Religious Worker Visas
Ministers of religion and full time religious workers may be eligible to enter the United States with an R-visa. There are strict guidelines to determine whether or not a person can obtain a religious worker visa, and even though certain visitors may be traveling to the U.S. for a religious activity, some will not be eligible for an R-visa. In order to qualify for an R-visa, individuals must fulfill the following requirements:
- Be a member of a religious denomination having a bona-fide nonprofit, tax-exempted religious organization or affiliation in the U.S.
- Have been a member of the denomination for 2 years immediately preceding the application for visa
- Be entering the U.S. solely to carry on the vocation of a minister or to work full-time in a religious occupation for that denomination or affiliated organization
- Be the beneficiary of an approved I-129 work petition.
The affiliated denomination of an R-visa applicant must show that it possesses some form of ecclesiastical government, has a recognized creed and form of worship, has a formal code of doctrine and discipline, and holds religious services and ceremonies in established places of worship attended by congregations.
Atlanta Lawyer Helping Religious Workers Obtain R-Visas
The application process to obtain an R-visa can be a cumbersome, complicated undertaking, which is why so many religious workers choose to hire attorneys. Immigration lawyers have the legal know-how to effectively guide religious workers toward the path of obtaining the R-visas they will need to enter the U.S. and perform religious duties. An Atlanta immigration lawyer from The Muhammad Firm will take you through the process and will be with you every step of the way to ensure that the proper paperwork is filed, qualifications are present, and to facilitate the overall speed of getting an R-visa.
Contact an Atlanta Immigration Attorney at The Muhammad Firm today if you are a religious worker seeking an R-visa!