Frequently Asked Questions- Religious Worker Visa (R-1 Visa)What is an R Visa (Visa for religious worker)>The R visa is available to individuals coming to the United States to work for a religious organization in either a clergy or a lay capacity. What type of job position can I fill with a religious worker visa?Examples of positions that could qualify a person for an R visa include but are not limited to: Hebrew, Judaica, or Sunday school instructors, rabbis, religious counselors, cantors, sextons, religious media writers/broadcasters, mohels, and kosher butchers, priests, nuns, deacons, preachers, reverends, religion teachers, etc. Jobs which may be in a religious institution but do not relate to te performing of a religious function DO NOT qualify for an R visa. For example: maintenance workers, clerks, fundraisers, etc. Is it difficult to hire a religious worker?The R visa process is relatively straightforward if the religious organization, the position, and the worker are all a good match. However, immigration law is complex and constantly changing. Because time and money are at stake, it is advised that you seek legal assistance from an experienced immigration attorney. With qualified counsel on your side, the amount of work involved on the part of the religious organization is minimal. What qualifications must the religious worker possess?The individual seeking the religious worker visa must have been a member of the religious denomination for two years or more, and must possess the minimum education and experience required for the job to be filled. If the position is for rabbi or priest, the applicant must document ordination. If the position is a professional one that requires a university degree, a US baccalaureate degree or the foreign equivalent is required. How much does the religious worker have to be paid? There is no set amount that must be paid to the religious worker. However, it must be enough to cover the person�s basic living expenses. If the pay is too low to cover the individual�s basic living expenses, factors such as whether housing will be provided by the organization or any other supplementary aid are considered by Immigration Services. Can the applicant change jobs?The employee cannot change jobs on the R visa unless another employer files a new visa petition for him or her. Can a religious worker travel outside the United States?A religious worker may travel, but if the person changed to an R visa from another type of visa while in the United States, he or she will have to report to a U.S. consulate abroad before returning to the United States. For how long is an Religious Worker (R-1) visa valid?An R visa is valid for up to five years. Under current law, an �R� visa holder often is able to pursue a Green Card as a religious worker, which allows him or her to find work anywhere and after five years, apply for US citizenship. Can the applicant�s family come to the United States?The spouse or unmarried minor child of an R-1 visa holder may study and live- but not work- in the United States (unless the family member gets an employer to petition for him or her). What documentation will I be required to submit?
|