What is an R-1 Visa?
The R-1 visa is designed for vocational ministers and religious workers of established faiths with a U.S. presence. Eligible roles include:
Pastors
Priests
Rabbis
Imams
Monks
Other ordained or commissioned ministers
It is important to note that support staff (such as administrative workers, custodians, or accountants) do not qualify for an R-1 visa. The program strictly applies to those performing direct religious duties and leadership.
Key Features of the R-1 Visa:
Work authorization for religious duties only
Limited incidental education or training allowed
Valid for 30 months initially, extendable up to 60 months total
Opportunity to sponsor spouse and children under R-2 visas
Potential eligibility to adjust status to permanent resident (green card) through employer sponsorship
How a Church Can Sponsor a Minister for a Green Card
Many R-1 visa holders later pursue a green card through employment-based immigration under the Special Immigrant Religious Worker category (EB-4). To do this, the sponsoring religious organization must:
Prove the minister has been employed continuously for two years with the denomination (can include work abroad or in the U.S.)
Demonstrate that the religious organization is a nonprofit and tax-exempt under U.S. law
File a petition (Form I-360) on behalf of the minister for special immigrant status
Once approved, the minister can apply for adjustment of status or an immigrant visa to become a lawful permanent resident.
What Are the Requirements for an R-1 Visa?
To qualify for an R-1 religious worker visa, applicants must meet several key requirements:
Membership in a religious denomination that maintains an active nonprofit, tax-exempt organization in the United States
Affiliation with the religious denomination for at least two years immediately prior to filing the petition
Employment commitment of at least 20 hours per week in religious duties
Intent to work exclusively as a vocational minister or religious worker for the sponsoring organization
The religious employer must file a petition (Form I-129) with USCIS and undergo a site visit to verify operations before an R-1 visa is granted.
Conclusion: Start Your R-1 Visa or Church Sponsorship Journey
If you are a foreign minister seeking to serve your faith in the United States—or a church or religious organization wishing to sponsor a religious worker—Martinez Immigration can guide you through every step of the R-1 visa and green card sponsorship process.
Our experienced immigration team can assist with:
R-1 visa petitions
R-2 visa applications for dependents
Green card sponsorship for religious workers
Site visit preparation and compliance support
