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R-1 Religious Worker

Temporary visa for ministers and religious workers coming to perform religious work.

Estimated Cost

$780

Processing Time

~4 months

Validity

30 months

Description

The R-1 visa allows ministers and non-ministers in religious vocations and occupations to come to the United States temporarily to perform religious work for a bona fide nonprofit religious organization.

Official informationLast updated: 2026-02-15

Timeline

Processing Time
2 months – 6 months

Average: 4 months

Visa Validity
3 years

Path to Residency

Path to Citizenship

~10 years

Requirements

Member of religious denomination*

Must have been a member of a religious denomination having a bona fide nonprofit religious organization in the U.S. for at least two years immediately preceding application

Religious worker capacity*

Must be a minister or working in a religious vocation or occupation (not administrative/clerical)

U.S. religious organization*

Must be coming to work for a bona fide nonprofit religious organization or affiliate

Part-time work minimum*

Must work at least part-time (average of 20 hours per week)

Valid passport*

Cost Breakdown

FeeAmountType
Form I-129 Filing Fee$780One-time
Premium Processing Fee (Form I-907)(optional)$1,780One-time
Legal/Attorney Fees(optional)$5,000One-time
Estimated Total$780