R VISAS — RELIGIOUS WORKERS

To qualify for a religious worker visa, you must be coming to the United States temporarily to work at least part-time (an average of 20 hours per week) for an established non-profit religious organization or to work as a minister for an established religious domination. You will have to show that your membership in your denomination stretches back at least two years before you apply. If you will work as a minister, you will need to show a copy of your ordination certificate or equivalent document, as well as some record of your theological education.

Your religious employer must provide evidence indicating that it has existed in the United States for at least two years prior to filing the petition, and submit evidence of how it intends to compensate you for your work. This evidence can include:

• A copy of its 501(c)(3) classification letter from the IRS
• A group 501(c)(3) classification letter
• Other documentation establishing the religious nature and purpose of the organization
• Verifiable evidence of how you will be compensated, including records of past compensation for people performing similar work
• Budgets showing money set aside for compensation
• If compensation will be in-kind, evidence that you will be provided room and board

This is only a partial overview of R visa requirements. A savvy professional immigration attorney can help you and your religious denomination get an R visa this first time you apply, avoiding unnecessary delays.