Religious Ministers or Workers - R Visa

Who qualifies

Religious ministers or workers may qualify for the religious worker classification R visa if, for the two years immediately preceding the time of application, they have been a member of a religious denomination which has a bona fide nonprofit religious organization in the United States. Bona fide religious organizations in the United States must have tax exempt status as an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

Persons seeking R status must plan to enter the United States solely to:

• Carry on the vocation of a minister of the religious denomination; or


• Work in a professional capacity in a religious vocation or occupation or organization within the denomination; or


• Work in a religious vocation or occupation for an organization within the denomination, or for a bona fide organization which is affiliated with the religious denomination. Bona fide religious organizations in the United States must have tax exempt status as an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

The initial admission period for ministers and religious workers entering the United States in R status is limited to three years. Employers must file an I-129 petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to request an extension. Extensions may be granted for a total stay not to exceed five years

Spouses, Children and Partners

Spouses and/or children under the age of 21 who wish to accompany or join the principal visa holder in the United States for the duration of his/her stay require derivative R-2 visas. Spouses and/or children who do not intend to reside in the United States with the principal visa holder, but visit for vacations only, may be eligible to apply for visitor (B-2) visas, or if qualified, travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

More information for partners and common-law spouses.

R-2 verses F-1

There is no requirement that the spouse and/or children of an R-1 visa holder apply for a student (F-1) visa if they wish to study in the U.S.; they may study on an R-2 visa. However if they are qualified, they may apply for the F-1 visa. If you have school age children, you should refer to the regulations governing the issuance of F-1 visas.

Working on an R-2 visa

The spouse of an exchange visitor may not work in the United States on a derivative R-2. If he or she is seeking employment, the appropriate work visa will be required.

Important Notice: No assurances regarding the issuance of visas can be given in advance. Therefore final travel plans or the purchase of nonrefundable tickets should not be made until a visa has been issued.

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