THE HOLT LAW GROUP

R-1: RELIGIOUS WORKERS

R-1 status for religious workers are available to individuals who have been members of a religious denomination for over 2 years and are offered a job in the U.S. by an affiliate of that religious organization.

An individual must be engaged in a religious occupation, or as clergy, or as a lay religious worker. Religious occupation means the habitual engagement in an activity that relates to a traditional religious function.

Clergy are persons authorized by a recognized religious denomination to conduct religious activities. A religious vocation is a calling to a religious life as evidenced by a lifetime commitment such as the taking of vows. Evidence of clergy membership is a certificate of ordination or license.

Lay religious workers are authorized to do religious duties but are not formally considered clergy. The lay worker activities must relate to the traditional religious functions.

Application procedure:

1. Application is made on the appropriate CIS forms; 2. Documentation of the membership and work for the required 2 years as well as the proof of the religious organization must be provided;
3. Proof applicants entering solely to carry on the vocation of a minister or in a religious vocation or occupation will accompany the application;
4. Proof that the applicant has been outside of the U.S. for one full year if he or she has been in R classification for 5 years is also required.

Dependents:

Spouse and children of R-1 visa holders are eligible to receive an R-2 visa for the same duration, and are permitted to study but not to work.