Skip to Content
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.

A Reputation of Excellence Our Success

    "Your expertise and diligence have been instrumental in navigating our complex case with efficiency and effectiveness."
    Your expertise and diligence have been instrumental in navigating our complex case with efficiency and effectiveness.
    - "T" Family
    "Thank you and your team for all your good work."
    I have been filing cases with Akula & Associates since 2016 and since our first call with attorney Toki-  when she heard what i said and  accepted our first case; They have been gracious, competent and very patient in all process of immigarion-H1B, L1, TN, I140 etc. Thank you and your team for all your good work.
    - Sindhoora M.
    "Highly recommended!"
    We are a small business with 20 employees and reached out to Akula & Associates for immigration help, Kavitha Akula, Toki Olowo and their staff have been extremely helpful. They always give very clear instructions for our cases, and yes, we have multiple cases with them and several of which are approved. The staff is very responsive on either email or over the phone; I am grateful that they are around to provide excellent and professional service. Highly recommended!
    - Sheri
    "You guys Rock….:)"
    We are very grateful for the help we always receive from the Akula Law Associates. At any time we need them they are always available to help quickly and a high level of professionalism. Thank you so much for all the staff members for their exceptional services. You guys Rock….:)
    - HR Devansh Lab Werks
    "I truly say sincere THANKS for their great service."
    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.
    "The entire process through Akula law firm was easy and stress-free"
    I recently had the pleasure to work with Akula & Associates on an Eb-5 application and have to approve them as the go-to law firm for EB5 . I worked with Kavitha Akula, and was impressed by her immense expertise and knowledge on the EB 5 process. She and her team were available at every step to navigate through the EB-5 process, especially to get the appropriate documents from India. I was able to apply for the EB-5 Visa in a timely manner, and the entire process through Akula law firm was easy and stress-free. Kudos to Akula & Associates.
    - Vishwaroop B.
    "I never felt alone and you answered all my doubts very fast"
    I want to thank all the Akula and Associates team that contribute with my immigration process, specially Yezenia Jimenez and Kathy Brady. This process can be very stressful and confusing, but with your advice and support you make it very simple for me. I'm very please for the result of course but also with your professionalism and customer service, I never felt alone and you answered all my doubts very fast. Thank you and I wish you success and see you in a few years for my citizenship!
    - Jorge A.
    "Thank you all!"

    The attorneys and paralegals and their assistants at Akula Law in Dallas handled my immigration case for the US efficiently, with care and with attentive responses to questions. Katrina was our lawyer for the remaining few months of our case, originally started by Daniele. Also with Erika and Christie helping us, and despite COVID-19 I finally arrived in the US in June and we couldn’t be happier. Thank you all!

    - Jake M.

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 be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. 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.