 "R"
Religious Workers
Members of a religious denomination having a genuine non-profit
religious organization in the United States may be admitted to work
for the U.S. organization for an initial three year period. A
two-year extension is available for a total of five years. The
following requirements must be met:
- The applicant must have been a member of a religious
denomination for two years immediately proceeding the
application. A religious denomination is a community of
believers having some form of church governance, a statement of
faith, a form of worship, a code of doctrine and discipline,
religious services or ceremonies, established places of worship,
religious congregations, or similar indications of a
legitimate religious organization.
- The religion must have an organization in the United States
which qualifies for nonprofit treatment under section 501(c)(3)
of the Internal Revenue Code.
- The applicant must be coming to the United States to serve in
one of three categories: (1) an ordained minister or equivalent
under the religion's practice; (2) a religious professional
performing duties for which a U.S. bachelor's degree is usually
required; (3) other religious workers performing a traditional
religious function, such as liturgical workers, religious
instructors, cantors, catechists, workers in religious
hospitals, and missionaries. Fund raisers, as such, are not
included.
Applications are made directly to a U.S. consulate. A person in
the United States may apply to Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) for a change of status. After
two years of continuous full time employment, a religious worker may
qualify for a Green Card as a special immigrant. This is done on
Form I-360. Green Cards for religious workers other than ministers
must be finalized by October 1, 2008 under current legislation.
We can help evaluate and prepare your "R" application to
increase your chances of success.
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