R visa

In either case, the applicant must have a determination letter of its tax-exempt status that was issued by the Internal Revenue Service.

[11] The individual must not be engaged in secular employment, such as clerical staff, fundraisers, musicians, maintenance workers, and janitors.

Citizenship and Immigration Services visits the premises of the religious organization in order to verify its eligibility.

[16] The maximum initial duration of stay is 30 months, with the exception of those who reside outside of and commute to the US.

[1] Full days spent outside of the U.S. generally do not count against the 60-month maximum period of stay.

[20] In order to qualify for an R-2, the principal R-1 worker must be able to demonstrate that they are able to financially support themselves and their dependents.

Congress has extended the Special Immigrant Non‐Minister Religious Worker Visa Program several times.