R Temporary Nonimmigrant Religious Workers
The R-1 is a temporary visa for individuals seeking to enter the United States temporarily to work solely as a minister or in a religious occupation or vocation. You may be eligible for the R-1 visa if:
You will be employed by a nonprofit religious organization in the United States (or an organization which is affiliated with a religious organization in the United States)
You have been a member of a religious denomination having a bona fide nonprofit religious organization in the United States for at least two years immediately before the filing of the petition
You will work in the United States in at least a part-time position (average of at least 20 hours per week)
You are a minister or will be working in a religious vocation or occupation
You will work for the employer who files the petition to classify you as a R-1 nonimmigrant
You will not work in any other capacity except as a religious worker