I want to obtain a position in the U.S. as a religious worker. Can I file for an R-1 visa for myself?
Every petition for a nonimmigrant religious worker (R-1) classification must be initiated by a prospective or existing employer.
My current R-1 visa is valid for only 30 months. Will I be able to renew this visa?
An extension of an R-1 status may be granted for up to an additional 30 months. The total stay in the United States in an R-1 status cannot exceed 60 months (5 years).
Will I be able to file my R-1 petition using premium processing?
Premium Processing will be permitted only for those petitioners who have previously completed a successful on-site inspection at the location where the beneficiary will be employed.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) advises the public that Public Law 112-176, signed by the President on Sept. 28, 2012, extends the following USCIS programs until Sept. 30, 2015:
Program Details
This memorandum provides instruction to Immigration Service Officers who adjudicate R-1 nonimmigrant petitions for aliens who are coming to the United States temporarily to perform religious work, and their dependents. This memorandum outlines the procedure to be used for recapturing time spent outside the United States by R-1 nonimmigrants when seeking an extension of their R nonimmigrant status.
Please check the attachment to read memo.
USCIS notes from the stakeholder meeting on religious workers, providing an outline of changes resulting from the Religious Worker Final Rule that was published on 11/26/08.
Please check the attachment.
Filing location for concurrently-filed I-140/I-485 petitions
[Federal Register: October 6, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 192)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 51236-51237]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr06oc09-4]
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DEPARTMENT OF STATE
22 CFR Part 41
[Public Notice: 6779]
Visas: Documentation of Nonimmigrants Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, as Amended; Requirements for Aliens in Religious Occupations
AGENCY: State Department.
ACTION: Final rule.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reminds special immigrant religious workers, who have a pending or approved Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, (Form I-360), to file their Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, (Form I-485), on or before Aug. 31, 2009. Special immigrant religious workers who wish to file a Form I-360 petition with an I-485 application should also file on or before Aug. 31, 2009.
I can't begin to tell you how excited I am! Today we are finalizing the details so we can move Pastor Immer and his family into their home! It is the dream of a lifetime for him and his family! I can't begin to thank you enough for your quality work with us during this process. Fran and Anna have been absolutely wonderful! Patient with the many requests and many phone calls. Kind in the treatment of me in the process! :). Extremely thorough and obviously exceptionally professional and knowledgeable! We are thrilled and recommend your offices to others!