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Religious Ministers, Professionals and Workers (R-1 Visas)
This visa category is for foreign nationals who have been members of a
religious denomination who are coming to be employed by that "religious
denomination having a bona fide, nonprofit religious organization in the United
States." The visa is available for ministers, for religious professionals and
for other workers in a religious vocation or occupation. This status may be
approved for up to three years, with one two-year extension available. Spouse
and dependent children can accompany the principal.
programs. The program must expose Americans to aspects of a foreign culture as
part of a structured program, and this cultural component must be an essential
and integral part (not independent) of the employment or training. The program,
and the alien's qualifications to communicate effectively about his or her home
country as part of the program, must be approved by the USCIS. The Q visa is
limited to 15 months, and the foreign national must establish an intent to
return to his home country after the completion of the Q period of stay. Spouse
and minor children are permitted to accompany the principal Q visa holder.
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