R-1 Religious Worker Visa
For ministers and religious workers coming to work for a US non-profit religious organization.
The R-1 Religious Worker Visa is a US work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~US$205 visa fee; employer pays US$1,055 I-129 petition fee) and processing time (~Several months (mandatory site inspection; no premium processing)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the R-1 Religious Worker Visa is for
For ministers and religious workers coming to work for a US non-profit religious organization.
May lead to a green card through the EB-4 special immigrant religious worker category.
R-1 Religious Worker Visa - eligibility criteria
- Be a member of the religious denomination for 2 years
- Work as a minister or in a religious vocation/occupation
- Employer is a bona fide US non-profit religious organization
- Work at least part-time (20 hours/week)
- Be supported by salary or non-salaried compensation
R-1 Religious Worker Visa cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the R-1 Religious Worker Visa (United States) is ~US$205 visa fee; employer pays US$1,055 I-129 petition fee, with an indicative processing time of ~Several months (mandatory site inspection; no premium processing). Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov).
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Employer files petition; visa stamped at a consulate abroad |
| Length of stay | Up to 30 months initially, extendable to a maximum of 5 years |
| Work rights | Religious vocation or occupation for the petitioning organization |
| Study rights | Not a study visa |
| Government fee | ~US$205 visa fee; employer pays US$1,055 I-129 petition fee |
| Processing time | ~Several months (mandatory site inspection; no premium processing) |
| Route to PR | May lead to a green card through the EB-4 special immigrant religious worker category. |
Pathway & next steps
May lead to a green card through the EB-4 special immigrant religious worker category.
Many applicants also compare EB-4 · EB-4 Special Immigrant Green Card, H-1B · H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa. Run a free VisaChief check to see which US route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common R-1 Religious Worker Visa pitfalls we fix
R-1 Religious Worker Visa - frequently asked questions
How much does the R-1 Religious Worker Visa cost?
The R-1 Religious Worker Visa government fee is ~US$205 visa fee; employer pays US$1,055 I-129 petition fee. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov) before applying.
How long does the R-1 Religious Worker Visa take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~Several months (mandatory site inspection; no premium processing). Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the R-1 Religious Worker Visa lead to permanent residence?
May lead to a green card through the EB-4 special immigrant religious worker category.
Can I work on the R-1 Religious Worker Visa?
Work rights: Religious vocation or occupation for the petitioning organization.
Who can apply for the R-1 Religious Worker Visa?
For ministers and religious workers coming to work for a US non-profit religious organization.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official United States government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov) - official United States immigration authority