An R-1 immigration visa is a nonimmigration visa that allows a religious person to come into the United States for employment. If a religious figure or a vocation comes into the U.S. for at least 20 hours a week, then they are able to come into the country under the R-1 nonimmigration visa.

A non-profit religious organization, a religious organization that is given previous authorization by a tax exempt holder to use the tax exemption, or a religious organization affiliated with a religious denomination in the U.S., are all ways to get a temporary nonimmigrant religious worker visa or an R-1 nonimmigration visa. The R-1 visa is intended for those who have committed their lives to religious functions and practices in comparison to secular members of a religion. Furthermore, to qualify for the R-1 immigration visa, you need to be a member of the religion and part of the non-profit religious organization in the U.S. for at least two years before you’re able to file for the nonimmigration visa. For example, if a synagogue wants to bring over a rabbi from Israel whose temple is affiliated with the synagogue in the U.S., then they are able to do so under the R-1 visa.

An R-1 Visa allows nonimmigrant status for a temporary period of up to five years. If you are a religious person of any faith and have a job opportunity in the United States to perform religious work for any religious organization, the organization can request that R-1 status be granted for you to work in the United States for a 30-month period.

This 30-month period can be followed by a 30-month extension if the organization wishes to continue to employ you for religious work. One important factor to not to forget if you wish to apply for R-1 status is that prior to entry, you must file form I-129. Another detail important to remember is that the site of your sponsored organization will most likely be inspected prior to the approval of your R-1 status.