What Is an R Type Visa?

Non-American citizens wanting to temporarily work in the U.S. need a work visa. U.S. immigration law provides many different visas, including the R-type visa, based on the type of work being done.

Type R

Those seeking temporary work in the U.S. under a religious capacity will need a type R visa. This allows a non-immigrant to work in the U.S. performing the duties a clergy member, or worker of that religion, would normally perform, including worship services.

Qualifying

Criteria must be met in order to qualify for a type R visa. Most importantly, you must be a member of a recognized religious denomination with a nonprofit religious organization within the U.S. The organization must also have, or be eligible for, full tax-exempt status.

Dependents

If you hold a type R visa, your spouse and any dependents under 21 can also receive a type R visa. They can study but are prohibited from working in the U.S.

Warning

Individuals with a type R visa must leave the U.S. before or on the last day they are authorized to be there. Staying even one day past the authorized date is breaking U.S. immigration law and could prohibit receiving a U.S. visa again in the future.

References

• Bureau of Consular Affairs: Temporary Religious Workers