Visto n' Visa

Do I need to have purchased airline tickets before the interview?

It is not mandatory to purchase airline tickets before the R visa interview; it is recommended to wait for approval to avoid financial risks and follow official guidelines.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on November 25, 2025
2 min read
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When dealing with immigration matters for the United States, it is important to understand all the details of the process and act cautiously to avoid complications or unnecessary risks.

In the case of the R visa, which is intended for religious workers, there are common doubts about the need to purchase airline tickets even before the interview. Let”s examine this issue objectively.

In general, it is not mandatory to purchase airline tickets before the R visa interview. The interview is just one step of the process, and many consulates recommend that applicants avoid irreversible expenses while awaiting visa approval. Therefore, buying tickets before the interview may entail financial risks if the visa is denied or if it is necessary to change dates.

It is essential to always comply with United States immigration laws and seek information from official sources or through reputable specialized consultancies. The immigration process is complex and, unfortunately, there are marketing campaigns and promises of swift results that can create false reputations, putting applicants in risky situations.

Make sure you are well advised before making any decisions.

In summary, for the R visa, the recommendation is to wait for interview approval before purchasing airline tickets. This way, you reduce the chance of losses and keep the focus on the process, following all legal guidelines of the United States.

If you have any additional questions, do not hesitate to seek information from official sources or specialized professionals in the field.

Learn more about R-1

Requirement
Religious worker
Initial validity
Up to 30 months
Extension
Up to +30 months (max 5 years)
Hours
Min. 20 hrs/week
All about R-1

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.

Victoria's tips

Do I need to have purchased airline tickets before the interview?

It is not mandatory to purchase airline tickets before the R visa interview; it is recommended to wait for approval to avoid financial risks and follow official guidelines.

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