R-1

R-1 nonimmigrant visas are available to religious workers including ministers and those working in religious vocations or occupations. To qualify, a person must be a member of the employer’s religious denomination for at least two years and the employer must be a nonprofit organization which includes most churches, synagogues, mosques and temples as well as many institutions affiliated with them. R-1 visas must be initially approved by USCIS and the agency will normally inspect the employer’s facility before or after approving the R-1 visa. The R-1 is valid for up to five years and can be converted to a green card after two years of work in R-1 status (unless the applicant already had two years’ experience prior to entering the US).