1. Who is eligible for the R-1 visa?

The R-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa for individuals who are entering the United States to be employed temporarily in a “religious vocation or occupation.” This includes ministers of religion, professional religious workers, and other religious occupations or vocations. To qualify, the applicant must have been a member of a religious denomination for at least two years and be coming to the U.S. to work full-time in a religious capacity with the same religious organization or an affiliated organization.

2. How long is the R-1 visa valid for?

The R-1 visa is typically valid for up to five years.

3. What are the requirements for an R-1 applicant?

The requirements for an R-1 applicant are as follows:

1. Demonstrate a bona fide non-profit religious organization in the United States with which the applicant is affiliated.

2. Demonstrate that the applicant will engage in activities that relate directly to his or her religious calling during his or her stay in the United States.

3. Demonstrate that the applicant will be staying in the United States on a temporary basis and intends to depart the U.S. at the end of his or her stay.

4. Demonstrate that the applicant has sufficient funds to cover his or her expenses while in the United States, including living expenses and any related costs of carrying out religious activities.

5. Demonstrate that the applicant does not intend to engage in unauthorized employment during his or her stay in the U.S.

4. How do I apply for an R-1 visa?

You must be sponsored by a nonprofit religious organization in the U.S. in order to obtain an R-1 Visa. The application process consists of multiple steps including the filing of an I-129 form with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, submitting supporting documents to U.S. Consulate or Embassy, and scheduling and attending an in-person visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over your place of residence.

5. What documents do I need to submit with my R-1 application?

You will need to submit the following documents when applying for an R-1 visa:

• Passport (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay in the United States)
• Completed Form DS-160 (Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application)
• Two recent 2×2 passport-style photos
• Copy of your current resume, CV, or other evidence demonstrating that you are qualified to perform your religious vocation or occupation in the United States
• Letter from your religious organization in the United States sponsoring your R-1 visa application
• Proof of your foreign residence and intent to depart the United States upon completion of your R-1 stay
• Evidence of financial support during your stay in the United States
• Evidence of religious training or qualifications
• Evidence of membership in a US religious denomination
• If applicable, copies of prior US visas and any other documents related to your current visa application.

6. What are the filing fees for the R-1 visa application?

The filing fee for the R-1 visa application is $460.

7. How long does it take to process an R-1 visa application?

The processing time for an R-1 visa application varies depending on the individual case and processing location. Generally, the processing time is 4 to 6 months from the time the petition is received by USCIS.

8. What is the USCIS Premium Processing for R-1 Religious Workers?

The USCIS Premium Processing for R-1 Religious Workers is an expedited processing option for religious workers applying for an R-1 visa. The fee for Premium Processing is $1440 and guarantees that the USCIS will issue a decision on the case within 15 calendar days. Premium Processing for R-1 Religious Workers is available to those who have a pending Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, seeking classification as an R-1 religious worker.

9. How much does USCIS Premium Processing for R-1 Religious Workers cost?

The USCIS Premium Processing for R-1 Religious Workers costs $2,500.

10. What is the time frame for USCIS Premium Processing for R-1 Religious Workers?

USCIS Premium Processing for R-1 Religious Workers is 15 calendar days from the date of receipt.

11. Is there a guarantee that my application will be approved with USCIS Premium Processing for R-1 Religious Workers?

No, there is no guarantee that your application will be approved with USCIS Premium Processing for R-1 Religious Workers. Each case is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and must meet all the requirements for approval.

12. What documents are needed to file for USCIS Premium Processing for R-1 Religious Workers?

The USCIS requires the following documents to be submitted when filing for Premium Processing for R-1 Religious Workers:

– Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (signed by petitioner)
– Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service (signed by petitioner)
– Evidence to support the qualifications of the religious worker
– Copy of the petitioner’s IRS determination letter, if applicable
– Proof of fee payment (the $1,440 Premium Processing fee)
– Completed USCIS G-28 (if applicable)

13. How long does it take to receive a decision on my application with USCIS Premium Processing for R-1 Religious Workers?

USCIS Premium Processing for an R-1 Religious Worker typically takes 15 calendar days.

14. Can I apply for a work permit while my application is in process with USCIS Premium Processing for R-1 Religious Workers?

No, you cannot apply for a work permit while your application is in process with USCIS Premium Processing for R-1 Religious Workers. USCIS will need to review and approve your R-1 application before you can apply for a work permit.

15. Is there a fee waiver available for USCIS Premium Processing for R-1 Religious Workers?

No, there is not a fee waiver available for USCIS Premium Processing for R-1 Religious Workers.

16. Is it possible to extend my visa status with USCIS Premium Processing for R-1 Religious Workers?

No, it is not possible to extend your visa status with USCIS Premium Processing for R-1 Religious Workers. In order to extend your R-1 visa status, you must file Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker with the USCIS.

17. Are there any restrictions on activities allowed with USCIS Premium Processing for R-1 Religious Workers?

Yes, USCIS Premium Processing for R-1 Religious Workers does have some restrictions. Applicants cannot use premium processing to file an amended R-1 petition or a petition seeking to extend an R-1 nonimmigrant’s stay in the United States. Additionally, an approved change of status petition does not make an applicant eligible for premium processing.

18. Are dependents allowed to travel with an applicant on an R-1 visa?

Yes, dependents are allowed to travel with an applicant on an R-1 visa. The dependents must apply for their own R-2 visa in order to accompany the R-1 applicant.

19. Are there any travel restrictions associated with the R-1 visa program?

Yes. Travel restrictions for R-1 visa holders vary depending on the country from which the visa holder is entering the U.S. Generally, R-1 visa holders must demonstrate that they have a residence abroad to which they will return at the end of their stay in the U.S. Furthermore, R-1 visa holders are not permitted to work in the U.S. for more than five years, with certain exceptions. Additionally, R-1 visa holders may not leave the U.S. and re-enter with their R-1 visa without first obtaining authorization from USCIS.

20. What if I want to change my job or employer while on an R-1 visa?

If you wish to change employers or jobs while on an R-1 visa, you must apply for a new visa from your local embassy or consulate or file a petition with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Please note that any change in employment must be reported to USCIS.