Skip to Content
Akula & Associates P.C. Akula & Associates P.C.
Call Us Today! 844-299-5003
Top
R-Visas Elevating Immigration Solutions with Experience, Diversity, and Cutting-Edge Technology

Dallas Religious Worker Visa Attorney: Secure Your R-Visa

Experienced Immigration Legal Services in Dallas

If a foreign national needs to enter the United States temporarily for religious work, the individual can apply for an R nonimmigrant visa. This visa program is targeted at religious workers who dedicate their lives to carrying out religious functions and beliefs of their respective denomination, such as ministers, priests, temple workers. Certain positions such as administrative or support work do not qualify as religious occupations.

Get Professional Help with Your R-1 Visa Application at (844) 299-5003 Today!

Eligibility Criteria for R-1 Religious Visas in Dallas

Qualifications for an R-1 Visa:

  • The religious worker must be employed in a religious occupation or as a minister by a non-profit religious organization in the U.S.
  • The religious worker must be employed at least 20 hours per week.
  • The religious worker must be a member of the religious denomination for two years prior to filing a petition.
  • The religious organization must hold tax exempt status under U.S. law.

Step-by-Step Guide to Securing an R-1 Visa in Texas

Employers must file for this visa on behalf of the religious worker using Form DS-160 non-immigrant visa application and Form I-129 and include the necessary documentation.

Once the petition is submitted, a USCIS office may conduct an on-site inspection to determine whether the religious site meets the requirements.

An R-1 visa holder may remain in the U.S. for up to 30 months.

Akula & Associates and our team of Dallas immigration attorneys have experience assisting religious workers with their immigration issues. We can provide guidance for religious organizations during legal immigration proceedings.

FAQ: R-Visa – Religious Worker Visa Guidance

1. What is an R-Visa?

The R nonimmigrant visa allows foreign nationals to temporarily enter the U.S. for religious work. This visa is intended for individuals who perform religious duties such as ministers, priests, or other clergy members, as well as workers in religious occupations tied to the core tenets of their faith.

2. Who is eligible for an R-1 Visa?

To qualify for an R-1 visa, applicants must meet these criteria:

  • Be employed in a religious occupation or as a minister by a non-profit religious organization in the U.S.
  • Work a minimum of 20 hours per week.
  • Be a member of the same religious denomination for at least two years before filing the petition.
  • The sponsoring religious organization must have tax-exempt status under U.S. law.

3. What positions do not qualify for an R-1 Visa?

Positions that are administrative or support-based, such as secretarial roles or maintenance work, do not qualify. Only roles involving religious functions central to the denomination’s beliefs are eligible.

4. How long can an R-1 visa holder stay in the U.S.?

R-1 visa holders are permitted to stay in the U.S. for an initial period of up to 30 months. Extensions can be granted, with a maximum stay of five years in total.

5. What steps are involved in securing an R-1 Visa?

The process includes the following steps:

  1. Employer’s Petition: The sponsoring religious organization must file Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, with supporting documentation.
  2. Visa Application: The worker must complete Form DS-160, the nonimmigrant visa application, and submit it to a U.S. consulate if applying from abroad.
  3. USCIS Site Visit: The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may conduct an on-site inspection to verify the legitimacy of the religious organization and the role.

Get Professional Help with Your R-1 Visa Application at (844) 299-5003 Today!

Get to Know Us Our firm is committed to helping you navigate immigration law.
Learn More

A Reputation of Excellence Our Success

    "Very professional and efficient team who actually know what they are doing!"
    Very professional and efficient team who actually know what they are doing! I have had very positive experiences with Akula & Associates, and highly recommend them!
    - Ehsan Z.
    "They handle the legal process in a professional way."
    Thank you for all your help and patience with my H1B. You made a difficult time a little easier and less stressful, which I greatly appreciate. Ambreen was very helpful in our immigration process and her efforts and work helped us to achieve our most important goal, which is a future for ourselves and our child in the United States. It was a great experience to work with such a professional. We always felt that she was reachable either by e-mail or by phone. We were very impressed with her way of doing business and how she tracked and controlled every issue such that our immigration process went well. She was very responsive, constantly reviewing and checking for the documents needed to carry on the process. They handle the legal process in a professional way, and the treatment is friendly with the clients, which makes it easier and more enjoyable. They always follow up with all the steps throughout the process and kept me informed of the outcomes and further documents needed for the next steps, which made me stay one step ahead of the process to help ensure the desired outcome. Really glad to have her and Akula associates as my attorney in our successful visa applications. We look forward to working with her again for our future legal needs.
    - Priya
    "I have nothing but good things to say about our experience with your firm."
    Just a quick note to let you know how pleased we were with the services we received from your law firm. Akula & Associates provided us with an amazing, valuable resource and experience. I have worked with numerous law firms in my 10 year as a business owner but the experience with your firm was professional and personal. Frankly speaking, you and your staff were available, down to earth, and cut through a lot of the B.S. lines. I have nothing but good things to say about our experience with your firm.
    - Ramesh M, President – Vertucom Inc.
    "Stellar Service"
    Wow, what an amazing experience I had with Akula & Associates. Kavitha Akula and her assistant Christie were 100% top-notch with everything they did from start to finish on my employment-based Green Card. I would HIGHLY recommend this law firm, they are the best!
    - Reddy
    "Too bad there are only 5 stars... I like to give them 10"
    Too bad there are only 5 stars cos I like to give them 10. Practically the best Immigration attorneys in Dallas or Texas and possibly the best in country. I like to thank Ms Katrina Moore especially she was more than helpful in my case. She was a life saver.
    - Oluwatobi O.
    "I am so glad and thankful that I chose AkulaI & Associates P.C for my N-400."
    I am so glad and thankful that I chose AkulaI & Associates P.C for my N-400. I had such a great experience working with Attorney Katrina Moore, Toki Olowo and entire team. Both Katrina Moore and Toki Olowo are very professional, knowledgeable, and friendly and they always make sure that they put client in first place. I highly recommend Akula & Associates for any immigration related case.
    - Nirmal B.
    "I truly love their staff!"
    My journey started with Akula & Associates exactly 10 months ago. Came to know about them through a friend, casually called, impressed with their profile and signed up contract for services. Last 10 months we filed several cases and each case they treat like a completely new customer and examine each document thoroughly, advise and make us on top of the things. I truly say sincere THANKS for their great service. I truly love their staff. My paralegal Yezenia is awesome, attorney Toki is wonderful. Yet to work more with GC team, Shirin and Christie, great work experience so far. Last but not least Attorney Kavitha is Great!!! I hope I get the same level of service for me and employees for coming years!!! Good luck to Akula & Associates !!
    - Venkat C.
    "I'm very pleased for the result of course but also with your professionalism and customer service"
    I want to thank all the Akula and Associates team that contribute with my immigration process. This process can be very stressful and confusing, but with your advice and support you make it very simple for me. I'm very pleased for the result of course but also with your professionalism and customer service, I never felt alone and you answered all my doubt very fast. Thank you and I wish you success and see you in a few years for my citizenship!
    - Jorge R.

Contact Us

We’re Ready to Help

A member of our team will be in touch shortly to confirm your contact details or address questions you may have.

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Akula & Associates P.C. at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

Choose Excellence, Choose Akula & Associates for Your Immigration Needs

  • Cutting-Edge Technology
    We leverage advanced technology to provide efficient, real-time updates and secure client accessibility, making your immigration journey smoother and hassle-free. Your convenience and progress are our priorities.
  • Diversity and Multilingual Support
    Our multicultural and multilingual team ensures that we understand your background, culture, and language, creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that simplifies the immigration process.
  • Decades of Expertise
    With over 30 years of global business and industry-specific immigration law experience, our seasoned team is dedicated to delivering successful immigration solutions tailored to your unique needs.