R-1 Religious Worker Visa –
Guidance by Immigration Attorney Gregory Boan.
At G.E.B. GLOBAL, we are committed to providing strategic immigration solutions for religious professionals and organizations. Under the leadership of Immigration Attorney Gregory Boan, we assist clergy and religious workers from around the world in securing the R-1 Religious Visa, allowing them to legally live and serve in the United States.
What Is the R-1 Religious Visa?
The R-1 Visa is a non-immigrant visa designed for foreign nationals coming to the U.S. temporarily to work in a religious vocation or occupation. It applies to roles such as:
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Pastors, priests, deacons, ministers, and imams
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Religious education teachers and instructors
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Liturgical musicians and worship leaders
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Missionaries and caregivers in religious settings
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Nuns, monks, and other religious vocations
To qualify, the applicant must have been a member of the sponsoring religious denomination for at least two years prior to applying.
Who Can Apply?
This visa is available to religious professionals or workers sponsored by a non-profit religious organization in the U.S. recognized under 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Examples of qualifying roles include:
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Minister: Someone fully authorized by a religious denomination to conduct worship and perform duties typical of clergy.
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Professional Capacity: Positions requiring at least a U.S. bachelor's degree or its foreign equivalent.
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Religious Vocations and Occupations: Individuals committed to religious life through vows or ordination, such as monks, nuns, missionaries, or caregivers in religious institutions.
Note: Fundraisers and individuals who solely solicit donations do not qualify under this category.
How Long Can You Stay in the U.S. on an R-1 Visa?
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Initial stay: Up to 30 months (2.5 Years)
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Extension: Possible for an additional 30 months (2.5 Years)
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Maximum stay: 5 years (60 months) Total
After gaining experience in the U.S., many religious workers may later become eligible to apply for the EB-4 Immigrant Visa, leading to permanent residency (Green Card).
Can My Family Join Me?
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Yes. Your spouse and children (under 21) may accompany you to the U.S. under R-2 Visas. While they can live in the U.S. and attend public or private school, they are not authorized to work.
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Why Choose G.E.B. GLOBAL for Your R-1 Visa?
When you work with G.E.B. GLOBAL, you work directly with Immigration Attorney Gregory Boan, a Florida-licensed attorney with extensive experience in U.S. immigration law, including employment-based and religious worker visas.
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We offer:
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Direct attorney access throughout the entire process
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Tailored legal strategy for religious visa filings
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Full guidance on compliance, documentation, and follow-up steps
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Transparent pricing and personal attention from start to finish
With decades of experience helping individuals and religious institutions achieve immigration success, G.E.B. GLOBAL is your trusted partner for the R-1 Religious Worker Visa and all related U.S. immigration matters.
Path to Permanent Residency:
Many religious workers on an R-1 visa may later qualify for the EB-4 Immigrant Visa as Special Immigrants (Religious Workers). If approved, this leads to a Green Card (lawful permanent residence).
However, it's important to note:
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The EB-4 process is separate from the R-1 and involves its own petition (Form I-360) and eligibility requirements.
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Not all R-1 holders qualify automatically—it depends on the nature and continuity of the work, and the sponsoring organization's qualifications.
Get Started Today
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Whether you are a religious leader, missionary, or representative of a U.S.-based religious organization, we are ready to help you navigate the R-1 visa process confidently and legally.
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R-1 Religious visa with G.E.B Global.
1. Religious Worker Role
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The applicant must be coming to the United States to work at least part-time (minimum 20 hours per week) in one of the following roles:
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Minister or pastor authorized to conduct religious worship
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Religious professional in a role requiring at least a U.S. bachelor’s degree (or foreign equivalent)
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Worker in a religious occupation or vocation, including:
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Religious education teachers
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Liturgical or religious music workers
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Missionaries
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Monks, nuns, and religious brothers/sisters
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Chaplains or spiritual caregivers in hospitals, orphanages, or care facilities​
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2. Affiliation with a Religious Denomination
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The applicant must be a member of a bona fide, non-profit religious denomination that has a legitimate religious presence in the U.S.
The applicant must have been a member of that denomination for at least 2 years immediately prior to the visa petition.
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3. Job Offer from a U.S. Religious Organization
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The U.S. employer must be:
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A non-profit religious organization, or
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An affiliated non-profit (such as a religious school or charitable organization)
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Recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
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The U.S. organization must file the Form I-129 petition on behalf of the applicant.
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4. Purpose and Duration of Stay
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The R-1 visa is intended for temporary religious work in the United States.
The initial stay is up to 30 months (2.5 years), with the possibility of a one-time extension for a total of 5 years maximum in R-1 status.
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5. Compensation
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The applicant must not be self-supporting or working as a volunteer (except in limited cases for certain vocations).
The petitioning organization must show proof of how the applicant will be financially supported (e.g., salary, housing, stipends).
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6. Pathway to Permanent Residency
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The R-1 visa does not provide permanent residence, but it can serve as a stepping stone to the EB-4 Green Card for religious workers after 2 years of qualifying religious employment.
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