R-1 is a visa for people who are religious workers. Examples include ministers, monks, deacon, religious instructors, and missionaries.

The religious worker must have been a member of a religious denomination for two years which has a nonprofit religious organization in the U.S.

The beneficiary must be qualified to do the work.

If the beneficiary will be paid, the religious organization needs financial documents to show ability to pay.

Normally the organization should have tax-exempt status.

The Immigration wants documents to justify the need for the religious worker.

We prepare a customied list of documents for each client at the start of the case.

It is possible to apply for permanent residency through a religious occupation. It is called special immigrant. Normally you will need proof of two years of paid experience in a religious occupation in addition to the R-1 requirements. An approval from the Department of Labor is not required. Many people who have had R-1 for two years in a full-time position apply for a green card using this special immigrant procedure.

There are two steps.The first is to apply on form I-360 and be classified as a special immigrant. After approval of he I-360 the next step is to apply on form I-485.

You can apply abroad at the U.S. Embassy. If you are in the U.S. you can apply to change your status to R-1.

The normal duration for R-1 is five years. For full-time paid religious workers, after two years it is possible to start the green card procedure.