What is the R Visa?
The USA R Visa is a non-immigrant visa designed for religious workers who want to enter the United States temporarily to work in a religious capacity. It’s ideal for ministers, priests, missionaries, and other religious professionals or workers affiliated with a recognized denomination or organization.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for an R Visa, applicants must:
✅ Be a member of a religious denomination that has a bona fide nonprofit religious organization in the U.S.
✅ Have been a member of that religious denomination for at least 2 years before applying.
✅ Be coming to the U.S. to work as a minister, in a religious vocation, or in a religious occupation.
Types of Eligible Roles
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Pastors, priests, and ministers
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Missionaries and monks
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Religious instructors or counselors
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Choir directors and cantors
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Workers in religious hospitals or schools (with specific roles)
Validity of the R Visa
The R visa is initially issued for up to 30 months (2.5 years) and can be extended to a maximum of 5 years. After that, the individual must leave the U.S. for at least 1 year before reapplying, unless they adjust their status (e.g., apply for a green card).
Can Family Members Join?
Yes! Spouses and children under 21 can apply for an R-2 visa. However, R-2 holders cannot work in the U.S.
Can I Get a Green Card on an R Visa?
Yes, many R visa holders eventually apply for a green card through employment-based immigration in the EB-4 category (for special immigrants like religious workers).
How FederPath Consultants Can Help
At FederPath, we specialize in U.S. visa categories, including R visas. From document preparation to interview guidance, we’ll walk you through every step.
📞 Call us at: +91 9052350583
📧 Email: Info@federpath.com