R Visas for Religious Workers

Religious workers with at least two years of membership in a particular religious non-profit organization may petition for R nonimmigrant visa status pursuant to section 101(a)(15)(R) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The applicant must be acting as a minister, professional, or be associated with the organization in religious capacity. Spouses and children may also accompany a person with R nonimmigrant visa status, which remains valid for three years and can be extended.