Get the R-1 Religious Worker Visa to the U.S. with Full Legal Support
Are you a priest, pastor, missionary, monk, or teacher working in a religious organization? Do you want to serve in the United States legally and live there with your family? The R-1 visa is a specialized nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign religious workers to live and serve in the U.S. under full legal status.
We offer comprehensive "done-for-you" service: eligibility analysis, sponsor coordination, legal petition preparation, consular support, and post-arrival adaptation — everything you need for a successful move to the U.S. as a religious worker.
📌 What Is the R-1 Visa?
The R-1 visa allows foreign nationals to work temporarily in the United States in a recognized non-profit religious organization. This includes those engaged in religious vocations or occupations — whether clergy, teachers, or church support staff.
The visa is initially granted for up to 30 months (2.5 years), with an extension available for another 30 months. Many R-1 holders later apply for a green card via the EB-4 religious worker category — and we support that process too.
Eligible positions include:
✅ Priests, pastors, imams, rabbis, and other clergy;
✅ Missionaries, monks, and religious sisters;
✅ Teachers of theology, seminary instructors, catechists;
✅ Church musicians, choir directors, worship leaders;
✅ Administrative staff, assistants, coordinators of religious activities.
🙏 Who Can Apply for the R-1 Visa?
Applicant requirements:
✅ Must be a citizen of a country not under U.S. immigration sanctions;
✅ Must have been a member of the same denomination as the U.S. sponsor for at least 2 years;
✅ Must have prior experience or education in their religious role;
✅ Must be entering the U.S. to work full-time in a qualifying religious capacity.
U.S. religious organization (sponsor) requirements:
✅ Must be registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit religious organization;
✅ Must have an active congregation, staff, physical premises;
✅ Must file a formal petition (Form I-129) and provide financial and structural documentation.
💼 What Our Service Includes:
🧾 Free consultation and eligibility review
🤝 Assistance with finding a qualified U.S. religious sponsor (if needed)
📑 Preparation and filing of Form I-129 and supporting documents
⚖️ Legal review of the sponsor's status, budget, mission, and records
📝 Gathering of personal religious records, recommendations, credentials
🎤 Interview preparation and embassy support
🛬 Post-arrival help: housing, Social Security number, bank account, insurance
📈 Why the R-1 Visa Is a Strategic Path
✅ Allows legal religious employment in the U.S. without investment or lottery;
✅ Valid for up to 5 years with an extension;
✅ Path to permanent residency via EB-4 (green card for religious workers);
✅ Family benefits — spouse and children under 21 can live in the U.S.;
✅ Valuable spiritual, cultural, and educational experience in an international setting.
💰 How Much Does It Cost?
⚖️ Legal services & case management: $3,000 – $6,000
📑 Petition filing and documentation prep (Form I-129): included
🛫 U.S. consular visa fee: $190
📄 Additional expenses (translations, notarizations): $300 – $700
Exact pricing depends on your country of residence, sponsor status, and document readiness. We offer installment options and a full cost estimate after the initial review.
⚠️ Why You Need Professional Help
The R-1 visa is one of the most closely reviewed by USCIS. Many petitions are delayed or denied due to insufficient documentation or improperly structured cases. We ensure your petition is complete, strategic, and ready to pass all checks.
📞 Start With a Free Consultation
▪ We’ll check your eligibility and religious affiliation
▪ Explain every requirement and the full process
▪ Assist in finding a sponsor or working with your existing one
▪ Guide you from start to approval — and beyond
📩 Submit your request — and begin your legal journey to serve in the United States.
Your calling is spiritual. We make the legal path clear.