USCIS launches new resources for R-1 religious workers and employers: What applicants need to know

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has launched new resources for R-1 nonimmigrant religious workers and the US employers who petition for them. The guidance covers who can qualify for R-1 status, how employers can file petitions, required documents and rules for extending the status.

In a post on X, USCIS highlighted the new resources, which provide detailed information on the R-1 classification and the requirements applicants and petitioning organisations must meet.

The R-1 category allows religious workers to come to the US temporarily to work as ministers or in religious vocations or occupations. They must work at least 20 hours a week for a qualifying nonprofit religious organisation or an affiliated nonprofit organisation.

Who can qualify for R-1 status?

A religious worker must have been a member of the relevant religious denomination for at least two years immediately before the petition is filed.

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The US employer must file Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, and provide evidence that both the organisation and worker meet R-1 requirements.

Key documents can include proof of the organisation's tax-exempt status, evidence of compensation or financial support, proof of the worker's two-year membership in the denomination and documents showing the worker is qualified for the position.

R-1 status: 30 months initially, five-year maximum

R-1 status can be granted for up to 30 months initially. Extensions can be granted for up to another 30 months, subject to a maximum stay of five years in R-1 status.

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Employers can file an extension request up to six months before the current status expires. If a timely extension is filed, the worker can continue working for the same employer for up to 240 days while the petition is pending.

What happens after five years?

Once the five-year limit is reached, the worker must leave the US before returning under a new initial R-1 petition.

However, the worker no longer needs to remain outside the US for a full year. Under an interim final rule effective January 16, 2026, there is no minimum period that an R-1 worker must spend outside the US before seeking readmission.

The worker can depart to any foreign country and does not have to return to their country of origin.

USCIS may conduct unannounced inspections to verify information submitted with an R-1 petition. These checks can cover the religious organisation, work location, facilities and the worker's proposed position.

The R-1 category is temporary, but eligible religious workers may later pursue permanent residency through the special immigrant religious worker route, subject to separate immigration requirements.