America L-1 Intra-Company Transfer Visa
America H-1B, H-2A, H-2B and H3 Temporary Work Visa
America O Visa (Individuals with Extraordinary Ability)
America I Visa (Journalists and Media Workers)
America P Visa (Athletes, Artists and Entertainers)
America Q-1 Cultural Exchange Program Visa
America R Visa (Religious Workers)
🇺🇸 ⛪ U.S. R Visa (Religious Workers)
The U.S. R Visa is a type of visa granted to religious workers who wish to temporarily come to the U.S. to engage in religious services, offer religious education, or perform duties in religious organizations. Applicants must be members of a non-profit religious community in the U.S. Additionally, they must have been members of this religious community for at least two years prior to applying.
R Visa holders can initially stay in the U.S. for a maximum of 30 months, and this period can be extended for another 30 months by applying to USCIS. The spouse and unmarried children under 21 of R-1 visa holders can join them in the U.S. under the R-2 visa category. However, the applicant must prove that they can financially support their family members during their stay.
🇺🇸 📑 Required Documents for the U.S. R Visa
The required documents for the U.S. R Visa application may vary depending on the U.S. embassy or consulate where the application is made. Personal documents required include a passport, biometric photo, DS-160 form, a copy of the national ID, and a detailed family registry document. Additionally, an English-language visa request letter explaining the purpose of the trip is required.
If applying as an employee, documents related to your job, such as an employment certificate, salary slip, and entry into the company report, may also be required. Financial support documents from the U.S. sponsor and their bank statement must also be submitted.
🇺🇸 📝 How to Apply for the U.S. R Visa
The application process for the U.S. R Visa starts when the religious community in the U.S. submits Form I-129 to USCIS. After approval, the applicant fills out the DS-160 form and applies for the visa at the U.S. consulate.
The application process requires proper document preparation, and a successful interview. During the interview, the applicant may be asked to provide detailed information about their membership in the religious community and their role in religious services.
🇺🇸 👨👩👧👦 Family Members
The spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age of R-1 visa holders cannot travel with the primary visa holder under the same visa type. Family members must apply for the appropriate visa category in order to travel to the U.S. Each family member must apply separately under the appropriate visa category.