Looking to move to United States with the R-1 visa?

Complete R-1 visa guide: requirements, costs, timelines, and the step-by-step path of your journey to United States.

Take the test and find out whether you qualify, or exactly what you need to do to qualify.

Test eligibility

Save up to 12 hours in meetings

No pointless assessments.

Save up to 90%

Save money on vague or unfocused consultations

Avoid Fraud and Mistakes

One mistake can cost you your visa

Save up to 12 hours in meetings

No pointless assessments.

Save up to 90%

Save money on vague or unfocused consultations

Avoid Fraud and Mistakes

One mistake can cost you your visa

Total Impartiality

Zero commercial bias

Decide with peace of mind

No toxic urgency

Fast and Accurate

Answers in minutes, no guesswork

Total Impartiality

Zero commercial bias

Decide with peace of mind

No toxic urgency

Fast and Accurate

Answers in minutes, no guesswork

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Eligibility criteria

R-1 visa requirements

Get to know the main criteria evaluated by USCIS before starting your petition.

Same denomination for 2 years

Be a member of a religious denomination that has a bona fide nonprofit organization in the U.S. for the 2 years before the petition.

Sponsoring organization

Petition filed by a bona fide nonprofit religious organization (or affiliated 501(c)(3)) in the U.S.

Ministerial or religious role

Work as a minister or in a religious vocation/occupation related to the denomination's beliefs.

At least 20 hours/week

Compensated work (salaried or non-salaried) of at least 20 hours per week.

Stay up to 5 years

Initial admission up to 30 months, extendable for another 30 months; 5-year maximum total.

Form I-129 + supplement

I-129 petition with the R-1 Classification Supplement and evidence of the organization and religious membership.

Frequently asked questions

Questions about R-1

Straight answers related to this visa.

Frequently asked questions

Questions about R-1

Straight answers related to this visa.

Explore all questions and answers

Is the R-1 process more stringent than other visas?

Can the R-1 conduct services for other denominations?

Can the R-1 change to an E-2 investor visa?

Is it possible to renew the passport while I am on an R-1?

What is the difference between R-1 and P-1 (artists)?

Does the R-1 allow me to enter the country before the start date?

Is it possible to change to a U or T Visa from an R-1?

Can the R-2 apply for a driver''s license before the R-1?

Can an R-1 visa holder celebrate masses in private homes?

Can an R-2 volunteer at the same place as the R-1?

Can a non-traditional church sponsor the R-1?

Can an R-1 visa holder receive a pension from their country of origin?

Can I distribute Bibles in public schools with an R-1 visa?

What is the R-1?

How long does the church need to exist before sponsoring an R-1?

Can the R-1 visa holder use Global Entry to enter faster?

Does the R-2 have the same validity as the R-1?

If the senior pastor dies, can I continue with my R-1?

Does the R-1 need to pay federal income tax if receiving a salary?

Can the R-2 enter before the R-1?

Can I use the R-1 for lectures at universities?

Can I file two simultaneous R-1 petitions with different churches?

Does the R-1 visa allow opening an MEI or LLC in the USA?

Can I have an R-1 visa even if I receive a reduced salary?

Can the R-1 have housing provided and an additional salary?

Can I change from R-1 to F-1 student?

Can an R-1 visa holder become unemployed and look for another church?

Does the R-1 need to mention previous debts in the DS-160?

Can I give public testimonies at events if I am R-1?

Can I have volunteers assisting me if I am on an R-1 visa?

Do I need to prove English fluency for the R-1?

Can I apply for the R-1 with permission to minister online?

Does the R-1 visa grant the right to paid vacation?

Can an R-2 change status to R-1 while in the USA?

Can the R-1 visa holder receive donations through online platforms?

Can an R-2 drive without the R-1 present in the car?

Can I marry a U.S. citizen in a civil ceremony while on an R-1 visa?

Can the R-1 have health insurance plans subsidized by the congregation?

Can an R-1 visa holder appear on a radio program?

What is the procedure if I become pregnant during the R-1?

Posts about R-1

Coverage and updates related to this visa.

No visa-specific posts listed here yet

That does not mean nothing is happening - we are watching this program closely. When there is information that matters for people following this visa, we will publish it here.

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