R-1 Visa, Temporary Nonimmigrant Religious Workers

You may be eligible to be classified as an R-1 nonimmigrant if you:

• Will be employed by a nonprofit religious organization in the United States (or a nonprofit organization which is affiliated with a religious organization in the United States);
• Have been a member of a religious denomination having a bona fide nonprofit religious organization in the United States for at least two years immediately before filing the petition;
• Will work in the United States in at least a part-time position (an average of at least 20 hours per week);
• Are a minister or will be working in a religious vocation or occupation;
• Will work for the employer who files the petition to classify you as a R-1 nonimmigrant; and
• Will not work in any other capacity except as a religious worker.

More information on this classification is available on our R-1 Nonimmigrant page.

Read our policy on R-1 adjudications in Volume 2, Part O, of the USCIS Policy Manual.

Your petitioning entity must:

• Read the instructions for Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker;
• Complete and sign your Form I-129;
• Pay the filing fee, if applicable; and
• Provide all required evidence and supporting documentation.

Want status updates about your case? Learn how to create a USCIS online account to stay informed.

Once we receive your Form I-129, you will receive a:  

• Receipt notice confirming we received your petition;
• Site visit at the petitioner’s headquarters location, if necessary
• Notice to appear for an interview, if required; and
• Notice of our decision.

• Form I-129
• Find the fee information on Our Fee Schedule page.