R-1 – Temporary Workers in Religious Occupations (Back)

• The R-1 visa is available for a foreign national who, for at least the two (2) years immediately preceding the time of application for admission, has
   been a member of a religious denomination having a bona fide nonprofit religious organization in the United States, and who seeks to enter the
   United States to carry on the activities of a religious worker. He or she may be admitted to carry on such activities for a period not to exceed five
   (5) years.

  The R-1 applicant must be coming to the United States for one of the following purposes: solely to carry on the vocation of a minister of the
   religious denomination; to work for the religious organization at the request of the organization in a professional capacity; or to work for the
   organization, or a bona fide organization which is affiliated with the religious denomination, at the request of the organization in a religious
   vocation or occupation.

  “Minister” means an individual duly authorized by a recognized religious denomination to conduct religious worship and to perform other duties
   usually performed by authorized members of the clergy of that religion. In all cases, there must be a reasonable connection between the activities    performed and the religious calling of the minister. The term does not include a lay preacher not authorized to perform such duties.

  “Professional capacity” means an activity in a religious vocation or occupation for which the minimum of a United States baccalaureate degree or a
   foreign equivalent degree is required.

  “Religious denomination” means a religious group or community of believers having some form of ecclesiastical government, a creed or statement of    faith, some form of worship, a formal or informal code of doctrine and discipline, religious services and ceremonies, established places of religious
   worship, and religious congregations, or comparable indicia of a bona fide religious denomination.

  “Religious occupation” means an activity which relates to a traditional religious function. Examples of persons in religious occupations include, but
   are not limited to, liturgical workers, religious instructors, religious counselors, cantors, catechists, workers in religious hospitals or religious health
   care facilities, missionaries, religious translators, or religious broadcasters. This group does not include janitors, maintenance workers, clerks, fund    raisers, or persons involved solely in the solicitation of donations.

  “Religious vocation” means a calling to religious life evidenced by the demonstration of commitment practiced in the religious denomination, such as
   the taking of vows. Examples of persons with a religious vocation include, but are not limited to, nuns, monks, and religious brothers and sisters.