United States for a specific employer for up to five years. Further, you may bring your spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age with you using a R-2 visa. Unlike some visa categories, the United States does not cap the number of R-1 visas allotted in a given year, so you will be likely to not have to wait long for a visa. Another benefit is that it may be possible to transition to other nonimmigrant or immigrant visa categories which can provide a method of obtaining a green card.

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Take Action

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If you are ready to learn more about the R-1 visa, or if you just have questions, Brock Immigration is waiting to assist you. Contact us today.