The R-1 Visa
enables religious workers to temporarily
enter the United States. A religious
vocation is defined as a calling to
religious life, shown by a demonstration
of a lifelong commitment; for instance,
taking vows. Nuns, monks, and religious
brothers and sisters are examples of
religious workets.
A religious occupation is defined as a
continual engagement in an activity
related to a traditional religious
function. This definition includes
liturgical workers, religious
instructors or cantors, catechists,
workers in religious hospitals,
missionaries, religious translators and
religious broadcasters. However, it
doesn't include janitors, maintenance
workers, clerks, fund raisers or
solicitors of donations.
Your spouse and/or unmarried children
under 21 years of age may be granted
derivative status to enter the U.S. They
are not authorized to work while in the
U.S., but may attend school.
Steps
You should apply for an R-1 Visa at the
U.S. Embassy or Consulate with
jurisdiction over your place of
permanent residence. While you may apply
at any U.S. consular office abroad, this
method is more difficult. You do not
have to maintain a residence abroad
which you have no intention of
abandoning, but must intend to leave the
U.S. at the end of your R-1l status.
Documents
The following documents are required for
the R-1 Visa:
- A filled-in visa application Form OF-156.
- One recent photograph 1 & 1/2
inches square (37mm x 37mm) of each
applicant, with the entire face
visible. The picture should be taken
before a light background and
without head covering.
- A passport, valid for travel to
the United States for at least six
months longer than your intended
visit.
You will also need to provide the
following documents:
- Proof of tax-exempt status or
eligibility for tax-exempt status.
- A letter from an authorized
official of employing organization
certifying your position in your
organization, and the nature of the
organization.
