SoCal Immigration Services | Immigration Document Preparation in Southern California

Quick Answer

For mosques, churches, and religious organizations in Colton and the Inland Empire seeking to bring religious workers from abroad, the I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker visa offers a direct path to permanent residence. This category is particularly important for Muslim communities needing imams and Islamic scholars. SoCal Immigration Services provides Arabic-speaking guidance.

Reviewed for accuracy by

Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

What is the Special Immigrant Religious Worker Visa?

The Special Immigrant Religious Worker (EB-4 Religious Worker) program allows qualified religious workers to obtain green cards to work in the United States.

Key Points:
• Direct path to green card (no temporary visa required first)
• Three categories: ministers, religious vocation, religious occupation
• Must work for a bona fide religious organization
• Requires 2 years of qualifying experience
• Annual cap of 5,000 non-minister visas

Categories of Religious Workers

There are three types of religious worker immigration:

Category	Description	Examples	Annual Cap
Ministers	Ordained clergy authorized to perform religious ceremonies	Imams, priests, rabbis, pastors, sheikhs	No cap
Religious Vocation	Religious life as a calling/commitment	Monks, nuns, religious brothers/sisters	5,000 total
Religious Occupation	Religious functions requiring religious knowledge	Religious educators, cantors, catechists	5,000 total

Requirements for I-360 Religious Worker

To qualify for a religious worker green card, you must:

•Have been a member of a religious denomination for at least 2 years immediately before filing
•Have worked in a religious vocation or occupation for the same denomination for 2 years
•Be coming to work as a minister OR in a religious vocation/occupation
•Work for a bona fide non-profit religious organization in the U.S.
•The position must be at least 35 hours per week (full-time)
•Receive compensation for the work (not volunteer)

The I-360 Petition Process

Here's how the religious worker visa process works:

Step	What Happens	Timeline
1. Employer Files I-360	Religious organization submits petition	Day 1
2. USCIS Review	Initial review of qualifications	6-12 months
3. Site Visit	USCIS may visit the organization	During processing
4. I-360 Approval	Petition approved	After review
5. File I-485 or Consular	Apply for green card	Immediately or when current
6. Green Card	Receive permanent residence	6-18 months after I-485

Imams and Muslim Religious Workers

For Islamic centers in Colton and the Inland Empire:

Imams Qualify as Ministers:
• Lead congregational prayers
• Perform religious ceremonies (nikah, janazah)
• Provide religious guidance and counseling
• Give khutbah (sermons)

Other Muslim Religious Positions:
• Quran teachers (religious educator)
• Islamic studies instructors
• Religious youth directors
• Da'wah coordinators

Documentation should show religious nature of duties.

Documentation for Religious Worker Petition

Required evidence for the I-360 petition:

•Evidence of bona fide religious organization (IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter)
•Proof of denominational membership for 2+ years
•Evidence of 2 years qualifying religious work
•Detailed job offer letter describing religious duties
•Evidence of compensation (salary, housing, stipend)
•Evidence of religious training or ordination
•Organizational charts showing religious hierarchy
•Religious endorsement or letter from denomination leader

USCIS Site Visits

USCIS frequently conducts site visits for religious worker petitions:

What Happens During a Site Visit:
• Inspector arrives unannounced
• Verifies the organization exists and operates
• Interviews organizational leaders
• Confirms the position is full-time and paid
• Reviews organizational records
• May interview the beneficiary if already in the U.S.

Prepare your organization:
• Ensure the religious worker position is fully funded
• Keep documentation organized and accessible
• Train staff on what to expect during a visit

Common Challenges and Denials

Watch out for these common issues:

Organizational Problems:
• New organizations without track record
• Insufficient proof of religious purpose
• Finances that can't support the position
• Part-time positions (must be 35+ hours)

Beneficiary Problems:
• Gap in religious membership or work
• Unable to prove 2 years of qualifying work
• Religious duties not sufficiently documented
• Compensation issues (volunteer work doesn't count)

Proper documentation from the start prevents most denials.

Religious Worker vs R-1 Visa

Understanding the difference:

Factor	I-360 (Green Card)	R-1 (Temporary Visa)
Status	Permanent residence	Temporary (up to 5 years)
Who Files	Employer	Employer
Work Experience	2 years required	2 years required
Processing Time	12-24 months total	2-6 months
Family	Derivatives get green cards	R-2 dependents (no work)
Path Forward	Citizenship in 5 years	Must change status to stay

After Green Card Approval

Once the religious worker receives their green card:

• Free to work in any occupation (not limited to religious work)
• Can change employers at any time
• Family members also receive green cards
• Can apply for citizenship after 5 years
• Can sponsor other family members

Note: While you can change jobs after the green card, the position should be genuine at the time of filing. Don't file if you don't intend to work in the religious position.

Colton Religious Worker Services

SoCal Immigration Services helps Inland Empire religious organizations with:

•I-360 petition preparation and filing
•Evidence compilation for imam and minister positions
•Arabic translation of religious credentials
•IRS 501(c)(3) status guidance
•Site visit preparation and training
•Adjustment of status applications
•Family green card applications
•R-1 to I-360 transitions

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:Can an imam get a green card through the religious worker visa?

A: Yes. Imams qualify as 'ministers' under the religious worker category if they perform religious ceremonies, lead prayers, give sermons, and provide religious guidance. They must have 2 years of experience as an imam.

Q:Does our mosque need to be a registered non-profit?

A: Yes. The religious organization must have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or qualify for one. This proves the organization is a bona fide non-profit religious organization.

Q:How long does the religious worker green card take?

A: The total process typically takes 12-24 months from I-360 filing to green card. This includes USCIS processing (6-12 months), possible site visit, and adjustment of status or consular processing (6-12 months additional).

Q:Can the religious worker bring their family?

A: Yes. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can be included as derivative beneficiaries. They receive green cards along with the principal religious worker.

Q:What if our religious worker is already in the U.S. on another visa?

A: They may be able to adjust status in the U.S. after the I-360 is approved. If on R-1 status, there's a specific pathway. Other visa holders may also qualify - we can evaluate individual situations.

Q:Is there a salary requirement for religious workers?

A: There's no specific dollar amount, but the position must be compensated (not volunteer). The compensation can include salary, housing, meals, or other support. The organization must show it can financially sustain the position.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in Colton and does not constitute legal advice. SoCal Immigration Services is a document preparation company, not a law firm. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney.

Published: January 19, 2026Last Updated: January 19, 2026

Need to Bring a Religious Worker to Colton?

Help your mosque, church, or religious organization bring qualified religious workers from abroad. Our Arabic-speaking team understands the needs of diverse faith communities.

Serving Colton and all of Southern California

Schedule Religious Worker Consultation (714) 421-8872

employment•Laguna Hills

I-360 Special Immigrant Religious Worker in Colton: Visa Guide for Ministers and Religious Staff