R1 Employment Nonimmigrant Visa: Ultimate Guide

The R1 employment nonimmigrant visa is a dual-purpose visa widely used by religious workers from abroad who are coming to the United States to work for religious institutions. This visa was created to promote the interest of religious workers who are coming to the United States through the R1 visa.

Breaking down the R1 Employment Nonimmigrant Visa

The R1 Employment Nonimmigrant Visa is specifically intended for members of a bona fide religious denomination who are coming to the United States to work in a professional capacity in a religious vocation or occupation. The type of activities that these religious workers may engage in include, but are not limited to, preaching, lecturing, and teaching. In order to qualify for this type of visa, the applicant must first demonstrate an affiliation with a religious denomination or group that meets certain requirements. The applicant must also be coming to the United States to work in a professional capacity in a religious vocation or occupation for a religious organization or a bona fide non-profit religious organization in the United States.

Requirements to Apply for R1 Employment Nonimmigrant Visa

The first requirement to apply for the R1 Employment Nonimmigrant Visa is to demonstrate an affiliation with a religious denomination or group in the United States that has a bona fide nonprofit, religious organization. The applicant must be an ordained, licensed, or commissioned minister, or must have foreign equivalent religious background. The religious denomination or organization must have a presence in the US for the applicant to be eligible to apply for the R1 visa.

The applicant must also demonstrate sufficient expertise to work in a professional capacity in their religious vocation or occupation. This means that the applicant must have at least two years of experience working in this capacity prior to admission to the US. The applicant must also provide written documentation from their religious organization or group that states the purpose for their visit to the US. This documentation must include the applicant’s occupation, the length of their stay, and the salary or other compensation being provided.

Length of Stay in R1 Employment Nonimmigrant Status

The R1 Employment Nonimmigrant Visa is generally a valid status for an initial period of up to five years and may be renewed in increments of up to five years if the purpose of the stay remains the same.

Benefits and Restrictions

One of the key advantages of this visa is that it allows the religious worker to remain in the US for a long period of time if they meet all the qualifications and requirements. This type of visa is also advantageous because the family members of the religious worker may accompany them and apply for work authorization if they are admitted to the US in R2 nonimmigrant status.

However, since this visa is only for those who are coming to the US to work in a professional capacity in a religious vocation or occupation, it does not provide any other benefits or protections. Additionally, the visa is only valid for a specific period of time and cannot be renewed if it expires.

Employment Authorization with R1 Visa

Although the R1 Employment Nonimmigrant Visa does not provide any employment authorization, the religious worker may seek employment authorization to remain in the US once their visa expires. The religious worker must apply for a proper immigration status, such as an H-1 visa or an L-1 visa, to obtain employment authorization.

Fees for R1 Employment Nonimmigrant Visa

The fee for the R1 Employment Nonimmigrant Visa is $190.00. This fee may be paid by the applicant, an approved third party, or the religious organization or group the applicant is affiliated with.

Can the R1 Employment Nonimmigrant Visa be Used to Obtain Permanent Resident Status?

The R1 Employment Nonimmigrant Visa is not a dual intent visa, meaning that it cannot be used to obtain permanent resident status. If a religious worker wishes to become a permanent resident of the United States, they must apply for a different type of visa.

Travel with an R1 Visa

The R1 Employment Nonimmigrant Visa allows the holder to travel to and from the United States multiple times until their visa expires. However, if the religious worker wishes to extend their stay beyond the validity of their visa, they must obtain permission from the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to re-enter the United States.

FAQs

• How long is the R1 Employment Nonimmigrant Visa valid for?
• The R1 Employment Nonimmigrant visa is generally a valid status for an initial period of up to five years and may be renewed in increments of up to five years if the purpose of the stay remains the same.
• Are family members able to accompany the R1 Employment Nonimmigrant visa holder?
• Yes, family members of the religious worker may accompany them and apply for work authorization if they are admitted to the US in R2 nonimmigrant status.
• Can the R1 Employment Nonimmigrant Visa be used to obtain permanent resident status?
• No, the R1 Employment Nonimmigrant Visa is not a dual intent visa and cannot be used to obtain permanent resident status.

Conclusion

The R1 Employment Nonimmigrant Visa is intended for members of a bona fide religious denomination who are coming to work in the United States in a professional capacity in a religious vocation or occupation. The visa is valid for an initial period of up to five years and may be renewed in increments of up to five years. This type of visa also allows the family members of the religious worker to accompany them and apply for work authorization. In order to apply for this type of visa, the applicant must demonstrate an affiliation with a religious denomination or group in the United States that has a bona fide nonprofit, religious organization and also provide documentation of their work experience in the particular religious vocation or occupation. The fee for the R1 visa is $190.00.