R-1 Religious Worker Visa in Glendale: Immigration for Ministers and Religious Workers
Bring religious workers to serve churches, mosques, and religious organizations in Southern California
Quick Answer
The R-1 visa allows religious workers including ministers, priests, imams, and other religious personnel to work temporarily in the United States for up to 5 years, with a path to permanent residence.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
For religious organizations in Glendale seeking to bring ministers, imams, religious instructors, or other religious workers to serve their communities, the R-1 visa provides a pathway. SoCal Immigration Services assists churches, mosques, and religious institutions with R-1 petitions.
What is the R-1 Religious Worker Visa?
• Ministers of religion (ordained clergy)
• Religious instructors and teachers
• Religious workers in a traditional religious function
• Missionaries and other religious personnel
The R-1 visa is valid for up to 30 months initially, with extensions possible up to a maximum of 5 years.
Who Qualifies for R-1 Status?
- •Be a member of a religious denomination for at least 2 years
- •Have been working in a religious capacity for 2 years
- •Be coming to work for a bona fide religious organization
- •Be entering to work as a minister or religious worker
- •Work at least 20 hours per week
- •Have a qualifying employer (tax-exempt religious organization)
Categories of R-1 Workers
| Category | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Ministers | Ordained religious leaders | Priests, pastors, imams, rabbis, monks |
| Religious Instructors | Teachers of religious doctrine | Sunday school teachers, religious educators |
| Religious Workers | Traditional religious functions | Cantors, translators of religious texts, religious broadcasters |
| Non-Traditional | Other religious roles | Religious hospital workers, outreach workers, religious counselors |
R-1 Visa Requirements for Employers
- •Be a bona fide nonprofit religious organization
- •Have tax-exempt status under IRS 501(c)(3) or equivalent
- •Be affiliated with a recognized religious denomination
- •Have a physical place of worship or religious activity
- •Be able to pay the worker's salary
- •Not require the worker to do secular (non-religious) work
The R-1 Application Process
- 1Employer Files I-129
Religious organization files Form I-129 with USCIS
- 2USCIS Review
USCIS reviews petition, may conduct site visit to verify organization
- 3Approval Notice
If approved, USCIS sends I-797 approval notice
- 4Visa Interview
Worker applies for R-1 visa at U.S. consulate abroad
- 5Enter U.S.
Worker enters U.S. with R-1 visa and begins religious work
R-1 Site Visits
• The religious organization exists at the stated address
• The organization conducts genuine religious activities
• The R-1 worker is performing religious duties
• The organization can pay the stated salary
• The worker is not performing primarily secular work
Site visits are common and organizations should be prepared. Keep records of religious activities, services, and the worker's duties.
R-1 Visa Duration and Extensions
| Status | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Admission | Up to 30 months | Based on I-129 petition |
| Extension | 30 months | Must file new I-129 |
| Maximum Stay | 5 years total | Cannot exceed 5 years |
| After 5 Years | Must leave U.S. | Unless adjusting status to green card |
| Reentry | After 1 year abroad | Can apply for new R-1 after gap |
R-1 to Green Card (EB-4)
• Must have worked in religious capacity for 2 years
• Employer files Form I-360
• No labor certification required
• Priority dates are usually current
• Family members can be included
This is often a faster path to a green card than employment-based categories that require PERM labor certification.
Common R-1 Issues and Denials
- •Organization doesn't qualify as bona fide religious entity
- •Worker doesn't have 2 years of religious work experience
- •Position involves primarily secular (non-religious) duties
- •Organization cannot demonstrate ability to pay salary
- •Insufficient evidence of religious denomination membership
- •Failed site visit inspection
R-1 Family Members (R-2)
• Spouse and unmarried children under 21
• Same duration as R-1 principal
• Cannot work on R-2 status
• Can attend school
• Must maintain valid status
Glendale Religious Worker Immigration Services
- •R-1 petition preparation for religious organizations
- •Documentation of bona fide religious organization status
- •Worker qualification evidence compilation
- •Site visit preparation and guidance
- •R-1 extensions and status maintenance
- •EB-4 green card applications for religious workers
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:Can my church sponsor an imam from abroad?
A: Any bona fide religious organization, including churches, mosques, temples, and synagogues, can petition for religious workers who meet the qualifications, regardless of denomination.
Q:Does the religious worker need a specific degree?
A: Ministers typically need the credentials required by their denomination (ordination, equivalent training). Other religious workers don't need specific degrees but must have 2 years of religious work experience.
Q:Can R-1 workers change employers?
A: Yes, but the new religious organization must file a new I-129 petition. The worker cannot begin new employment until the new petition is approved.
Q:What if our organization is new and doesn't have 501(c)(3) status yet?
A: New organizations can still petition if they can demonstrate they are bona fide religious organizations with religious activities. Having 501(c)(3) status or pending application is helpful but not always required.
Q:Can the R-1 worker do non-religious work?
A: The worker's primary duties must be religious in nature. Incidental secular duties are permitted, but if the majority of work is secular, the R-1 status may be denied or revoked.
Q:How long does R-1 processing take?
A: Regular processing takes 4-6 months. Premium processing is available for $2,805 and guarantees a response within 15 business days.
Need R-1 Religious Worker Visa Help in Glendale?
Let us help your religious organization bring qualified religious workers to serve your community. We understand the unique requirements of religious immigration.
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