Type-R Visa USA

For a great number of religious entities in the United States, being permitted to bring foreign workers is an important aspect of their work and ministry. What is an R Visa The category of specific visa used to enter the U. S. for religious workers performing duties in a religious capacity is called an R-1 Religious Worker visa. If you are a minister, missionary or any other business that is of religious nature- the R visa could be your pass to work in America. The R Visa Simply Explained , have written a very basic explanation on the typical learning center employee visa

What is the R Visa ?
A non-immigrant visa, which allows a religious worker to travel temporarily to the United States for work in an evangelical capacity. This visa is for those who are coming to the U.S. to work as a minister or in another religious vocation, occupation for an non-profit ecclesiastical safe haven exercising authorized occupational blockade of religion rather than serve its members.
The R visa is critical for religious organizations that depend on labor from abroad in order to serve their faith, such as by preaching, teaching and offering worship services to the faithful.

R visa requirements

In order to be eligible for an R visa, the candidate (religious worker) as well as the U.S.-based religious organization must fulfill a set of criteria.
Religious Worker Criteria: Applicant must be entering the U.S. to work as a minister, in a religious vocation (such monk or nun), or in other religious occupations and duties including missionaries, IINUNs / NUNS And Even Religious Instructors
An employer (religious organization) : The organization must be established in the U.S. as a tax-exempt, non-profit religious corporation under section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code (title26, USC).
The organization must show it can provide the religious worker with enough money to support themselves or offer a place for them to stay (if they are not on salary).

The R visa application process

• The steps of applying for an R visa will now be set out which must all carefully follow in order to create a streamlined procedure:
• Form I-129 : The petition needs to provide evidence demonstrating the organization’s nonprofit status, qualifications for eligibility and description of religious work performed.
• Religious Worker’s Visa Application: Religious worker application Childhood Photo Bio Data Form Educational Documents (Certificates with Transcripts) Job Experience Letters Copies of Passport.
• Visa and Entry to U.S. : If the visa is approved, religious worker (religious povitent) enters US to work. Note that an R visa is usually granted for a maximum of 5 years by way of change (initial length not exceeding about half-hour, and extension up to the extra half-hour).
• There are different types of Religious Work that qualify for the R visa
• Ministers : Ordained church leaders who conduct services, preach and perform sacraments or rites of the congregation whom provide spiritual guidance.
• Religious Vocations : people living under religious vows who normally serve as priests, monks or nuns.
• Religious Occupations : employees whose primary duties consist of teaching or otherwise serving a religious mission, and workers included in the Williams consent decree.
• Advantages of the R Visa
• The R visa has advantages that have led religious workers and organizations to see it as a good outlet for their needs:
• R Visa for Religious Organizations : The R visa is intended to give flexibility of some sorts to religious organizations who need workers that are integral for their mission and providing a service, such as preaching or teaching.
• It can Act as a Path to Green Card : Although R visa is temporary, in some cases it serves as precursors for the immigrant visas that ultimately grant permanent residency if workers meet particular qualifications and subsequently elects to apply for green card.
• Dependents: Spouse and under 21 child of an R visa holder also can come along to the U.S. on R-2 visas. While they are not eligible to work, they can go school and live in the U.S. while a principal religious worker performs their duties on an R visa.
• VALID FOR MULTIPLE ENTRIES DURING 5 YEARS: Religious Worker Visa R-1 is speedier since it arrives temporarily permitted for five years of the date on USCIS record and can be renewed with providers have to shuttle back domestic abroad periodically.

Challenges and Factors to Consider
The R visa gives immigrants significant opportunities but also brings several challenges:
Document Requirements: The application process consists of providing a wide number of documents, including proof that the religious organization is non-profit, personal information
about your religion and documentary evidence for what type work you will perform. It is extremely important to ensure all documents are complete and accurate in order that you avoid any delays.
Short-term Arrangement: R visa is nonimmigrant and the maximum allowable stay period in 5 years. Non-profit religious workers desiring longer stays may need to pursue permanent residency or other visa type alternatives.
Devotion to Religious Work: The R visa is – by name and definition — a religious work visa, which means it must be passionately followed for granted purpose. Having a job-, other than in your religious capacity, might get you into visa cancellation trouble.

Recent Developments And Application Tips
Note that the U.S. immigration system is subject to change and information about R visas may not be current! Religious organizations and their applicants should be aware of any updated developments or changes in policy that could affect a religious worker visa application. Speaking with an immigration attorney, or person knowledgeable in the field can offer you direction and provide answers for getting through R visa basics

Conclusion
R-1 religions workers visas are a vital tool for religious organizations and the authorized denominations to accomplish their missions in US. If you are a pastor, missionary or other religious worker, the R visa will help bring your commitment to the United States. Taking the time to understand what is needed and going through this process step by step may bring religious workers into their U.S. communities who will have surely make a difference.